Close-up of a retinal scan displayed on a screen, showing blood vessels and optic nerve head.

Scleral Buckle Surgery

Scleral buckle surgery is a procedure used to repair a retinal detachment, a serious condition that occurs when the retina pulls away from the back of the eye. Because the retina is responsible for sending visual information to the brain, prompt treatment is important to help preserve vision and prevent permanent vision loss.

During surgery, a soft silicone band or sponge, called a scleral buckle, is placed around the outside of the eye. The buckle gently indents the wall of the eye, allowing the retina to move back into its normal position and heal properly.

Why Is Scleral Buckle Surgery Performed?

Scleral buckle surgery is most commonly used to treat:

  • Retinal Detachment: Reattaches the retina and helps prevent further vision loss.

  • Retinal Tears: May be used in certain cases when a tear has caused or is likely to cause a detachment.

  • Complex Retinal Conditions: Sometimes combined with other procedures, such as vitrectomy surgery, to achieve the best possible outcome.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Scleral buckle surgery is performed in an outpatient surgical setting at Amarillo Cataract & Eye Surgery Center.

  • Preparation: The eye is numbed, and sedation or anesthesia is provided for comfort.

  • Placement of the Buckle: Your surgeon accesses the outer layer of the eye and positions a silicone band or sponge around the sclera (the white part of the eye).

  • Retinal Repair: Additional treatments, such as laser therapy or cryotherapy (freezing treatment), may be used to seal retinal tears and help secure the retina in place.

  • Completion: The buckle remains in place permanently and is not visible to others.

Recovery After Surgery

Recovery varies depending on the extent of the retinal detachment and any additional procedures performed. Following surgery, patients may experience:

  • Mild eye discomfort or soreness

  • Redness and swelling around the eye

  • Temporary blurred vision

  • Sensitivity to light

Vision often improves gradually as the eye heals, although recovery time can vary from patient to patient.

The Benefits of Scleral Buckle Surgery

Scleral buckle surgery has been used successfully for decades to repair retinal detachments and preserve vision. By supporting the retina from the outside of the eye, the procedure can effectively restore retinal attachment and reduce the risk of future detachment, helping protect long-term eye health and visual function.

What is Retinal Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy is a procedure that uses controlled freezing temperatures to treat retinal tears and other retinal weaknesses that may lead to retinal detachment. By creating a small scar around the affected area, cryotherapy helps secure the retina to the underlying tissue and reduces the risk of further separation or vision loss.

Cryotherapy is performed in an outpatient surgical setting at Amarillo Cataract & Eye Surgery Center.

  • Preparation: Numbing drops and local anesthetic are used to keep the eye comfortable during treatment.

  • Treatment: A specialized cryoprobe is placed on the outside of the eye, directly over the area being treated.

  • Freezing Process: The probe applies intense cold to create a controlled scar around the retinal tear or weakened area.

  • Completion: The scar forms a seal that helps hold the retina in place and prevents fluid from collecting underneath it.

Most patients feel pressure during the procedure, but significant pain is uncommon.