Results of Scleral Buckling Surgery in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Objectives: The aim of this study was to present the anatomical and functional results of scleral buckling (SB) surgery performed in cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).Methods: Retrospectively, 101 eyes of 101 patients who underwent SB surgery were included in the study.Anatomical success or failure was assessed by slit-lamp microscopy fundus examination.Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurements were performed on all patients at baseline and at control visits.Preliminary and posterior segment examinations were performed with slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and intraocular pressure measurements were performed with Goldman applanation tonometry.The general characteristics of the patients and etiological factors were also examined. Results:The mean age of the patients was 33±16 years.The most common risk factors were idiopathic causes and myopia, each found in 34.7% of eyes, and trauma in 18.8%.The mean length of disease history was 20.2±20 days.There was no correlation between length of disease history and anatomical and functional success.In all, 94% of the eyes were phakic, 5% were pseudophakic and 1% was aphakic.Macular involvement was present in 37 (36.6%) of eyes.While there was a positive correlation between macular involvement and functional success, there was no significant difference in terms of anatomical success.At the final control, anatomical success was achieved in 67 eyes (66.7%) and functional success in 66 eyes (65%).Pars plana vitrectomy surgery was performed as a second operation in 33.3% of the patients.Before the SB operation, the mean BCVA was 1.2±0.9logMAR (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution); afterwards, it increased to 0.6±0.5 logMAR (p<0.001).Conclusion: When SB surgery is performed with the appropriate indications in the treatment of RRD, it is an easy method to apply, has a high success rate, a low complication rate, and provides the option for a secondary surgery if it fails.