Scleral buckling surgery is used to repair certain types of retinal detachment, particularly rhegmatogenous retinal detachment caused by a retinal tear or break. It helps bring the detached retina back into contact with the eye wall and supports the area around the retinal break.
What Is Scleral Buckling Surgery?
During scleral buckle surgery, a surgeon places a silicone band around, or a segment on, the white layer of the eye called the sclera. The buckle gently indents the eye wall, helping reduce traction on the retina and support the retinal tear. Laser or cryotherapy may also be used to create a seal around the retinal break. The buckle generally remains in place.
Who May Need It?
Scleral buckling may be considered when retinal detachment is associated with retinal breaks, especially in selected patients with peripheral retinal tears and appropriate eye characteristics. The choice between scleral buckle, vitrectomy, pneumatic retinopexy, or a combination depends on the location and extent of detachment, retinal breaks, vitreous changes, and factors.
Procedure and Recovery
The surgery is performed under anesthesia. Afterward, patients may experience soreness, redness, swelling, or blurred vision. Follow-up examinations are important for monitoring retinal healing. Doctors may recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and certain activities during recovery. Vision may take weeks or longer to improve, depending on the condition of the retina before surgery.
Risks and Considerations
As with any eye surgery, scleral buckling has potential risks, including recurrent retinal detachment, infection, bleeding, changes in refractive error, and complications. A retina specialist will assess your eye and explain the benefits, alternatives, risks, and recovery plan before recommending treatment.
Sudden flashes, an increase in floaters, or a curtain-like shadow over your vision can be warning signs of retinal detachment and require urgent ophthalmic evaluation.