Scleral Buckling Surgery: What to Expect Before, During, and After

Before any surgical procedure, there is a series of evaluations to ensure you are a good candidate and to map out a precise treatment plan. Our retina specialist will conduct a comprehensive eye examination that may include dilating your pupils and using imaging tests like ultrasound if the view of your retina is not clear. This preoperative evaluation helps the surgeon understand the extent of the detachment and plan the best approach for placing the scleral buckle.

• Medical and Eye History Review: Our retina specialist will discuss your overall health and any medications you are taking to avoid any complications during surgery.
• Anesthesia Discussion: Depending on the complexity of your case and your comfort level, the surgery might be performed under local anesthesia—numbing just the eye area—or general anesthesia, where you are fully asleep during the procedure.
• Instructions for Preparation: You will receive clear guidelines regarding eating or drinking before the surgery and other necessary steps to ensure a smooth process.

The scleral buckling procedure itself is usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you will typically be able to return home the same day. During the surgery, your eye is kept open with a small speculum, and you are given sedation to ensure comfort. Once the surgeon makes a small incision in the outer layer of the eye, the carefully chosen silicone band is meticulously placed around the sclera.

• Making the Incision: A small cut is made to gain access to the sclera without causing unnecessary harm to surrounding tissues.
• Placing the Buckle: The buckle is positioned and secured to indent the sclera, thereby relieving the traction on the retina.
• Additional Techniques: If necessary, the surgeon might drain excess fluid from underneath the retina and apply cryotherapy or laser therapy. These steps are essential to create a scar that helps seal the retinal tear, ensuring the retina reattaches securely.

The entire procedure usually takes about one to two hours, during which every minute is measured carefully to ensure optimal outcomes and safety.

Recovery from scleral buckling involves careful adherence to postoperative care instructions and regular follow-up visits with our retina specialist. Soon after the procedure, you might experience mild discomfort, swelling, and blurred vision. These are normal signs of healing and usually improve with time.

• Eye Protection: You may be required to wear an eye patch or protective shield for a short period to safeguard the healing area.
• Medication Use: Specific eye drops or ointments will often be prescribed to prevent infection and reduce inflammation, making sure the healing process is as smooth as possible.
• Activity Limitations: It is important to avoid heavy lifting, bending, or any strenuous activity for a few weeks following the surgery. Our retina specialist will provide a clear guide on what activities to refrain from during recovery.

Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor your healing progress and to ensure that the retina remains securely attached. While most patients see gradual visual improvement over several weeks, complete recovery can take from two to four weeks or longer, depending on individual healing variations.