Scleral buckling



Definition

Scleral buckling is a surgical procedure in which a piece of silicone plastic or sponge is sewn onto the sclera at the site of a retinal tear to push the sclera toward the retinal tear. The buckle holds the retina against the sclera until scarring seals the tear. It also prevents fluid leakage which could cause further retinal detachment.


Purpose

Scleral buckling is used to reattach the retina if the break is very large or if the tear is in one location. It is also used to seal breaks in the retina.


Demographics

Retinal detachment occurs in 25,000 Americans each year. Patients suffering from retinal detachments are commonly nearsighted, have had eye surgery, experienced ocular trauma, or have a family history of retinal detachments. Retinal detachments also are common after cataract removal. White males are at a greater risk, as are people who are middle-aged or older. Patients who already have had a retinal detachment also have a greater chance for another detachment.

Some conditions, such as diabetes or Coats' disease in children, make people more susceptible to retinal detachments.


Description

Scleral buckling is performed in an operating room under general or local anesthetic. Immediately before the procedure, patients are given eye drops to dilate the pupil to allow better access to the eye. The patient is given a local anesthetic. After the eye is numbed, the surgeon cuts the eye membrane, exposing the sclera. If bleeding or inflammation blocks the surgeon's view of the retinal detachment or hole, he or she may perform a vitrectomy before scleral buckling.

Vitrectomy is necessary only in cases in which the surgeon's view of the damage is hindered. The surgeon makes two incisions into the sclera, one for a light probe and the other for instruments to cut and aspirate. The surgeon uses a tiny, guillotine-like device to remove the vitreous, which he then replaces with saline. After the removal, the surgeon may inject air or gas to hold the retina in place.

After, the surgeon is able to see the retina, he or she will perform one of two companion procedures.

After the surgeon has performed laser photocoagulation or cryopexy, he or she indents the affected area of the sclera with silicone. The silicone, either in the form of a sponge or buckle, closes the tear and reduces the eyeball's circumference. This reduction prevents further pulling and separation of the vitreous. Depending on the severity of the detachment or hole, a buckle may be placed around the entire eyeball.

When the buckle is in place, the surgeon may drain subretinal fluid that might interfere with the retina's reattachment. After the fluid is drained, the surgeon will suture the buckle into place and then cover it with the conjunctiva. The surgeon then inserts an antibiotic (drops or ointment) into the affected eye and patches it.

For less severe detachments, the surgeon may choose a temporary buckle that will be removed later. Usually, however, the buckle remains in place for the patient's lifetime. It does not interfere with vision. Scleral buckles in infants, however, will need to be removed as the eyeball grows.


Diagnosis/Preparation

Retinal detachment is considered an emergency situation. In the case of an acute onset detachment, the longer it takes to repair the detachment, the less chance of successful reattachment. Usually the patient sees floating spots and experiences peripheral visual field loss. Patients commonly describe the vision loss as having someone pull a shade over their eyes. In extreme cases, patients may lose vision completely.

An ophthalmologist or optometrist will take a complete medical history, including family history of retinal detachment and any recent ocular trauma. In addition to performing a general eye exam, which includes a slit lamp examination, examination of the macula and lens evaluation, physicians may perform the following tests to determine the extent of retinal detachment:

Small breaks in the retina will not require surgery, but patients with acute onset detachment require reattachment in 24–48 hours. Chronic retinal detachments should be repaired within one week.

Because scleral buckling is usually an emergency procedure, there is no long-term preparation. Patients are required to fast for at least six hours before surgery.


Aftercare

Immediately following the surgery, patients will need help with meals and walking. Some patients must remain hospitalized for several days. Many scleral buckling procedures however are performed on an outpatient basis.

After release from the hospital, patients should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise that could increase intraocular pressure. Rapid eye movements should also be avoided; reading may be prohibited until the surgeon gives permission. Sunglasses should be worn during the day and an eye patch at night. Pain and a scratchy sensation as well as redness in the eye also may occur after surgery. Ice packs may be applied if the conjunctiva swells. Patients may take pain medication, but should check with their physician before taking any over-the-counter medication.

Excessive pain, swelling, bleeding, discharge from the eye or decreased vision is not normal, and should immediately be reported to the physician.

If a vitrectomy was performed in conjunction with the scleral buckling, patients must sleep with their heads elevated. They also must avoid air travel until the air bubble is absorbed.

After scleral buckling, patients will use dilating, antibiotic or corticosteroid eye drops for up to six weeks to decrease inflammation and the chance of infection. Best visual acuity cannot be determined for at least six to eight weeks after surgery. Driving may be prohibited or restricted while vision stabilizes. At the six-to-eight week postoperative visit, physicians determine if the patient needs corrective lenses or stronger prescription lenses. Full vision restoration depends on the location and severity of the detachment.


