The eye is like a camera, with a lens in the front and a sensor or film in the back. The retina is the sensor that lines the inside back of the eye and receives the image that the eye sees. The space in between the lens and retina is called the vitreous cavity. If a defect forms in the retina, vitreous fluid can pass through the defect into the space behind the retina. This causes the retina to separate from the wall of the eye, potentially causing loss of vision.

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Scleral buckle is a surgical procedure to repair a retinal detachment.  The surgery is performed in an operating room and often takes around two hours.  It is often an outpatient procedure, meaning that overnight hospitalization is not required. The surgery if often performed under general anesthesia.    

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The term "scleral buckle" refers to a silicone band which is placed around the outside of the eye, gently indenting the eye wall to close the retinal break. 

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Unlike vitrectomy surgery, which takes place primarily inside the eye, scleral buckle surgery takes place primarily outside of the eye.  Scleral buckles are best for younger patients with well formed vitreous gel and minimal cataract.  Sometimes, a scleral buckle may be combined with vitrectomy.   

 

What can I expect after surgery?

Scleral buckle surgery often has more after surgery discomfort.  Pain medication may be prescribed by your surgeon.   Redness and swelling usually decrease over 1-2 weeks following surgery. It is normal to experience a foreign body sensation after surgery (a sensation of sand or grit in the eye). This sensation comes from the stitches used on the surface of the eye as well as the eye surface tissue which has been manipulated during surgery. This sensation should decrease as the days and weeks go by after surgery.

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After surgery, the prescription for glasses or contact lenses may change slightly. Your surgeon will inform you when you obtain new glasses.