Cryopexy or Laser Therapy versus Observation for Management of Accidental Scleral Perforation during Strabismus Surgery; An Experimental Study

To evaluate the complications of scleral perforation during strabismus surgery and the role of cryopexy, laser therapy, and conservative management in an animal model. In this experimental study, 42 pigmented-eye rabbits were included. An S-24 needle attached to a 6-0 polyglactin suture was passed through the sclera and into the vitreous cavity in both eyes of the animals. One eye of the rabbits received either laser therapy (n=20) or cryopexy (n=22) and the fellow eyes were left untreated (n=42). The incidence of complications was compared between the three groups. Cataracts developed in 7 (8.3%) eyes. Corneal opacity and transient localized sub-retinal fluid around the break were observed in one (1.2%) eye each. Other complications such as endophthalmitis and retinal detachment were not seen. There was no significant difference between the study groups in terms of complications. Vision-threatening complications following scleral perforation during strabismus surgery are uncommon and long-term follow-up is sufficient for management of this complication.