Materials and methods: In this retrospective study 85 eyes of 84 patients who underwent scleral buckling surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (between March 2002 and October 2005) were studied. In 62 eyes (72%) encircling band, in 84 eyes (98%) segmental buckle were placed. In 66 eyes (78%) subretinal fluid drained and in 38 eyes (45%) air was injected. Cryotherapy was applied in all eyes.

Results: From the patient charts review the preoperative etiology was as follow. Thirty two eyes (38%) were unknown with, 23 eyes (27%) were pseudophakic, 17 eyes (20%) were with trauma history, 13 eyes (15%) were myopic. Macula-off eyes were 42%. The period between rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and scleral buckling ranged from 3 days to 5 months (mean (±SD) 12±14 days). Fifty three eyes (62%) were classified as grade A proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), 26 eyes PVR grade B and 6 eyes (7%) PVR C1. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were elevated intraocular pressure in 11 eyes (13%), PVR in 8 eyes (9%), ≥-3D myopi in 2 eyes (2%), subretinal hemorrhage in 4 eyes (5%), exposure of the buckling material in 3 eyes (3%), epimacular membrane and macular pucker in 2 eyes (2%) and choroidal detachment in 1 eyes (1%). The reattachment was accomplished in 71 eyes (84%) and functional success was in 61 eyes (72%). The anatomical failure from PVR in 8 eyes (9%) and new or undetermined retinal tear in 6 eyes (7%) underwent pars plana vitrectomy.

Conclusion: Scleral buckling surgery is an effective type of surgery in uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Keywords : Scleral buckling, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment