Temporary silicone encircling band in retinal detachment scleral surgery

Two main purpose of this study were to asses the validity of a silicone band that is closed with absorbable thread instead of traditionally not-absorbable one and to estimate the changes in refraction and axial length after this surgery. 8 patients (8 eyes) with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were enrolled. All patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination including high contrast Snellen visual acuity measurement, slit lamp biomicroscopy, Goldmann applanation tonometry, A-Scan biometry and dilated fundus examination with indirect ophthalmoscopy. Examination took place pre-operatively (T0), every 7 days during the first month (T1) and every 15 days during the second one (T2). Surgery was carried out performing indentation with an elastic silicone band 2.5 mm wide, associated with silicone scleral buckling. The ends of the band were joined together by a knot tied with an absorbable polyglactin 910 thread (Vicryl 6/0).