Techniques of Scleral Buckling

Evolving trends in primary retinal detachment repair: microincisional vitrectomy and the role of OCT

Retinal detachment repair continues to evolve toward less invasive techniques that can safely, efficiently, and consistently provide optimal outcomes. In fact, 53% of U.S. respondents to the American Society of Retinal Specialists 2013 Preferences and Trends Survey said they would perform a vitrectomy without scleral buckle to treat a retinal detachment with a superior tear, while 25% would perform pneumatic retinopexy, and 21% would use a scleral buckle with or without vitrectomy.11 Compared to in 2005, many more surgeons prefer vitrectomy-only repair, whereas fewer prefer scleral buckle. Interestingly, preferences toward pneumatic retinopexy have slightly declined, which may reflect increased confidence in vitrectomy surgery to repair a detached retina safely and efficiently as an alternative. Even complex detachments can be treated in a minimally invasive fashion with the improvements in instrumentation, trocars, and oil infusion. While trends will likely continue toward minimal invasiveness, some form of scleral buckle, vitrectomy, and pneumatic retinopexy will all persist as treatment options. OCT advancements may allow for individualized discussions of visual prognosis and surgical decision making without the need for any invasive testing.