Long-term results after scleral buckling surgery in uncomplicated juvenile retinal detachment without proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate long-term anatomic and functional results of scleral buckling surgery in retinal detachment without proliferative vitreoretinopathy in juvenile patients.

METHODS

A total of 33 eyes of 31 patients were operated on. Surgical techniques included segmental buckle (23 eyes), radial buckle (5 eyes), encircling band (4 eyes), and temporary balloon buckle (1 eye). The average age at time of surgery was 15.3 years and the average follow-up time was 8.9 years. Retinal detachment was associated with the following risk factors: myopia (14 eyes), blunt trauma (8 eyes), and aphakia (3 eyes). In 9 eyes, no risk factors were present. Fifteen eyes had a detached macula. In addition to anterior and posterior segment examination, binocular functions and ocular motility were evaluated.

RESULTS

Retinal reattachment required one operation in 29 eyes, two operations in three eyes, and three operations in one eye. In one eye, pars plana vitrectomy had to be performed to reattach the retina. At the end of follow-up, retinal reattachment was achieved in all eyes. Visual acuity of 20/40 or better was achieved by 39.4% preoperatively and 60.6% postoperatively; in 52.4%, binocular functions were normal.

CONCLUSION

Scleral buckling procedures allow favorable anatomic and functional results in juvenile retinal detachment without proliferative vitreoretinopathy.