A scleral buckle is a surgical procedure used to repair a retinal detachment by supporting the retina tears from the outside of the eye. A scleral buckle is a piece of silicone semi-hard plastic that the retina surgeon places around the outside of the eye like a belt.

The scleral buckle operation is performed in the operating room. It implies either local or general anesthesia. The operation involves securing a buckle to the wall of the eye, creating a scar of the cryotherapy or laser type in order to ensure that the retinal tear stays sealed, and typically drainage of the sub-retinal fluid. Seeing a Local Optometrist can help with you understanding scheral buckle.

The aftermath of this procedure is one that fortunately does not require the patient to maintain a particular position, but given that there is intervention on the wall of the eye, there may be some inflammation and there will be some pain management necessary during the one to two weeks after the intervention.

Typically after scleral buckle operation the patient will not be required to keep a particular head position, and will progressively be able to regain their normal quality of life, including exercise and activities, all based on their tolerance. Surgeons may prefer different amounts of restrictions with respect to work and exercise, but these are generally limited by the patient’s own tolerance when treated by a Local Ophthalmologist

If you and your surgeon have decided upon scleral buckle as the procedure of choice to repair your retinal detachment, it is important to understand that in the aftermath you will require some visits to ensure that the procedure has gone well, and if there are concerns about recurrent retinal detachment that you seek the attention from that same surgeon. Presenter: Dr. Michael Kapusta, Ophthalmologist, Montreal, QC

Now Health Network Local Practitioners: Ophthalmologist