Risks

Complications are rare but may be severe. In some instances, patients lose sight in the affected eye or lose the entire eye.

Scar tissue, even pre-existing scar tissue, may interfere with the retina's reattachment and the scleral buckling procedure may have to be repeated. Scarring, along with infection, is the most common complication.

Other possible but infrequent complications include:

Patients may also become more nearsighted after the procedure. In some instances, although the retina reattaches, vision is not restored.

Normal results

The National Institutes of Health reports that scleral buckling has a success rate of 85–90%. Restored vision depends largely on the location and extent of the detachment, and the length of time before the detachment was repaired. Patients with a peripheral detachment have a quicker recovery then those patients whose detachment was located in the macula. The longer the patient waits to have the detachment repaired, the worse the prognosis.


Morbidity and mortality rates

The danger of mortality and loss of vision depends on the cause of the retinal detachment. Patients with Marfan syndrome, pre-eclampsia and diabetes, for example, are more at risk during the scleral buckling procedure than a patient in relatively good health. The risk of surgery also rises with the use of general anesthesia. Scleral buckling, however, is considered a safe, successful procedure.

Severe infections that are left untreated can cause vision loss, but following the prescribed regimen of eye drops and follow-up treatment by the physician greatly minimizes this risk.


Alternatives

Vitrectomy is sometimes performed alone to treat retinal detachments. Laser photocoagulation and cryopexy also may be used to treat less serious tears. The more common alternative, however, is pneumatic retinopexy, which is used when the tear is located in the upper portion of the eye. The surgeon uses cryopexy to freeze the area around the tear, then removes a small amount of fluid. When the fluid is drained and the eye softened, the surgeon injects a gas bubble into the vitreous cavity. As the gas bubble expands, it seals the retinal tear by pushing the retina against the choroid. Eventually, the bubble will be absorbed.

The patient is required to remain in a certain position for at least a few days after surgery while the bubble helps seal the hole. Pneumatic retinopexy also is not as successful as scleral buckling. Complications include recurrent retinal detachments and the chance of gas getting under the retina.


Resources

books

Buettner, Helmut, M.D., editor. Mayo Clinic on Vision and Eye Health. Rochester, MN: Mayo Clinic Health Information, 2002.

Cassel, Gary H., M.D., Michael D., Billig, O.D., and Harry G. Randall, M.D. The Eye Book: A Complete Guide to Eye Disorders and Health. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1998.

Everything You Need to Know About Medical Treatments , edited by Stephen Daly. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp., 1996.

Sardgena, Jill, et al. The Encyclopedia of Blindness and Vision Impairment, 2nd Edition. New York, NY: Facts on File, Inc. 2002.

organizations

American Academy of Ophthalmology. PO Box 7424, San Francisco, CA 94120-7424. (415) 561-8500. http://www.aao.org .

American Board of Ophthalmology. 111 Presidential Boulevard, Suite 241, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004-1075. (610) 664-1175. info@abop.org. http://www.abop.org .

National Eye Institute. 2020 Vision Place, Bethesda, MD 20892-3655. (301) 496-5248. http://www.nei.nih.gov .

other

Handbook of Ocular Disease Management: Retinal Detachment Review of Ophthalmology [cited April 21, 2003]. http://www.revoptom.com/handbook/SECT5R.HTM .

"Retinal Detachment." VisionChannel.net [cited April 12, 2003]. http://www.visionchannel.net/retinaldetachment/treatment.shtml .

"Retinal Detachment Repair." EyeMdLink.com [cited May 1, 2003]. http://www.eyemdlink.com/EyeProcedure.asp?EyeProcedureID=52 .

Wu, Lihteh, M.D. "Retinal Detachment, Exudative." emedicine.com . June 28, 2001 [cited May 1, 2003]. http://www.emedicine.com/oph/topic407htm .


Mary Bekker

WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?



Scleral buckling can be performed by a general ophthalmologist, an M.D. who specializes in treatment of the eye. Even more specialized ophthalmologists, vitreo-retinal surgeons who specialize in diseases of the retina, may be called upon for serious cases.

The surgery is usually performed in hospital settings. Because of the delicacy of the procedure, sometimes an overnight hospital stay is required. Less severe retinal detachments can be treated on an outpatient basis at surgery centers.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR





User Contributions:

1
Jay Sandall
This article is very good info. I'm going in for my 3rd operation in January since March. They can't seem to get my retina to seal. The first one I developed a fold across the center and they went back in one week later to repair it. Is this common?
Thanks Jay
2
rachel
I am going to have the buckeling procedure next week and i am a nervous wreck -- has anyone had a bad experience =
3
Darrell
My experience was good. My eye was patched for a week and the doctor told me to stay on the couch for that week and to not move around too much. I was also supposed to not read with my good eye as it could cause the bad eye to move involuntarily. The next week I did some light reading and went into work one day. I still kept my eye patched for much of the time as this seemed to keep it more comfortable.

