Complications of Encircling Bands-Prevention and Management

Encircling bands are a simple and efficient technique of scleral buckling, commonly used alone, in conjunction with segmental scleral buckles, and in conjunction with trans pars plana vitrectomy (TPPV) to treat rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) by closing retinal breaks and relieve vitreoretinal traction. Complications associated with encircling bands are relatively rare, but can include severe and occasionally intractable “band pain”, infection, myopia, band intrusion and extrusion, ocular motility disturbances, anterior segment necrosis, and ocular perforation. The indications and rationale for encircling bands and guidelines to minimize and treat complications are discussed.