Outcomes of Scleral Buckling After Failed Pneumatic Retinopexy

Purpose: To assess the visual and anatomic outcomes of eyes that had secondary scleral buckle (SB) surgery after unsuccessful pneumatic retinopexy (PR) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Methods: A retrospective study, performed over a 12-year period, comprised patients who had secondary SB procedures after failed primary PR. Clinical parameters (eg, best-corrected visual acuity [BCVA], lens status, macula status, details of RRD and subretinal fluid) were assessed at presentation, before additional procedures, and at follow-up (6 months, 1 year, and last visit). Statistical comparisons were made using Brown-Forsythe and Welch analysis of variance tests, with significance levels set at P < .05. Results: Fifty-four eyes with adequate follow-up were included. Forty-four (81.5%) of 54 eyes had successful retinal reattachment with secondary SB alone. The remaining eyes had subsequent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Patients presenting with macula-on RRD who had successful secondary SB had no statistically significant change in BCVA from baseline (mean final logMAR 0.23 ± 0.25 [Snellen 20/34]; P = .999). There was a statistically significant improvement in BCVA in patients presenting with macula-off RRD who had successful secondary SB (mean final logMAR 0.32 ± 0.36 [20/42]; P < .001 and mean change in logMAR −1.06 ± 0.85). Ten patients presenting with macula-off RRD who had failed secondary SB had a significant improvement in the final BCVA (mean final logMAR 0.22 ± 0.28 [20/33]; P = .044), despite the need for an additional PPV to achieve reattachment. Conclusions: Secondary SB remains a good option for RRD repair after unsuccessful PR and may avoid the need for PPV.