Long term I have 100% of my vision, though it is not corrected to 20/20 (corrected - I've got a minus 8.0 correction). Its gotten better over time (since May) and I'm hoping that it wil ultimately come back so that I can see 20/20 with glasses. One problem I do have is that there is a "wrinkle" in the center of my vision. If I look at vertical line (for instance) it will appear to "pinch" in at various places along the line. This did not become apparent for a few weeks after surgery as I could not see well enough after surgery to notice it. I am hopeful that this will go away, but the doctor says that it very well may not.

I assume by now that you've had your surgery. Hopefully all went well.

Darrell
4
rachel
I had the procedure done last month and I still have a gas bubble in place that still is not absorbed - Is this ever going to go away
5
George Vargis
Very informative article.
I am 64 years old, reasoably fit and very active. I am hypertensive but have no diabetes.
I had Cataract surgery in my right eye in 2005.
In 2006 I underwent the scleral buckle procedure for retinal detachment repair in the same eye.
Last week I had catarct surgery for my left eye. Now I find that my left eye is a great deal clearer than the right eyr which continues to have a blur, but has reasonable vision.
I do know that I am a potential candidate for retinal detachment in the left ete also.
The question I have is that, with necessaary precaution and timely action in the event of any signs or symptoms would it be possible to avoid the scleral buckle procedure, which essentially is a painful procedure with prolonged post operative discomfort.
Thanks and Regards,
George Vargis.
Bangalore,
South India.
6
Jennifer
I had a scleral buckle placed on my left eye two days ago following the discovery of a detached retina. At follow-up the next day, the doctor said there was some remaining fluid and that if it did not resorb, I would need to do the gas bubble. Can that fluid resorb? Is there any alternative to the bubble? I am fairly sore today and do not really wish to go back the OR any time soon. Thank you.
7
Aaron
I had a scleral buckle placed about 2 weeks ago. I am a 25 year old male who started having strange visual symptoms about 3 months ago. My symptoms didnt really seem to correlate with RD so I didnt actually get medical attention for it for about 3 months. The RD was on the inferior aspect of my retina so it was very slow progressing. I was INSANELY worried about the scleral buckle procedure pre op. I am a medical student and also have a bit of an anxiety issue so I really got myself psyched up for this! Turns out...this procedure is NO big deal at all. General anesthesia is also no big deal. Like I said I am only 2 weeks out..I have no visual field loss, no pain, and the eye is only a tad bit red...although it is still very dilated due to the atropine drops I was on...just so you know atropine drops have a long long duration of action...like 14 days plus some so dont worry about this if your pupil remains dilated for some time. Anyways...if you are worried...be known that although side effects are possible...they are rare. So relax, you will be alright!
8
Haley
My step-brother has his surgery next Thursday and I am very nervous. He is only ten years old and it's not fair that he has to go through this. I have never seen him so scared before. This website had very good information though and I understand what is going to happen now.
9
Devitra
My 8yr old son went into Bascom Palmer to get an anual eye exam with the opthomologist. He was diagnosed with ROP after being born which considered him legally blind, as he has light perception only, on left eye, but had some vision on the right. We were then referred to the optometrist to see if they could possibly get him prescribed glasses he was referred bck to the opthamologist to have LASER sugery to open up his view more on that good eye. The appointemt was scheduled under anesthesia since my son is still young and also suffers with astigmatism. A surgery very similar to laser surgery was performed. The day after, for the follow up, is when I noticed that he had lost his vision. We were sent home with the impression that the eye was a little swollen from the surgery but would recover within a few hours, later that day he was telling me that he still couldn't see from that eye.I called the Dr. immediately went to the ER found out he had RD, he was scheduled for surgery next morning and a gas air bubble was inserted in that eye under anesthesia. My son has had to keep his head facing down for 7 days now,our last appointment two days ago showed that there is still some fluid in the back of the retina and remains detached. We are to go back in two days to see if he will need the oil based silicone inserted under anesthesia which the doctor said would be the next step, to permently attach his retina. I'm praying that this surgery will be succesfull and he gets his vision back, it's been really hard seeing him go through this. I've heard about some succesfull stories with RD and hsve some hope. I'm a little nervous how he will react after surgery again, but I'm hoping for the best.I will comment after the outcome.
10
MIssy
I am 39 and noticed flashes in my left eye for 2 months. 2 physicians misdiagnosed me. I insisted on seeing an opthomologist where the correct diagnosis of a retinal detachment was made. I had the Sclero buckle procedure 10 days ago. My eye is very red but improving, my black eye is almost gone. My vision is blurred and I will need a new prescription when my eye heals further. I do see double to the extreme left. I saw double everywhere initially, thankfully this improved quickly. I anticipate this will continue to improve as time heals. My concern is that I have flashes still, however they are becoming less frequent. I will see the surgeon tomorrow and fingers crossed, all will be well. The testimoninals have been very helpful. As everyone reading this knows, since it is an emergency, there really is not a lot of preparation by the medical staff initially.
11
Missy
Great news and great hope! I went for my 2 week follow up and all is well. The retina is attached, the flashes are normal and will eventually disappear on their own. The vision that is still shadowed will resolve as well. My vision today in the left eye is -9.25, it was -7.0. This should still improve over the next 4 weeks. The best advise I can give is to stay patient. There is a lot of healing going on and the healing takes months. As your eye heals, it is adjusting still, so vision, flashes, double vision, reddness will calm down over time. I am soooo very thankful to have kept my vision!
12
Missy
It has now been 3 weeks post my scleral buckle procedure, and truely it has been a success. It is very difficult to find success stories, so I feel it is important to share. As above, I have been improving. I updated my prescription and now am at -8.50. This has improved since my update on May 27th. I have resumed work as an RN and drive just as I did before. I will be able to wear contacts in about 1 month. There is hope for anyone who has to undergo this procedure! Just wanted to share1
13
Micchael
Annoying and very scary, but it runs in our family. Both eyes. First, some years ago, my Mom, then me and lately, my 27 year old daughter.

