Age Related Macular Degeneration
Scleral Buckles
Often times patients may experience retinal detachments, which, if caught early enough, can be treated. To treat certain types of retinal detachments, Dr. Khetpal may choose to use a scleral buckle. A piece of silicone sponge or semi-hard plastic is placed around the outside of the eye and sewn into place. Usually this device is left in place permanently
The device works like a belt that pushes in, or buckles the sclera (the white part of the eye) towards the middle of the eye. When the sclera is pushed inwards the traction effecting the retina is relieved thereby allowing the retina to settle against the wall of the eye. Sometimes the device only covers the area behind the tear, and other times the device is placed around the eye like a ring.
Typically the buckle itself does not prevent a retinal break from opening again. In addition to the scleral buckle the eye surgeon will typically use laser photocoagulation to spot weld the retina back onto the eye wall till a seal between the retina and the eye wall forms.
The Surgery and Risks
The scleral buckle surgeries performed through the Texoma Retina Center are done in an operating room on an out-patient basis, meaning the patient will go home the same day. The surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours but the time may vary depending on the complexity of the detachment
Patients may experience pain for a few days after the surgery and may have swelling, redness, or tenderness for several weeks.While scleral buckles are effective, as with any medical procedure, it is important to consider the risks. The risks for the surgery include infection, a raised pressure inside the eye (patients with glaucoma may have an increased risk for this), bleeding in the eye, detachment of the choroid layer, refractive error, and in some cases the device may impinge on the eye muscles. While there are other risks, Dr. Khetpal will provide you with any necessary information. If you have any questions please ask during your visits.
Request an
Appointment
Opening Hours
Calls are taken 24/7 for emergencies
Available on Saturday and Sunday for Emergency only. Call for appointment
LOCATIONS AND DIRECTIONS
