In an interventional case series, 11 aphakic eyes of 11 patients with previous vitrectomy and silicone oil tamponade underwent passive silicone oil removal under topical anesthesia through a single clear cornea incision with use of a side irrigating phacoemulsification irrigation cannula without performing a sclerotomy. All procedures were simple, short and uncomplicated. The only observed complication was minimal localized corneal edema the day after the procedure, which resolved within 1-2 days. Use of a side irrigating cannula permits safe and simple removal of silicone oil under topical anesthesia through a single clear cornea incision without need for sclerotomy.