Our Summary

This study looked at the effectiveness of a certain eye surgery (pars plana vitrectomy or PPV) in cases where a previous type of surgery (scleral buckling or SB) had failed to treat a condition where the retina detaches from the back of the eye. They also compared this to cases where PPV was the first treatment used.

They reviewed the medical records of 120 patients. 44 of them had PPV as their first treatment and 76 had it after SB failed. They looked at the success rate of the surgery and how well the patients could see before and after the surgery, up to a year later.

They found that the success rate of the surgery was similar in both groups. Also, the improvement in patients’ sight was not significantly different between the two groups.

In conclusion, using PPV as a follow-up treatment when SB fails seems to be just as effective as using it as a first treatment.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of the study about pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and scleral buckling (SB)?
  2. Was the success rate of PPV higher when used as a first treatment or as a follow-up treatment after SB failure?
  3. Was there a significant difference in the improvement of patients’ sight between the two groups studied?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about scleral buckle surgery is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal results. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, taking prescribed medications, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. It is also important to report any unusual symptoms or changes in vision to your doctor immediately. By following these recommendations, patients can help promote successful outcomes and minimize the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended scleral buckle surgery are those with retinal detachment, particularly those with a significant amount of detachment or with specific types of retinal tears that are best treated with this type of surgery. Patients who have had previous retinal detachment surgeries that have failed may also be recommended scleral buckle surgery as a follow-up treatment.

Timeline

Before scleral buckle surgery:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of retinal detachment such as flashes of light, floaters, and a curtain-like shadow over their vision.
  2. Patient undergoes a comprehensive eye exam including a dilated eye exam to confirm the diagnosis of retinal detachment.
  3. Patient may undergo imaging tests such as ultrasound or optical coherence tomography (OCT) to further evaluate the extent of the detachment.
  4. Patient is informed about the risks and benefits of scleral buckle surgery and gives consent for the procedure.

After scleral buckle surgery:

  1. Patient is monitored closely in the immediate post-operative period to ensure the retina remains attached.
  2. Patient may experience some discomfort, redness, or swelling in the eye following surgery.
  3. Patient may need to wear an eye patch or shield to protect the eye during the initial healing period.
  4. Patient may need to use eye drops or medications to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
  5. Patient will have follow-up appointments with their ophthalmologist to monitor the healing process and assess visual acuity.
  6. Patient may need to undergo additional procedures or treatments if complications arise or if the retina does not fully reattach.

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after scleral buckle surgery involves thorough evaluation, informed consent, surgical intervention, post-operative care, and ongoing monitoring to ensure the best possible outcome for the treatment of retinal detachment.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is scleral buckle surgery and how does it work to treat retinal detachment?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with scleral buckle surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after scleral buckle surgery and what can I expect in terms of discomfort or pain?
  4. What are the success rates of scleral buckle surgery in treating retinal detachment?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments to scleral buckle surgery that I should consider?
  6. Will I need to follow up with additional surgeries or treatments after the scleral buckle surgery?
  7. How will scleral buckle surgery affect my vision in the short-term and long-term?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take post-surgery to ensure the best outcome?
  9. What is the likelihood of the retinal detachment recurring after scleral buckle surgery?
  10. Are there any specific questions or concerns I should discuss with my eye doctor before proceeding with scleral buckle surgery?

Reference

Authors: Üney GÖ, Acar MA, Ünlü N, Hazirolan D, Yalniz-Akkaya Z, Örnek F. Journal: Can J Ophthalmol. 2016 Oct;51(5):331-335. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2016.02.021. Epub 2016 Sep 3. PMID: 27769322