Results of Scleral Buckling Surgery in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to present the anatomical and functional results of scleral buckling (SB) surgery performed in cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).
METHODS: Retrospectively, 101 eyes of 101 patients who underwent SB surgery were included in the study. Anatomical success or failure was assessed by slit-lamp microscopy fundus examination. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurements were performed on all patients at baseline and at control visits. Preliminary and posterior segment examinations were performed with slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and intraocular pressure measurements were performed with Goldman applanation tonometry. The general characteristics of the patients and etiological factors were also examined.
RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 33±16 years. The most common risk factors were idiopathic causes and myopia, each found in 34.7% of eyes, and trauma in 18.8%. The mean length of disease history was 20.2±20 days. There was no correlation between length of disease history and anatomical and functional success. In all, 94% of the eyes were phakic, 5% were pseudophakic and 1% was aphakic. Macular involvement was present in 37 (36.6%) of eyes. While there was a positive correlation between macular involvement and functional success, there was no significant difference in terms of anatomical success. At the final control, anatomical success was achieved in 67 eyes (66.7%) and functional success in 66 eyes (65%). Pars plana vitrectomy surgery was performed as a second operation in 33.3% of the patients. Before the SB operation, the mean BCVA was 1.2±0.9 logMAR (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution); afterwards, it increased to 0.6±0.5 logMAR (p<0.001).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: When SB surgery is performed with the appropriate indications in the treatment of RRD, it is an easy method to apply, has a high success rate, a low complication rate, and provides the option for a secondary surgery if it fails.