A matched study of primary scleral buckle placement during repair of posterior segment open globe injuries

Aims: To compare the visual and anatomical outcomes of patients who underwent primary scleral buckle (SB) placement during posterior segment open globe repair with matched control patients who did not undergo primary SB placement. Methods: Patients who underwent open globe repair alone or with SB placement at Duke University Eye Center (November 1994–September 1997) and the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (July 1993–July 1997) were identified. 19 open globe patients who received primary SB placement were matched with control patients who did not receive a primary SB based on three important prognostic factors: (1) visual grade; (2) zone of injury; and (3) mechanism of injury. The outcomes of interest were: (1) visual outcome; (2) anatomical outcome; (3) subsequent retinal detachment (RD); and (4) number of subsequent surgeries. Results: Baseline characteristics between the groups were similar. Patients who received primary SB placement had a better final visual grade (p = 0.02), logMAR vision (p = 0.007), and anatomical grade (p = 0.01) compared with control patients. Primary SB patients had an average final vision of 20/270, whereas control patients had an average final vision of hand movement. Primary SB placement also resulted in fewer subsequent RDs (26% versus 53%), but this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.10). There were no complications associated with primary SB placement. Conclusion: Primary SB placement during posterior segment open globe repair may decrease the risk of subsequent RD and improve final visual and anatomical outcome.