Vitrectomy techniques in the treatment of giant retinal tears: a flexible approach

We describe a flexible approach employing vitrectomy, scleral buckling and intraocular tamponading agents in the treatment of giant retinal tears. Intraocular gas without a buckle was used in the 10 least complicated cases. In five eyes we considered a scleral buckle to be necessary in addition to gas tamponade. Silicone oil was selected as the primary tamponading agent in the six most complex cases with PVR and in five re-operations. The overall anatomical success rate was 71% of which 73% had a final visual acuity of at least 6/60 and 60% achieved 6/18 or better.