Comparison of scleral buckling and vitrectomy for superior retinal detachment caused by flap tears

PURPOSE: We compared the surgical results of vitrectomy and scleral buckling for uncomplicated superior retinal detachment caused by flap tears. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Included in the study were 225 phakic eyes of 225 patients undergoing primary surgery from January 1990 to December of 1996 for superior retinal detachment caused by flap tears; all eyes had been followed for longer than six months after surgery. The choice of procedures was based on each surgeon's preference. The cases were evaluated retrospectively and the surgical outcome and the rate of complications compared between the two groups of eyes. RESULTS: Initial and final anatomical success rate were 92% and 100% after each procedure. Redetachment after the first procedure was due to new retinal breaks in 5 eyes, reopening of original breaks in 2 eyes of vitrectomy cases, and malpositioned buckle in 11 eyes of scleral buckling cases. Proliferative vitreoretinopathy occurred in 3 eyes of vitrectomy cases. CONCLUSION: Primary vitrectomy was as successful as scleral buckling for superior rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Although a high incidence of postoperative cataract formation was a major drawback, vitrectomy had some advantages over to scleral buckling.