Autogenous labial mucous membrane and banked scleral patch grafting for exposed retinal explants

Following retinal detachment surgery, exposure of the scleral explant is uncommon and usually requires its removal. In patients with a history of multiple retinal detachment procedures or continuing vitreoretinal traction removal of an explant can lead to retinal redetachment. In such patients it is preferable to cover and retain an exposed explant rather than remove it. Various techniques have been described to cover exposed explants. If the exposed area is small a conjunctivoplasty or conjunctival graft is usually adequate. The use of banked scleral patch grafts has been described in the management of exposed orbital implants. We describe the use of this technique in combination with a labial mucous membrane graft in four patients with an exposed silicone retinal explant. With a minimum follow-up period of 11 months the explant remains covered in all patients.