Background: Intraocular intrusion of tight encircling silicone band is
a major complication of retinal detachment surgery leading to subreti
nal and vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, and phthisis bulbi. I
ntrusion of the sutures into the eye has only been reported as an adju
nct to buckle intrusion. Methods: Seven patients (9 eyes) are presente
d in whom intrusion of sutures occurred as a late complication of reti
nal detachment surgery using the extrascleral buckling technique. Thei
r complications and treatments are discussed. Results: Eleven anchorin
g sutures were observed under the retina and two sutures penetrated in
to vitreous cavity. In five eyes (55.5%), small subretinal or vitreous
hemorrhages were noted and in one of them perforation with total deta
chment occurred. In four eyes, no complications were detected. In four
eyes, the silicone band was cut and left in place and the hemorrhages
were spontaneously absorbed. The perforated eye underwent replacement
of the silicone band with a wide silicone sponge, followed by vitrect
omy and silicone oil injection. Conclusions: Intrusion of sutures into
the eye can rarely be seen years after retinal detachment surgery and
usually do not require surgical intervention. When hemorrhage occurs,
cutting of the silicone band only, with no attempt to remove the band
or the sutures, is recommended.