Hydrogel implants, introduced in 1979,1 were once believed to be the ideal scleral buckling material due to their pliability, ability to stimulate fibrous capsule production, and low risk for infection from both lack of dead space and the potential to absorb and release hydrophilic medications steadily.2 Despite its biocompatibility, several unforeseen long-term complications of hydrogel scleral buckle have been reported since the 1990s.1,2 We present a case of an extruding hydrogel implant with fragments embedded in the sclera wall, resulting in scleral rupture during surgical removal.
Hydrogel implants, introduced in 1979,1 were once believed to be the ideal scleral buckling material due to their pliability, ability to stimulate fibrous capsule production, and low risk for infection from both lack of dead space and the potential to absorb and release hydrophilic medications steadily.2 Despite its biocompatibility, several unforeseen long-term complications of hydrogel scleral buckle have been reported since the 1990s.1,2 We present a case of an extruding hydrogel implant with fragments embedded in the sclera wall, resulting in scleral rupture during surgical removal.