All of us had the procedures above, with good results. My retinal surgeon is a miracle-worker. I lost vision completely in left eye, and now use it for reading and close work -- amazing!

The right eye is now 20/20 -- the retina here was only partially detached and required less work. I no longer need glasses. My daughter is doing fine.
14
George
I had the procedure done 4 years ago and have had no ill side effects. My vision in the eye that the repair was done is far better than the other one. After all the healing was done which was only a short time I only had trouble with depth perception at first. Once the eyes got accustomed to one another again I have had no problems.

My advise is to go for the procedure. I tried the CO2 welding method prior to the buckle and I wish I did that latter first.
15
neha
i had undergone this in dec 2007, it was the time of my exams jst 2 weeks before my retina detacted 4m side ways one right eye then i has urgently taken to hospita; as i had problem in vision then i came to now abt wt had happened to me,
i went under traetment
after i week
i was ok
and gave my exams
,

thought i dnt have any problem in vision wt gods grace bt at times i do see some floating things , doctor says avoid it, is it ok?

i want to wear contact lens but i am a nbit scared ?
16
luciana
my mum is having the surgery next thursday and as my brothers live abroad and my mum usually visits them.i wanted to know if you can travel by plane after you recover completely from the surgery?
Thanks
17
Michael
I have traveled by plane several times since my surgery. So did my Mom and daughter after theirs.
18
Chris
I had my surgery back in 1995. I had cataracts at 32 years old. 5 days after my cataract surgery in my left eye my retina detached. 6 months after cataract surgery in my right eye my retina detached. I had the buckle placed in both eyes.

Since that time I have had no problems and all is good!!!
19
peggy
i had a torn retina in (06)had laser surgery and it detacthed last of july,ihad surgery aug.,went back for ck.up ,it is detacthing again, the buckle is being put in sept.16th i'm a little apprehensive, is this normal? or is this an on going thing? i would love to hear some success stories .
20
Ruth
I'm about 10 years out from my retinal detachment and buckle. I had a bad detachment, cryo didn't work so the doctor did the buckle. I do have floaters, you learn to ignore them. The hazy cloud in my eye disolved nicely. Except for a couple of quick laser "touch ups" on both eyes, I've been fine ever since. Now I do have to tell you all that I was blind as a bat before, so the difference in my vision went from super, super bad, to just a bit worse in that eye. I still can't see clearly without contacts or glasses (in either eye). But that was nothing new to me. I see just fine with correction.

