Understanding Scleral Buckling: A Vision-Saving Procedure
Many macular and vitreoretinal conditions are treatable with injections and other therapies. However, others need surgical interventions to repair damage and avoid vision loss. Do you need scleral buckling in Hartford, Connecticut? Contact Retina Consultants, P.C. for expert care you can trust. Our fellowship-trained retina specialists provide expert care using advanced techniques to restore your vision and protect your eye health.
What is scleral buckling?
Scleral buckling is a reliable surgical procedure for treating retinal detachments. It involves placing a small silicone band (buckle) or sponge around the exterior of the eye, securing it to the sclera (the white part of the eye). This “buckle” gently pushes the eye wall toward the detached retina, promoting natural reattachment. We often combine this method with cryopexy (freezing) or laser therapy for improved outcomes.
There are various types of scleral buckles:
- Segmental buckles – support a small area where a tear has occurred, placed radially or circularly.
- Encircling bands – encircle the eye to support larger or multiple tears.
Your specialist will choose the most appropriate type based on your specific detachment.
What can I expect during the procedure?
The process begins with a consultation and a comprehensive eye exam to assess the detachment and determine the most suitable treatment plan. We will also review your medical history and current medications to ensure a safe procedure.
Scleral buckling is an operating room procedure performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. It all depends on your needs and comfort level.
During the procedure, your specialist will:
- Identifies the retinal tear or detachment.
- Places a silicone band or sponge around the outer wall of the eye.
- May use a small amount of cryotherapy (freezing) to seal the retinal tear.
- We can apply supplemental laser retinopexy either intraoperatively or postoperatively, as appropriate.
- If clinically advantageous, we can use a gas bubble to assist with retinal reattachment.
- We may drain the fluid depending on the break size, location, and buckle height.
The surgery typically lasts 1 to 2 hours, depending on its complexity. After a brief recovery period, patients can be discharged with post-operative instructions. However, you need someone to drive you home.
What can I expect during recovery?
Recovery from scleral buckling takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the extent of the detachment and the patient’s overall eye health. The objective of aftercare is to control inflammation, prevent infection, and protect the eye while the retina stabilizes.
Some key points to know during recovery:
- Vision may be blurry initially, but it typically improves gradually over several weeks
- Take the antibiotic and inflammatory eye drops as directed
- Wear a protective shield as advised, especially at night
- Avoid strenuous activities, bending, or rubbing eyes
- Adhere to follow-up visits
- Avoid air travel or significant altitude changes if a gas bubble was used
- Contact your doctor immediately if something feels wrong
How successful is scleral buckling for retinal detachment?
Scleral buckling has a remarkable success record, especially for rhegmatogenous retinal detachments. In most well-selected cases, a single scleral buckling procedure successfully reattaches the retina about 80–90% of the time. If additional procedures are necessary, the overall success rate typically increases to 90–95%.
Why should I choose Retina Consultants, P.C. for scleral buckling
If you’ve been referred to a retina specialist for scleral buckling, trust Retina Consultants, P.C. with your care. Our team combines expertise, compassion, and personalized attention to deliver advanced retinal solutions with exceptional results. Scleral buckling is a specialized surgical treatment option that is not available at every retinal center. At Retina Consultants, P.C. we only employ physicians who have demonstrated surgical expertise and experience with this specific treatment option.
To schedule an appointment, contact any of our offices:
Hartford
Manchester
Cromwell
Farmington
Enfield
Trust a team that performs more than 800 vision-saving surgeries every year, combining skill, experience, and dedication to your sight.
