Scleral buckling surgery for stage 4B retinopathy of prematurity

Results of scleral buckling in 15 consecutive eyes of 13 infants with stage 4B retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) were reviewed. Ten of 15 retinas achieved macular reattachment with a single scleral buckling procedure. Four of 15 retinas unable to be attached by scleral buckling were reattached after the addition of a single vitreous operation. One of 15 retinas was unable to be reattached despite both a scleral buckling and a single vitreous procedure. Despite macular attachment in all except one eye, visual results were disappointing. Fix and follow visual acuity was present in 3 eyes, light perception in 11 eyes, and no light perception in 1 eye. Average follow-up was 10 months. Possible causes for poor visual outcomes despite retinal reattachment include retinal abnormalities as a result of detachment and amblyopia.