AIM:To discuss the relative risk factors affecting visual recovery after scleral buckling surgery in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.METHODS:A total of 102 cases(102 eyes)with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment treated by scleral buckling surgery in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed.Patients were followed up for 3 to 6 months,and the best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)was observed.The Chi-square test was used to analyze the relative factors affecting the visual recovery.RESULTS:Macular detachment status,preoperative BCVA,quadrants of retinal detachment,as well as subretinal fluid drainage affected visual recovery significantly(P<0.01).Eyes with macula-off ≤7 days had a significantly lower BCVA compared to eyes with macula-off>7 days(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Macular detachment status and time,preoperative visual acuity,quadrants of retinal detachment,as well as subretinal fluid drainage affect visual recovery significantly.Subretinal fluid drainage should be avoided as far as possible.