[Evaluation of surgical methods of treatment for retinal detachment]

During last year we have used episcleral buckling and cryopexy in 63 eyes with retinal detachment. Final reattachment of the retina after 6 months follow-up was achieved in 52 eyes (83%) after one or two surgical procedures. 4 patients refused further surgery. In 7 cases pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil tamponade were used. In 4 cases complete retinal reattachment was obtained. In further 2 eyes central retina was attached but flat detachment in the lower part of the retina was observed. Visual acuity of 0-0.5/50 was achieved in 5 eyes, 1/50-4/50 in 5 eyes, 5/50-5/12 in 18 eyes and 5/10-5/5 in 35 eyes. Our results show that the majority of cases with retinal detachment can be successfully treated with episcleral buckling and cryopexy. Pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil tamponade allowed some success in only the small number of eyes that otherwise would have a prognosis.