Oh, the worry about flying? No big deal. I am, however, forbidden to indulge in boxing, bungie jumping and barroom brawls...
21
Bob Moran
After consulting with many ophthomalogists, the sponge of the sceleral buckle (put on 25 years ago) has been seen to be coming through the top of my eye lid, somewhat hidden in the folds. The buckle is to removed on Monday, 12/14 on an outpatient basis by Dr Peter Weseley at Manhattan Eye and Ear. The sponge is now coming out of my eyelid very clearly. It looks like I could just pull it out with my fingers. I've left a message with Weseley's office. Pain last night and this morning, but not pain now. But I'm really freaked out by what's happening. Any suggestions.
22
Katie
I am 7 days post op from scleral buckle with gas bubble due to retina detachament. I am having great difficulty getting my eye to want to open very far and have much discomfort when it is open. Much more comfortable wearing a patch! I can see the gas bubble (like looking through goggles filled with oil/water mix). I was given very little info. pre op or post op as to what to expect during recovery. This is the 4th procedure in this 12 mos. in the same eye. First laser, then cryo, due both to detach. and tears. Eleven months later same tear tore again w/ hemorage, due to vitreous fluid detach. That is when I had my vitrectomy and now a month later a detachment, same eye - had the buckle surgery. The other procedures were very tolerable but I'm having trouble dealing with the recovery from the buckle surgery. Anyone want to share their experiences to reassure and prepare me for the days/weeks/months ahead regarding pain, eye opening, sensativity? My nasal passage is extremely dry and burning, my hair actually hurts,is this common?
My right retina was about 60% detached. I had cryosurgery + a gas bubble. That seemed to work great at first, but 2 month later, a small detachment was seen. I then had vitrectomy+laser+ gas bubble. No pain at all after the operation. The gas bubble went away in 2 weeks. My center vision has improved a lot. Not perfectly flat though. Round objects like clocks looked oval, and straight parallel lines looked pinched in the middle. But that is gradually getting better. After laser surgery I have a gray/ blind spot on the lower right side of my peripheral vision. But that is not bad, as long as my center vision is good. I was worried that the eye drops were giving me too much pressure in the eye, but that has gotten better since I've been tapering off the drops. It's feeling more normal every day and I'm grateful for anything close to normal, considering it probably would have gone blind without treatment!
I'm 22 years old, and I'm 7 days post op on my scleral buckle surgery. Thank you for your posts they've been encouraging. My vision before the surgery was about -9.0, so I'm worried about my vision getting worse when I'm finished healing. I now only have slight bruising under my eye, and its still pretty red looking but it gets better each day. I was really nervous about this surgery, and being so young but I'm glad to see that it lasts a long time and that there are so many success rates. I lost a little peripheral vision before the surgery but I noticed today that its slowly coming back so I'm very happy. I wish everyone else well. The surgery is kind of scary but its worth it to be able to not lose your vision.
Hello, I had this surgery (buckle with gas bubble) 11 years ago on my left eye. The trauma happend with a soccer ball. I'm 28 and it's OK. My vision on this eye is correct (I've lost 1/10 on the eye) despite the trauma was 6 month old when i consult!!! I do have floaters too but it's not so annoying.

I continue martial arts despite some doctors opinions (Some says OK others forbidden or it's your choice).

I try to have informations about removing the buckle because i can feel it when i look on the right and sometimes cause headache (I think it's something with the pressure). If you have such informations please Email me or post.

For conclusion i would say that most of the time you still have a normal life and that's the most important. Don't worry

PS : Sorry for my English I'm French
I'm 42 and had a "huge tear" in my retina. It was likely caused by PVD a couple months earlier (lots of flashes of light one weekend).

I had a vitrectomy and buckle surgery 17 days ago. I was a good girl and did what the doctor said: no lifting, no reading, no computers, etc. etc. All I did was sit up, watch TV, walk a LOT, and eat lots of antioxidants. I missed only 6 days of work (Friday--surgery, plus the whole next week), then returned and am doing well. I read a lot at work and am on the computer much of the day. I never got any bruising either, just a little swelling and a lot of redness and some crusties every morning.

I do have a pink bump on my eyeball (incision site?) that blocks about 20 degrees of my peripheral vision. And my vision with that eye is still not good. My pupil is still dilated somewhat. From above comments, it looks like that will take more time to get back to "normal."

I started driving again after 12 days. This may be too soon, but I turn my head a lot and use great caution. I feel ok going short distances.

Thanks to you earlier posters who said to be patient with all of this. I'm not good at that, but will try to wait it out and keep hoping for continued improvement.
Audrey patrick: It was great reading all of your comments. In various ways I can relate to all of what you say .
I had a vitrectomy and buckle surgery 3 months ago. My condition was complicated by being diagnosed with leukemia as the cause for the hemorrhage in my eye three years ago . The real problem was a torn retina that eventually healed itself causing a scar. Lucky for me that I got connected with Wills Eye in PA, the most knowledgeable and professional team of folks in the northeast US. Wills has a team of the best professionals in this field. Wills is working very hard to restore my vision. It’s going to take another 3 months before the oil bubble will be removed . So my vision is blurred for now. My best advice to all is have patience. As long as you are confident that you are being cared for by professionals knowledgeable in this field just have faith. If you are in doubt related to your care contact the Will Eye Institute . I know people that really didn’t see an appreciable difference in their sight for almost a year.
28
Richard
I had this surgery performed when I was 17.
It was the biggest mistake I ever made.

