Abstract: Objective To explore the experiences and coping styles during silicone oil filling in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), and to provide reference for developing personalized intervention strategies. Methods An interview outline based on the Common Sense Model of self-regulation was formulated. Purposive sampling was used to select 15 PDR patients with silicone oil filling at the retina department in one tertiary grade-A hospital in Henan Province. In-depth interviews were conducted in these 15 patients from February to April 2024. The data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method. Results Four themes and nine sub-themes were identified including plight of vision: vision loss leading to a decrease in quality of life due to the difficulty of seeing clearly (restrictions in daily life, increased injury risks, discomfort from specific position after operation); emotional burden: increased negative emotions from disease perception (anxiety, worry, frustration, loneliness, and regret); support needs: lack of and desire for understanding and support; coping strategies: coping styles influenced by illness perceptions (emotion-focused coping style, problem-focused coping style, avoidance/submission). Conclusion PDR patients during silicone oil filling confront vision loss and emotional distress, seeking more care and support. Their coping styles are related to disease cognition and perceptions. Nurses should address these challenges through tailored support. Effective coping strategies for disease management are conductive to potentially slowing progression and improving well-being.

Key words: diabetic retinopathy, silicone oil filling, disease experience, qualitative research