AIM: To observe the efficacy of the minimal scleral buckling in the treatment of long-standing retinal detachment.

METHODS: The clinical data of 54 eyes in 54 cases of long standing retinal detachment treated by the minimal scleral buckling in our hospital during January 2014 to September 2018 were analyzed retrospective. Patients were followed up for 6mo. The rate of postoperative retinal reattachment, the best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), intraocular pressure, eye axis and astigmatism were observed. According to the preoperative time of retinal detachment, retinal detachment range, macular involvement or not and presence of PSF or not, the improvement of postoperative BCVA were analyzed.

RESULTS: The retina reattached in 49 eyes(91%)after primary operation. Postoperative persistent subretinal fluid was observed in 29 eyes of them by optical coherence tomography. At the last follow up, BCVA increased in 12 eyes(22.2%), remained unchanged in 38 eyes(70.4%), and decreased in 4 eyes(7.4%).The preoperative time of retinal detachment, retinal detachment range, macular involvement or not and presence of PSF or not had an impact on the postoperative recovery of BCVA.

CONCLUSION: The minimal sclera buckling surgery is an effective method to treat long standing retinal detachment. But postoperative visual acuity recovery is related to many factors.