The pain after the surgery was excruciating and it lasted for two days before lessening.
My eye looked horrendous after the surgery.
It looked bloody and butchered and it took many weeks to start to resemble my normal eye again.
After about 18 months, my eye looked pretty much normal from the front, but whenever I looked to the side at all, the scarring and buckle were visible, and still are visible to this day (14 years later) ... and people often ask me what it is.

But, that's not the worst part.
The worst part is the nearsightedness.
The eye is virtually useless without glasses and I can't wear glasses because the unusual prescription required to accommodate the drastic difference in vision between my two eyes causes severe headaches.
So ... for the past 14 years I've been seeing most of the world through my one good eye which has been horrible.
I still get headaches unless I keep my bad eye closed all the time, but not nearly as bad as the headaches I get while wearing the glasses.
Also, the vision in my good eye has been getting worse and worse every year as the good eye tries to adjust to match the bad eye.


I'm not saying you shouldn't have the surgery.
If every doctor you visit tells you that you'll go blind without it, then you should probably get it.

But that wasn't the case for me.
The tear in my eye was tiny and I was told there was a chance that it could get worse so I should definitely have the surgery done.
When I asked about the surgery I was told that they would simply freeze the eye that would repair it.
I wasn't told that they would be cutting up my eye and installing a permanent silicone band that would destroy my vision.

It was actually a clear-cut case of malpractice.
The doctor saw that my family was poor ... that my parents were morons and I was a naive 17-year-old, and that our insurance company would pay for the whole thing .. so he went for the gold.
I looked into filing a lawsuit a few years ago but it turns out that my parents basically signed my life away just before I went into surgery.
They never read the paperwork that the doctor handed them to sign and that paperwork made him immune to virtually every kind of lawsuit.

If I could go back to 14 years ago, I would have taken my chances with the tiny tear.
I'm now looking into getting the scleral buckle removed.
One month after my buckle surgery, I still have a visible pink scar/bump on the sclera. I think this is called the kange. My dr. said it should go down and disappear in a few more weeks. He also said my dilated pupil may take 3-4 months to get back to normal since the main nerve to the pupil is easily damaged during this surgery. (I wear sunglasses and rejoice on cloudy/rainy days!)

Three weeks after surgery, I started wearing contact lenses (dr. said ok)and am seeing better. My vision is still changing, but I see improvement. I still find myself closing my eye pretty often, but not as much.

