NONDRAINAGE SCLERAL BUCKLING IN THE MODERN VITRECTOMY ERA

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery

Background:

• Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is a significant cause of vision loss.
• Scleral buckle (SB) surgery is a traditional method for RRD repair.
• The role of SB without subretinal fluid drainage in the modern vitrectomy era requires evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the outcomes of RRD treated with SB surgery without external drainage of subretinal fluid.
• To evaluate the efficacy of this technique in the current landscape of vitreoretinal surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 107 eyes undergoing primary RRD repair with nondrainage SB surgery.
• Minimum follow-up of 3 months.
• Analysis of surgical techniques, patient demographics, risk factors, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• High anatomical success rate: 104 of 107 eyes (97.2%) achieved retinal reattachment with a single surgery.
• SB surgery included segmental and encircling elements.
• Common risk factors included myopia and lattice degeneration; posterior vitreous detachment was also noted.

Conclusions:

• Nondrainage SB surgery is an excellent and effective procedure for RRD repair.
• Proper patient selection is key to successful outcomes.
• SB remains a viable option in the modern vitrectomy era.