OBJECTIVE Enhanced depth imaging (EDI) optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides high-definition cross-sectional images of the choroid. Information on alterations in choroidal thickness (CT) after scleral buckling surgery (SBS) and pars plana vitretomy (PPV) are rare. METHODS The medical charts of 44 patients (44 eyes) who underwent SBS versus PPV for macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) were retrospectively analysed. Patients with a follow-up ≥ 6 months were included. Postoperative EDI-OCT images concerning CT were evaluated 1 week, 1 month and 6 months postoperatively in 2 groups: group 1: cerclage + cryopexy + subretinal fluid drainage (SRD) + SF6 or air (n = 28 eyes), group 2: PPV + laser photocoagulation + C3F8. Subfoveal CT was compared between the groups and with the non-operated fellow eye. RESULTS Subfoveal CT in groups 1 and 2 was thicker 1 week postoperatively. There were no significant differences between the groups 2 or when comparing the operated eye with the fellow eye 1 and 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS There were no differences in subfoveal CT 1 and 6 months after SBS between the eye with macula-off RRD and the fellow eye. Thicker CT 1 week postoperatively after SBS may most likely be induced by scleral buckle reduced blood flow and increased haemostasis in the choroidal circulation and by scleral and choroidal inflammation after cryopexy versus laser photocoagulation after SBS versus PPV.