My one drawback: I have lost some peripheral vision to the right side (of my buckled eye) and down below. I bet I have lost 30% of it. The doctor thinks it's likely due to the re-shaping of the retina via the buckle. And, he says if, after many months, I get the buckle removed, the retina shoul go back to normal shape and I should have this vision again. No guarantee. Anyone else notice limits on peripheral vision after a buckle was installed? I play a lot of sports and am anxious about not having a full field of vision.
30
anonymous
Dar,
I had detachments in both eyes 10 years ago. Both eyes were successfully repaired with a combination of buckles, vitrectomy, cryo. and laser. It did take a long time for the redness of the eye to go away (probably two months), but time does heal. I do have a reduction in peripheral vision. However, my impression was that this was a result of the retinal tears and an optic nerve problem, not from the buckle itself. My surgeon referred me to a neuro-ophthalmologist to have the nerve issue checked out (to rule out strokes and other stuff). 10 years later, the reduced peripheral vision hardly bothers me at all. You learn to compensate very quickly (I turn my head a lot more when driving). I don't play sports so I can't comment on that, though I can see how it would be concerning. Otherwise, I lead a very normal life, as long as I have a pair of sunglasses handy! Good luck to you!
31
Debbie
I had this procedure 6 weeks ago and am still in a great deal of pain. The TV and sun light really bothers me, even now. I do have some (very little) permanent blindness, but I hope my eye will look normal, the pain go away and the brightness sensitivity lessens. I know I will need new glasses, and hope that once I get them, my vision will be better and these head aches stop.
On the 19th of April 10' I went in for cryotherapy for tears along the upper, and inner wall of my left eye. The procedure was painless with only some discomfort. My 4th follow up (May 10th) with my Surgeon he noticed new tears developed along the bottom of the eye;common occurrence. I went in that evening for scleral buckle surgery, which took 2.25 hrs. I had a Anastesiologist insert I.V and I was totally awake and relaxed.for procedure. I have had 4 follow ups and my Dr says healing on schedule. Next f/u 3 wks. I do have a gas bubble which will remain another 3 wks or so. My vision improves daily, and is fairly clear an improving (thanks to God) when looking around the gas bubble. Reddness fading, pupil still dialated due to med. I had a very good surgeon, and would recommend The Retina Macula institute in Torrance, Ca to anyone.
On the 19th of April 10' I went in for cryotherapy for tears along the upper, and inner wall of my left eye. The procedure was painless with only some discomfort. My 4th follow up (May 10th) with my Surgeon he noticed new tears developed along the bottom of the eye;common occurrence. I went in that evening for scleral buckle surgery, which took 2.25 hrs. I had a Anastesiologist insert I.V and I was totally awake and relaxed.for procedure. I have had 4 follow ups and my Dr says healing on schedule. Next f/u 3 wks. I do have a gas bubble which will remain another 3 wks or so. My vision improves daily, and is fairly clear an improving (thanks to God) when looking around the gas bubble. Reddness fading, pupil still dialated due to med. I had a very good surgeon, and would recommend The Retina Macula institute in Torrance, Ca to anyone.
I experienced a detached retina that tore because I did not respond quickly. I mistook the detachment for a migraine. I was diagnosed and had surgery within 7 days because a surgical team was not available. The first attempt to repair the tear tore again within 4 week. The second vitrectomy was also combined with an attempt to insert a scleral buckle. The surgeon decided after cutting into my sclera that it was too thin to attach the buckle. The scar tissue was becoming so thick that it affected the macula. I was was then directed to go to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami. The surgeon that treated me there removed the scar tissue sealed the tear and inserted the scleral buckle. It has been 3 sugeries and 3 months since the initial diagnosis. My last surgery was on June 7th. So far I can only see dark foggy light. I just thank God that I have one eye that still functions. I do believe that if I had had the recommendation to see the doctor in Miami initially I would have had a more positive experience.
For anyone who is nervous about getting the procedure done, I got it done 3 years ago, I was 12 when this happened. I was completely freaked out when they told me my retina was detaching, I started crying hysterically and I was so scared to have the surgery. After, I had to wear an eye patch, like others have said. The pain wasn't too bad, and after about 2 weeks I went back to school. The procedure went very well.
Unfortunately, I have had intense pain for the past 3 years, antibiotics helped though. My retina specialist thinks I have an underlying infection and that is what's causing the pain. On July 27th I am getting the buckle removed and I am pretty nervous about it. Hopefully all goes well.
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Page
I am going in for my scleral buckle procedure in a few days. I was very nervous, but after reading this article I am much more at ease. Thanks a ton for the great info and sharing the success stories.
I'm 24 days postop from my surgery which included the Sclera Buckle and Vitrectomy with gas bubble insertion. The operation is not difficult at all. It's the "waiting" that makes it a difficult surgery. I rented a vitrectomy chair and head unit that attaches to the bed. I'm not 100% sure (as the bubble is still in my eye) but I believe that it makes all the difference in the world. Dr. said healing is going great so far. So, if you are having this surgery, and need to be prone for an extended period of time, I highly recommend getting the chair. Not all insurance will cover rental reimbursement so check with your insurance company and plan to have it delivered right when you get back from surgery.

That said, does anyone know what we're resticted from doing (aside from bungie jumping and boxing? lol). I'm always lifting something heavy and do a lot construction. Also alot of aerobic exercizing with quick movements (both arm and head).

The bottom line is it just stinks to have this surgery (especially for the younger folks on this board). I'm 41 and wondering "why me"? I had cataract surgery 6 mos prior which is even more of a mystery - but the bottom line is it happened and life today is about recovery and moving forward.

Best wishes and prayers to everyone on this board. Things will get better.
I'd like to have my buckle removed due to the pain/redness/discomfort. It's irritating.

Anyone have this done? What are the risks/complications?

I wouldn't have agreed to this procedure if the doctor wasn't so upbeat about it being removed after 3 months.

