Scleral buckling is one of the most common surgeries used to treat retinal detachment, a condition that occurs when the retina in the eye becomes separated from its supportive tissues. The procedure gets its name from the small silicone band known as a scleral buckle that is inserted during the surgery to hold the retina in place. Learn more about what to expect from this procedure below, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Sight360 today if you believe you may be suffering from retinal detachment.
Why Scleral Buckle for Retinal Detachment?
With a high success rate of around 80-90%, this method is often chosen to resolve retinal detachment due to the lasting support it provides. Compared to other methods, such as vitrectomy, it has fewer risks of complications such as cataracts. Furthermore, it is less invasive overall and offers quicker recovery times.
About the Scleral Buckle Procedure
Prior to any preparations, you will meet with your ophthalmologist at Sight360 for an eye exam. After diagnosing you with retinal detachment and laying out your treatment options, the ophthalmologist will help determine whether the scleral buckle procedure is the right choice for you. From there, you can make an appointment for your surgery. As this is typically an outpatient procedure, you can look forward to going home the same day. However, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from the appointment.
On the day of the surgery, you will receive a sedative to help you stay still and calm. You’ll also be placed under anesthesia, whether local, regional, or general. Next, the surgeon will dilate your eyes with eye drops in order to more easily see the retina. They will then make an incision and place the scleral buckle around your eye.
Additional treatments may also be performed at this time to help your retina remain in place, and fluid may be drained from behind the retina if needed. All in all, the procedure should last somewhere between an hour and an hour and a half.
Once the surgery has been completed, an eye patch will be placed over your eye. The surgeon will instruct you on post-op care specifics, including which activities you need to refrain from and when to return for your follow-up appointment. If your eye aches, they may also advise you to take over-the-counter pain medication. The duration of the full recovery period is usually between two weeks and a month.
Scleral Buckle Complications
There are a few complications that could occur with this surgery, although the risk is relatively low. These include infection, higher intraocular pressure, and bleeding. As for side effects, you might encounter mild discomfort and blurry or double vision.
Learn More About Scleral Buckle Surgery From Sight360
At Sight360, we are committed to providing personally tailored care delivered by experienced professionals. You can trust us to walk you through every aspect of the scleral buckle procedure so that you know exactly what to expect. Learn more by contacting us today.
