Long-term results after scleral buckling surgery in uncomplicated juvenileretinal detachment without proliferative vitreoretinopathy

Purpose: To evaluate long-term anatomic and functional results of scleral b uckling surgery in retinal detachment without proliferative vitreoretinopat hy in juvenile patients. Methods: A total of 33 eyes of 31 patients were operated on. Surgical techn iques included segmental buckle (23 eyes), radial buckle (5 eyes), encircli ng 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 a nterior and posterior segment examination, binocular functions and ocular m otility were evaluated. Results: Retinal reattachment required one operation in 29 eyes, two operat ions 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 follo w-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 functi onal results in juvenile retinal detachment without proliferative vitreoret inopathy.