Scleral Buckling Surgery
Scleral buckling surgery is an alternative technique for repair of retinal detachment. It is an effective method of repairing a hole, tear or break in the retina, which has caused the retina to become detached. The surgery works well in reattaching the retina, and restoring vision in a damaged eye.
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina has pulled away from its normal position, resulting in loss of vision, and in some cases, blindness. Retinal detachment can occur for a number of reasons, including short sightedness, eye injury, and a range of diseases.
During the surgery, the ophthalmologist makes use of a scleral buckle, which is a surgical tool usually made from plastic, rubber or silicone. The scleral buckle is placed on the outside of the eye and secured in such a way that is able to push into the middle part of the eye. The technique works by relieving pressure inside the eye, which allows the retinal tear to rest against the wall of the eye.
In many cases, other treatments are used in conjunction with scleral buckling surgery to ensure that retinal tears do not recur. Procedures such as cryopexy and laser photocoagulation are often performed in order to hold the retina in place. These treatments complement the scleral buckling method as they help to hold the tissue together and prevent fluid from getting in between the sealed layers.
After the surgery, it is quite common to feel some pain and discomfort, as the eye may feel swollen and sensitive for some time. The ophthalmologist may prescribe eye drops to help prevent infection, and a patch or eye shield is worn for a day after the procedure while the eye heals.