Scleral buckling dislocation mimicking glaucoma progression

PURPOSE. To report a case of scleral dislocation mimicking glaucoma progression.

Interventional case report.

A 71-year-old man was referred for glaucoma surgery in his right eye because of perimetry defect progression and uncontrolled intraocular pressure despite maximal medical therapy. A scleral buckling procedure in his right eye was previously performed for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. At the time of presentation, a visible protruded sponge buckle element was noted at ocular inspection, without any sign of infection. The buckle element was posteriorly in contact with the optic nerve and anteriorly protruding under intact conjunctiva. We eventually managed for its removal via upper eyelid orbitotomy. Visual field lesions were unchanged on every follow-up visit.

This case report describes severe permanent optic nerve damage due to previous misdiagnosis of a rare complication of scleral buckling surgery. Our surgical solution appears to be a safe and successful approach for this ocular disorder, also able to stabilize visual function and interrupt disease progression.