SUPRACHOROIDAL BUCKLING FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENTS SECONDARY TO PERIPHERAL RETINAL BREAKS.

PURPOSE: To evaluate functional and anatomical outcomes of eyes undergoing suprachoroidal buckling for the management of peripheral retinal breaks in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 41 eyes of 41 patients undergoing suprachoroidal buckling for the management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment secondary to single or multiple retinal breaks. Suprachoroidal indentation was achieved through the introduction of filler material using a 23-gauge (23-G) olive-tipped, suprachoroidal cannula. This allowed for the creation of a suprachoroidal dome and chorio-retinal apposition. Healon5 (Abbott Medical Optics) was used as filler material in all eyes. Combined 25-G vitrectomy was performed in 5 eyes. Cryopexy and laserpexy were used in 37 and 4 eyes, respectively.

RESULTS: Mean visual acuity gain was the primary outcome measure. Final retinal reattachment rate, single-surgery reattachment rate, and complications were secondary outcome measures. Mean best-corrected distance visual acuity improved from 20/1,100 to 20/42. Single surgery reattachment rate was 92.7% (38/41 eyes). Final retinal reattachment was achieved in all 41 eyes (100%). There was no statistically significant difference in visual acuity gain or anatomical reattachment in terms of retinal break quadrant or extent. No major complications were observed. Two localized suprachoroidal hemorrhages occurred at the entry site for the cannula. These resolved without further intervention.

CONCLUSION: Suprachoroidal buckling using a specially designed cannula is a safe and effective procedure for the management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment secondary to peripheral retinal breaks.