The thought of having eye surgery can be overwhelming, especially when you’ve never heard of the procedure before. In particular, hearing an eye doctor say, “You need scleral buckle surgery,” makes most patients stop and ask—
What Is Scleral Buckling?
Scleral buckling is surgery to repair a detached retina. The light-sensitive retina lining the very back of your eye works like film in a camera, capturing images and sending them directly to your brain. When this fragile structure pulls away (detaches) from its normal position, vision becomes severely threatened. Although the numbers are small, studies show that 6.5% of patients with retinal detachment (RD) are permanently blind.
The procedure gets its name from the small silicone band or “buckle” that’s placed around the eye’s outer wall (the sclera). This band pushes the sclera toward the detached retina, helping to close the tear or hole that caused the detachment and reestablish contact with the retina.
When Is Scleral Buckle Surgery Needed?
Our Arizona Retinal Specialists may recommend scleral buckle surgery if you have:
- Retinal detachment, a medical emergency
- Large retinal tears, which could lead to detachment if not treated promptly
- Certain types of retinal breaks, particularly those near the retina’s edge
But how do you know if your retina is detached or torn?
Something might be wrong with your retina if you see sudden flashes of light, floaters, or a shadow moving across your field of vision. Severe cases may manifest as painless vision loss that can progress from one area (e.g., central vision) to the entire eye if ignored.
Surgical Procedure: How Does Scleral Buckling Work?
Surgeons perform a scleral buckle while the patient is under local anesthesia with sedation, though general anesthesia is an option in some cases. The procedure usually takes one to two hours and involves three main steps:
- Your retina surgeon will make a small incision in the conjunctiva or the transparent membrane covering the white portion of your eye. Then, they’ll locate the retinal tear or detachment using specialized instruments.
- Once your surgeon pinpoints the problem area, they will “repair” the tear or detachment using laser therapy or cryotherapy. These treatment options create “controlled scarring,” which will eventually help close the tear or secure the retina to the back wall of the eye.
- Next comes the placement of the buckle itself. Your retina surgeon will carefully suture this silicone band to the outside of your eye. It applies gentle pressure to push the wall of the eye closer to the separated retina. Don’t worry; the buckle isn’t visible after surgery and stays permanently in place.
In addition, a surgeon may remove some of the fluid accumulated under a detached retina. They may also combine scleral bucking with vitrectomy surgery to further support the retina and improve postoperative success.
Recovery and Aftercare
After surgery, your doctor will cover the newly operated eye with a patch, and you’ll rest in a recovery area before going home the same day. You’ll receive detailed instructions about:
- Eye drops to avoid infection and soothe inflammation
- Positioning requirements (sometimes you’ll need to maintain a certain head position)
- Activity restrictions, typically including no heavy lifting or any strenuous routines
- Follow-up appointments, which are a must to monitor your healing
It’s normal to experience some level of discomfort, swelling, and redness for a few days after a scleral buckle procedure. Your vision may be blurry at first but should improve as healing progresses, though complete visual recovery may take several weeks or even three to six months.
Success Rates and Outcomes
Scleral buckle surgery has a high success rate, reattaching the retina in approximately 80-90% of cases on the first attempt. The success rate is even higher for those needing additional procedures.
Vision recovery depends on several factors, including:
- How long the retina was detached before surgery
- Whether the macula (central part of the retina that’s responsible for detailed vision) was affected
- Your pre-existing eye conditions
If the detachment spared your macula, you may regain most of your vision. However, if your macula detached, successful reattachment may leave some permanent vision loss.
Possible Complications
Like any invasive procedure, scleral buckle surgery carries some risks. These may include:
- Infection (rare)
- Bleeding inside the eye
- Increased pressure within the eye
- Double vision (usually temporary)
- Changes in refractive error (you may need a new eyeglass prescription)
- Re-detachment of the retina (requiring additional treatment)
Your retina specialist will discuss these risks with you and help you understand how they apply to your situation.
How Does It Feel to Have a Scleral Buckle in Your Eye?
Once completely healed, most patients don’t notice the buckle at all. It stays in place and doesn’t require removal. The silicone material is well-tolerated by the body and designed to last a lifetime.
Regular follow-up appointments with your retina specialist remain important, especially in the first year after surgery. These check-ups ensure everything is stable and allow immediate treatment of complications or early signs of a new eye condition.
In Case of Complications: When to Seek Medical Care
After surgery, contact your retina specialist immediately if you experience:
- Severe or worsening eye pain
- Dramatic decrease in vision
- Increasing redness or discharge from the eye
- Nausea or vomiting (which could indicate increased eye pressure)
These symptoms could hint at a complication that requires prompt attention.
What to Remember About Scleral Bucking in Sun City, AZ
Scleral buckle surgery is a well-established approach to treating retinal detachments and tears. While the idea of eye surgery can be scary, understanding how this procedure works and why it’s recommended can help ease concerns. A scleral buckle supports the retina by carefully pushing into your eye and indenting it, so that the retina can reattach and heal properly. Many patients regain stable vision weeks after the initial recovery period, though individual outcomes depend on factors like the severity of detachment and overall eye health.
Don’t wait to seek care if you have retinal detachment or warning signs. Early treatment is the best way to save your vision. If you’re experiencing eye problems and wonder whether scleral buckle surgery is the solution, dial 623-474-3937 to schedule an appointment with our Sun City Arizona Retinal Specialists.
