Scleral Buckling for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment with Subretinal Gliosis and Retinal Dialysis after Blunt Ocular Trauma

Abstract

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is a vision-threatening condition resulting from a full-thickness retinal break that permits the accumulation of subretinal fluid. Chronic cases may be associated with subretinal gliosis, which can complicate surgical management. We report the case of a 20-year-old female athlete who presented with sudden, painless diminution of vision in the left eye following a history of ocular trauma. Fundus examination revealed a subtotal bullous retinal detachment with a horseshoe tear, retinal dialysis, and subretinal gliotic bands extending toward the macular region. The patient was managed with scleral buckling combined with cryotherapy and external drainage of subretinal fluid, achieving successful anatomical reattachment. This case highlights that scleral buckling remains an effective surgical option in selected cases of RRD with retinal dialysis and localized subretinal gliosis, providing favorable anatomical and visual outcomes when appropriately indicated.