Retinal Detachment Surgery – Scleral Buckle and Vitrectomy

Retinal detachments are usually caused by retinal tears, and a scleral buckle can

be used to close the retinal break.

The scleral buckle is secured around the eyeball under the conjunctiva. This moves the wall of the eye closer to the detached retina. It also may move the retina closer to the vitreous. This alteration in the relationships of the tissues seems to allow the fluid which has formed under the retina to be pumped out, and the retina to re-attach. The physics or physiology of this process are not fully understood.

Retinal detachment surgery usually also involves the use of cryotherapy or laser photocoagulation. The laser or cryotherapy forms a permanent adhesion around the retinal break and prevents further accumulation of fluid and re-detachment.

Scleral buckles are done using local or general anesthesia and are often done as outpatient procedures. In the majority of treatments the buckle is left in place permanently but may be removed in the event of infection
http://en.wikipedia.org

More Retinal Detachment Surgery and Recovery