[Long-term complications of MIRAgel exoplants in scleral buckling surgery]

Long-term complications of extrusion have been reported in patients who received MIRAgel buckles for retinal detachment. All ophthalmologists need to recognize the clinical characteristics of these severe complications, and how the clinical course of complication after the use of MIRAgel buckles differs from that of silicone buckles.

Case reports and a review of the literature.

Severe deterioration of MIRAgel buckles may occur when left in place for 5 years or longer, causing adverse symptoms and occasionally intraocular complications. This deterioration is associated with changes in the microstructural architecture of the hydrogel material in the MIRAgel buckles.

Long-term follow-up is necessary for patients with MIRAgel buckles, and the buckles should be removed prophylactically when advisable. When severe ocular motility disturbances and/or presence of a tumor-like extraocular mass are observed in patients several years after retinal detachment surgery, the cause may be a swollen MIRAgel buckle.