Treatment of massive subretinal hemorrhage from complications of scleral buckling procedures

Vitrectomy techniques permit removal of subretinal hemorrhage, but the prognosis varies and depends principally on the cause of the hemorrhage. Nine consecutive patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy with internal drainage of massive subretinal hemorrhage from complications of scleral buckling procedures were studied, to evaluate the long-term results. In all eyes, the final visual acuity was improved, compared with preoperative visual acuity, and was 20/80 or better in seven of nine cases. Recurrent retinal detachment secondary to proliferative vitreoretinopathy developed in two patients, but complete retinal reattachment was achieved after further procedures were performed. Patients with massive subretinal hemorrhage from complications of scleral buckling procedures comprise a subgroup of patients with subretinal hemorrhage in which internal drainage via pars plana vitrectomy is an acceptable alternative to observation only and may result in improved visual acuity outcomes.