Scleral buckling for retinal detachment in Ibadan, Sub-Saharan Africa: anatomical and visual outcome

Scleral buckle surgery is not a commonly performed surgical procedure in Sub-Saharan Africa due to a paucity of trained vitreo retinal surgeons. The aim of the study was to review sclera buckle procedures with a view to evaluating the anatomical and visual outcomes.

Case records of patients that had scleral buckle surgery at the Retina Unit of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, between 2007 and 2010 were reviewed. Information retrieved included patients' demographics, duration of symptoms, and presenting vision. Other information included site of retinal break, extent of retinal detachment, involvement of the fellow eye, and macular involvement. Postoperative retina reattachment and postoperative visual acuity were also recorded. Proportions and percentages were used to analyze data.

Forty five eyes of 42 patients were studied with a male to female ratio of 1.6:1. The mean age was 47.7 years (±17.6 years). The median duration before presentation was 3 months (range: 5 days - 156 months). Subtotal retinal detachment was found in 35 eyes (77.8%) while total retinal detachment occurred in ten eyes (22.2%). Thirty four eyes (75.6%) had "macular off " detachments. At 6 weeks, there was an improvement in visual acuity in 23 eyes (51.1%), while visual acuity remained the same in nine eyes (20%) and was worse in 13 eyes (28.9%). Anatomical attachment was seen in 43 eyes (95.6%) on the operation table, in 40 eyes (90.9%) at first day postoperatively and in 32 eyes (86.5%) at 6 weeks after surgery.

Outcome of sclera buckle surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment may be improved in developing countries of Sub Sahara Africa if adequate awareness is created to educate the populace on early presentation.