Scleral Buckle Surgery
Also known as Retinal Detachment Buckle, Silicone Eye Band, Retina Detachment Surgery, Scleral Buckling
Bottom Line
Scleral buckle surgery repairs some retinal detachments from outside the eye. A silicone band gently supports the wall of the eye under the retinal tear.
Scleral buckle surgery places a silicone band or sponge on the outside of the eye. The buckle indents the eye wall toward a retinal tear 1.
The surgeon also seals the tear with freezing or laser. The buckle usually stays in place permanently.
Retina surgeons may choose buckle, vitrectomy, pneumatic retinopexy, or a combination. The best choice depends on the detachment pattern and the eye 2.
How It Works
The buckle pushes the eye wall inward. This supports the area under the retinal tear.
Freezing or laser creates a scar around the tear. The scar helps seal the retina to the eye wall.
The buckle changes the eye shape slightly. This can change the glasses prescription.
Who It Helps
Scleral buckle surgery is often considered for tear-related retinal detachment.
- Natural lens eyes. Buckle can be useful in these eyes.
- Peripheral retinal tears. Outside support can close the break.
- Some younger patients. It may avoid removing the vitreous gel.
Complex detachments may need vitrectomy or combined surgery.
Risks And Side Effects
Risks include infection, bleeding, high eye pressure, double vision, buckle exposure, and redetachment.
The eye may become more nearsighted. New glasses may be needed after healing.
Call the surgeon for worsening pain, discharge, fever, a new curtain, or a major vision drop.
Cost And Insurance
Retinal detachment repair is usually medically necessary and billed to medical insurance.
The total cost can include surgeon, facility, anesthesia, imaging, and follow-up visits.
Ask whether a combined vitrectomy would change the estimate.
Common Questions About Scleral Buckle Surgery
Next Steps
- 1Ask your retina surgeon why buckle, vitrectomy, or both fit your detachment.
- 2Arrange help at home for the first few days.
- 3Use drops and ointment exactly as prescribed.
- 4Avoid heavy activity until your surgeon clears it.
- 5Call the surgeon right away for worse pain, discharge, fever, or worse vision.
Find specialists for Scleral Buckle Surgery
Board-certified ophthalmologists who treat Scleral Buckle Surgery.
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