Expansion of the MIRAgel Scleral Buckle With Findings Resembling Necrotizing Scleritis: A Case Report

MIRAgel is a hydrogel buckle material that was widely used for scleral implantation surgery in the past. However, postoperative complications such as conjunctival hyperemia and impaired eye movements were reported due to postoperative expansion of the MIRAgel buckle. In addition, damage to the sclera due to hydrolysis of the MIRAgel buckle has been reported. Thus, surgical procedures had to be developed to remove the buckle. We report a case of an expansion of a MIRAgel buckle accompanied by scleral necrosis that resembled necrotizing scleritis. There are no studies on a safe method to remove a MIRAgel buckle when scleral melting is also present. We present our findings in a case with an expansion of the MIRAgel buckle accompanied by findings similar to necrotizing scleritis, where the buckle was safely removed using a suction tube that is frequently used in ophthalmic surgery.