Abstract
Purpose: :
To investigate whether eyes are prone to developing glaucoma after scleral buckling surgery in the long term. And to evaluate whether cutting of the encircling band within a few years of sugery protects against developing glaucoma.
Methods: :
A retrospective chart review of eyes with retinal detachment treated with scleral buckling surgery, with at least 10 years followup. The range of followup is 13-46 years, with an average followup over 20 years. All the cases were performed by a single surgeon. Eyes with a history of retinal detachment from retinopathy of prematurity or trauma were excluded.
Results: :
Twenty eyes had scleral buckling surgery using an encircling band and a segmental sponge element. In 9/20 eyes the band was cut within 5 years of the initial buckling procedure. Five eyes were eventually diagnosed as glaucoma suspects. One of the 5 is on topical glaucoma medication, and none have required glaucoma surgery. Three/nine eyes that had the band cut developed glaucoma compared to 2/11 eyes that did not have the band cut.
Conclusions: :
In this pilot study, cutting the encircling scleral band does not appear to decrease the frequency of developing glaucoma following scleral buckling surgery. The rate of development of glaucoma following scleral buckling surgery appears to be 25% which is higher than the rate expected in the age matched control population. Reviewing a greater number of patients and adjusting for risk factors for the development of glaucoma, such as race and family history is planned.
Keywords: retinal detachment • vitreoretinal surgery • intraocular pressure