Scleral Buckle Surgery
Retinal detachment is a rare but severe sight-threatening condition that often requires relatively urgent intervention and treatment. One of two procedures can be utilized. Scleral buckling surgery is one of the oldest procedures for the treatment of retinal detachment and has been around for about 100 years.
What Is Scleral Buckling?
Scleral buckling surgery is performed in the operating room, usually under general anesthesia with the patient asleep. The outside of the eye is opened, and a flexible plastic band — or sometimes a wider segmental element or sponge — is carefully sutured to the outer wall of the eye.
The buckle indents the wall of the eye against the torn retina. The tears that are causing the detachment are often treated with cryoretinopexy or freezing treatment, and fluid underneath the retina is often drained externally through the sclera. The band is then tightened. The band is permanently left in the eye. It cannot be seen nor can it generally be felt. The band is underneath the eye muscles, so it is fairly far back.
Activity levels and positioning may be restricted for the first two weeks after surgery. Topical eye drops, including antibiotics and steroids, will be prescribed for several weeks after surgery. Retinal detachment surgery is a major life-changing event and is a major medical problem. In addition, the fellow eye may be at greater risk for retinal detachment. Long-term management and follow-up are required.
Risks of Scleral Buckle Surgery
Risks of surgery include intraocular hemorrhage, intraocular infection, double vision, and changes in the shape or prescription of the eye. The greatest risk of retinal detachment surgery is the 10–15% chance of re-detachment within the first three months, even after a successful repair, due to scar tissue formation. In such cases, additional surgery may be required.
Scleral Buckle Surgery in Indiana
The retina specialists of AVRUC provide expert surgical care for retinal detachment, including scleral buckle surgery. With convenient retina center locations in Carmel, Bloomington, Muncie, and Avon, we welcome patients from the greater Indianapolis area, Evansville, Lafayette, Terre Haute, and beyond.
