Outcomes and complications of sponges versus tires for scleral buckling in primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: The Manchester Buckle Study

Key Points

• Sponges were linked to worse preoperative best-corrected visual acuity in retinal detachment cases, influencing outcomes.
• Extrusion rates were significantly higher with sponges, leading to more frequent explant removals during treatment.
• No significant difference was found in visual improvement between sponge and tire groups after surgery.
• Results highlight the need for careful selection and monitoring of techniques used in scleral buckling procedures.