Retinal Detachment Treatment - Scleral Buckle Repair

Featuring Dr. Michael Kapusta, MD, FRSCS, Ophthalmologist

Duration: 1 minute, 37 seconds

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.

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.

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

Local Practitioners: Ophthalmologist