Transient Visual Loss Following Scleral Buckling Procedure

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To investigate the occurrence of postoperative transient visual loss related to decreased ocular blood flow in patients who underwent scleral buckling procedure. Design:Case report series. Methods:Evidence demonstrates that scleral buckling procedures with encircling elements decrease blood flow velocities in the central retinal artery, but leave the ophthalmic artery unaffected. Data regarding the clinical significance of this finding is limited. We report a series of 6 cases in which young patients (ages 20–53) underwent scleral buckling procedures for unilateral rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and experienced positional transient visual loss postoperatively. Color Doppler imaging was performed and diminished ocular perfusion was documented. Results: In our series four of the six patients were treated with pressure lowering medications and had resolution of their symptoms. Two of the six patients required removal of the scleral buckle to treat their amaurosis. Conclusions: Scleral buckling procedures have the potential to cause significant reductions in ocular perfusion that result in orthostatic transient visual loss in otherwise healthy young adults. These symptoms can be treated with either glaucoma medications or removal of the scleral buckle.

Keywords: retinal detachment