Exposure of intrascleral implants.

Exposure of an intrascleral implant occurred in 17 (2.4%) of 709 patients, between six days and 8.5 years after a scleral buckling procedure. Factors associated with the exposure process included (1) an implant located on the temporal portion of the globe and/or an anteriorly placed implant; (2) large implant; (3) thin sclera or scleral dehiscence; (4) multiple operations; and (5) bacterial contamination. The period between diagnosis of an exposed implant and surgical removal ranged between three days and seven months with an average interval of 2.1 months. Sixteen of the 17 exposed implants required removal. Retinal detachment with massive vitreous retraction associated with removal of the implant in one case was the only complication.