Material and Methods: The records of patients who had retinal detachment surgery with encircling band within the last 10 years were reviewed retrospectively for encircling band related complications. These cases were further analyzed for demographical and ophthalmological features that may predispose to these complications.

Results: Of 2012 retinal detachment surgeries, encircling scleral buckle related complications were seen in 9 cases (0.45%). Four cases (44.4%) had degenerative myopia and 1 case (11.1%) had previous penetrating eye trauma. The mean period between surgery and the occurrence of complications was 67.6 (1 month- 30 years) months. Because of deeply located buckles; there were 3 cases (33.3%) of scleral and choroidal erosion and preretinal-vitreous hemorrhages at buckling area and 1 case of scleral perforation. Encircling scleral buckle migrated posteriorly or anteriorly in 3 cases (33.3%). There was a case of total extrusion of the buckle eroding conjunctiva, and a case of conjunctival erosion secondary to sutures of buckle. There was a recurrence of retinal detachment in only 1 of 7 eyes (14.2%) after extraction of the buckle.

Conclusion: Although complications of encircing scleral buckling for retinal detachment surgery are rare, degenerative myopia may be a predisposing factor for this complication. These complications can be overwhelmed with early diagnosis and treated with buckle extraction. Keywords : Complications of encircling scleral buckle; scleral erosion; scleral bundle migration