Host tolerance of homologous fascia lata in retinal detachment surgery.

The use of homologous fascia lata in ocular surgery has been frequently questioned in regard to its host tolerance. Our electron microscopic examination of homologous fascia lata grafts up to 19 years old, which had been implanted as scleral buckling elements, showed no gross or microscopic histologic changes. Late infection, migration, and erosion were virtually nonexistent in comparison with other series using synthetic buckling materials. Therefore, homologous fascia lata is ideally tolerated and the most perfect scleral buckling material currently available.