PURPOSE: To describe a patient with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) who developed a giant tear of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) after scleral buckling. PATIENT: A 64-year-old man with RRD underwent scleral buckling and cryoretinopexy on his right eye. RESULTS: A #506 silicone sponge was placed on the exit of the three vortex vein to seal retinal tears. On the 3 postoperative day, a choroidal detachment appeared, and on the 10 postoperative day, a large RPE developed at the posterior edge of the choroidal detachment. One month later, the entire retina was completely attached without any treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmic surgeons should be aware that an RPE tear can be associated with choroidal detachment after scleral buckling.
PURPOSE: To describe a patient with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) who developed a giant tear of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) after scleral buckling. PATIENT: A 64-year-old man with RRD underwent scleral buckling and cryoretinopexy on his right eye. RESULTS: A #506 silicone sponge was placed on the exit of the three vortex vein to seal retinal tears. On the 3 postoperative day, a choroidal detachment appeared, and on the 10 postoperative day, a large RPE developed at the posterior edge of the choroidal detachment. One month later, the entire retina was completely attached without any treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmic surgeons should be aware that an RPE tear can be associated with choroidal detachment after scleral buckling.