Scleral Buckle
A scleral buckle surgery is a surgical procedure that is commonly used to repair a detached retina. In retinal detachment, the thin layer of photosensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye is pulled out of place. This is typically caused when the vitreous gel (a thick liquid that fills the eye) begins to shrink away and pull the retina out of place. Right before the retina becomes fully disengaged from the eye, many patients experience a sudden flurry of floaters, flashes of light, blurriness, and darkened vision. If left untreated, retinal detachment can lead to permanent blindness.
The scleral buckle procedure helps to keep the retina in its proper place by positioning a small piece of silicone sponge around the white part of the eye, also known as the sclera. The silicone holds the eye against the retina, which helps to push it back into position. The procedure is typically completed in an operating room on an outpatient basis. As for scleral buckle recovery, it’s not uncommon for patients to experience some mild eye pain, blurriness, swelling, and/or redness.