Scleral buckle surgery is a significant but safe procedure to correct retinal detachment and restore eyesight. To the uninitiated, sclera refers to the white coating of the eye, i.e., the outer layer that extends from the cornea to the optic nerve in the back of the eye. It is the sclera that gives the eyeballs their white colour. Read on to learn more about scleral buckle surgery, including the procedure, surgery cost, risks, success rate, and recovery time.
Why Is Scleral Buckle Surgery Performed?
As earlier said, scleral buckle surgery is performed to treat retinal detachment a condition where the retina (a light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye that processes light) pulls away from the layer of blood vessels that supply oxygen to the eye. This is a serious condition that could cause permanent vision loss if left untreated. Symptoms of retinal detachment include seeing floaters or tiny specks in your field of vision, light flashes in one or both eyes, and blurred vision.
Scleral Buckle Surgery Procedure
The surgery involves bringing the two layers of the retina and removing the fluid under the retina. During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the conjunctiva and marks the tear that has caused the hole in the retina. They then perform cryotherapy to promote adhesion of the detached retina to the choroid. The surgeon then sews a scleral band on the sclera in the area where the tear was marked. The buckling element is left in the eye permanently. As the sutures tighten, the sclera folds inwards or buckles in, thereby bringing it closer to the retina. As earlier said, they may also drain the fluid between the retina and choroid or inject air into the eyeball to prevent fluid from passing through the eyes and promote quicker attachment. However, if only a tiny amount of fluid is present, the surgeon may not drain it as the layer under the retina will absorb it.
The entire scleral buckle surgery takes 1 to 2 hours but can be done as an outpatient procedure. Patients can go home the same day, provided there are no other complications, and you have someone to take you home. The surgeon also applies an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
Scleral Buckle Surgery Aftercare
The doctor will provide detailed post-surgery care instructions about eye care. You must continue the antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection. The eyes may appear sore but can be healed with over-the-counter medications. You will also have to come for a follow-up appointment the next day and limit strenuous activities for a few days.
Scleral Buckle Surgery Success Rate
This is a fairly successful procedure with a success rate of over 80% to 90%. However, you must follow the doctor’s instructions and wear a patch over the eye until instructed.
Scleral Buckle Recovery Time
Recovery depends on how well you follow the doctor’s instructions. This includes protecting the eyes while bathing or showering to prevent soap from entering the eyes, avoiding swimming or using contact lenses to prevent unclean water from entering the eyes, avoiding high-altitude travel, avoiding sleeping while lying on the back, etc.
You should place an ice pack over the eye for 10 to 20 minutes for the first few days to reduce swelling. Sometimes, the doctor may suggest applying the ice pack every 2 to 3 hours for the first 3 days. As the eyes begin to heal, you can resume normal activities, taking care not to strain the eye. You can return to work in over two weeks, depending on the type of work you do.
Finding A Scleral Buckle Surgeon in Nagercoil
Visit us if you are looking for a scleral buckle surgeon in Nagercoil. We are the number one multispecialty hospital in Nagercoil, offering a range of advanced diagnostic and treatment options. We promise you exceptional care and transparent services.