Scleral buckling methods for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

Scleral buckling techniques are effective in treating most eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, and usually the final visual result is limited only by possible preexisting macular damage due to the detachment. Still, a variety of techniques are used, including exoplant or implant methods for the scleral buckle; cryotherapy, diathermy, or photocoagulation to cause the chorioretinal adhesion; and drainage or nondrainage of subretinal fluid. Also, recent development of alternative surgical techniques such as vitreous surgery and/or intraocular gas injection have raised questions about the current role of scleral buckling methods. This article reviews the principles and techniques of scleral buckling for retinal detachment and describes the methods we have found most useful.