[The importance of scleral buckling for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment]

The management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) primarily relies on two core surgical modalities: scleral buckling (SB) and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). In recent years, the rapid advancement of PPV technology has facilitated its increasingly widespread clinical application. However, due to its steep learning curve, SB has become progressively marginalized in clinical practice. In some instances, it has even been substituted for cases that were originally indicated for SB. This article systematically analyzes the unique complications and indications of both surgical approaches, highlighting the irreplaceable value of SB in specific patient populations, such as pediatric patients and those with moderately complex RRD in phakic eyes. It is proposed that the selection of surgical strategy should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of lesion characteristics, patient-specific factors, and the inherent advantages of each technique, thereby enabling individualized and precise treatment.