Learning points from selected cases of scleral buckling surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachments

Abstract

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is a common presentation in any retinal clinic as the common clinical feature is sudden visual loss that could lead to debilitating blindness if not promptly treated. Scleral buckling is one of the earliest methods of management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments though in the modern era, pars plana vitrectomy is the more frequently utilized technique. Although scleral buckling is tending towards being a lost art amongst vitreoretinal surgeons, it may still have a crucial role especially in developing countries like Nigeria as it is relatively affordable for our populace and the materials are readily available in comparison to pars plana vitrectomy. Appropriate patient selection and prompt surgical intervention is key in achieving satisfactory anatomical and visual outcomes with scleral buckling surgery.