I suggest anyone going for this massively invasive procedure first decide if the cryo/laser is enough to mend the retina. Then, if that doesn't work come back a few days/weeks to have the buckle placed in. Do not agree to the cryo + buckle combo to begin with. Learn from my mistake!
I've had the scleral buckle op done for about 6 years now, and am still having double-vision. Can anyone tell me if if its normal or not? My doc says the double vision may or may not go away.
I am 48 years old and had a detached retina on my right eye five months ago (simply for being nearsighted). I underwent surgery including a scleral buckle, vitrectomy with placement of a gas bubble. It was very scary and uncomfortable to go through this. I am writing this so I can give hope to those of you who are just learning about it because you will be going through this same surgery as well. Or have gone through it already, and are not happy with your progress.
DON'T GIVE UP! It takes time. At first, I could hardly see anything, my eye was swollen and as red as a tomato. I could hardly open it, it hurt and then itched like crazy. As the weeks went by, I could see more and more. It took months for the redness to go away, and it is still pink at times. But the itching, swelling and inability to move my eye like before, ALL these things are back to normal. So don't panic and lose hope. My eye does not feel the same, and I have a slight blind spot in my peripheral vision. But otherwise, my vision is pretty much like prior to surgery. And if your eye 'appears' to look smaller than before, this too, may change. Mine did, I even took pictures and was so sad to see how my right eye looked smaller. But not anymore, it looks just like before. I wish you all the best with your recovery and hope this helped you in some way.
I had this surgery done about 2 1/2 weeks ago, it was quick and I was released the same day. The pain (not severe) went away after about 3 or 4 days and it's nothing a pain pill or two can't fix. The headaches are the worst part. Trying to deal with the world with one eye out of focus is a pain in the head. I recommend that everyone do their research and not rush into this without all the facts and info. I was in the doctors office in the morning and they did the surgery that afternoon before i had time to fully educate myself on this procedure and how it would affect me. Everything has and hopefully will continue to go smoothly. It all happened so fast that i wasn't aware that i would be as near sighted as i am now. I knew it would affect my vision a little, like maybe i couldn't focus on something or someone 15 or 20 feet away from me but the reality is now I can only focus on something about 8 inches away from my face. I was not prepared for that news. They say It takes 6-8 weeks before you know exactly how much focal length you have. Educate yourself folks, It's important to know what your getting into.
I had a retinal detachment (possibly as a late result of cataract surgery) of the left eye about 15 years ago. The detachment was treated with a scleral buckle (no gas bubble). It was somewhat painful and I had to sleep sitting up, when awake in a dimly lit room, no reading, no exercise. Daytime TV is awful! but overall it was not so bad. I now have an uncorrectable and rather severe astigmatism -- every time it is measured, the result is completely different, so I am unable to get glasses or contacts to correct it. I have tried many times over the years. (Luckily, my distance vision is still good enough to pass the eye test for driving, but not 20/20 as it was before)

I then had the cataract surgery on my right eye about five years ago. Ever since then, I get very bad pain in my left eye (the one with the scleral buckle) from reading, even for a few minutes. This makes my job very difficult and painful as I am a software developer. I love my work and am not interested in doing anything else. When my left eye hurts (which is most of the time), it actually feels like the bones around the eye hurt more than the eye itself.

I feel certain that the scleral buckle must be the cause of this. Can it be removed after so many years? What will the impact be on my vision? If my vision was impacted would I even be a candidate for Lasik?

Please remove the two nospam from my address to reply. I'd appreciate any ideas. Of course I am going to see my ophthalmologist, but I'd like to show up armed with a few facts.
I had the scleral buckle surgery 4 days ago (Oct 22nd, 2010). I was very nervous and very scared. I thought that I was having "contact issues" a few days before, only to have a very good optimologist see a R.D. She sent me right to a Retina Specialist with the Retina Group in the Washington, D.C. Area. They saw me that day and said I had a 40% detachment high, to the right and back. I didn't notice it because it was periferal and so far back. Two days later I was getting the buckle done. The surgery was long (4hrs) mainly because I am a "bad drunk". I would wake up talking and moving during the surgery. Don't worry, I didn't feel anything I just kept talking smack about the surgeon's almamater. Note a good thing to do when he's got you under the knife. My eye is healing quickly (I think). It was sore the first few days. I didn't have any gas put in, just a few tiny air bubbles. I wasn't required to stay on one side or anything (accept for the first 24 hours face down). My eye is still swollen but getting better. It's opening and I can see, although I can clearly see that my perscription at least 4 days out is worse. I'm worried about double vision. It's like that now, but my eye isn't even consistenly open yet so I'm not sure what to expect. I'll let you know when I know.
44
Mark
I am 53 and I had a vitrectomy and the scleral buckle surgery on my left eye about 7 weeks ago. It was the third procedure on my eye in a space of 2 weeks, all emergency procedures. I went to my MD with complaints of a dark spot in the vision of my left eye, and was given a referral to an Opthalmologist. After 3 days waiting for an appointment I was examined and they scheduled surgery for the next morning. I was diagnosed with a RD and a "hole" in my eyelining. Cryo was used to repair the hole and tear and a bubble was inserted. I was told that I needed to lie on my side for a week in order to keep the bubble in position, pushing against the retina so that it would reattach itself. The following day an additional tear was repaired using laser. After a week laying on my side, which, at the time, I thought was uncomfortable, I returned to the surgeon. He told me to "take it easy", but I could return to work. I returned to work, I am an IT manager, and did not "take it easy" as I should and began having similar symptoms. I went back the following day and the "scleral buckle" and vitrectomy were scheduled for the following day. For the 2 days following the surgery I was in a lot of pain. I was required to lie face down for two weeks. This was made easier by renting a device for my bed that elevated my head above the mattress, and had an open cushioned area for my face. The first night would have been much easier if I had know of the availability of this device and gotten it in advance of the surgery. I was able to return to work 2 weeks later and was very careful in not over exerting myself. I still have a bubble in my eye that is shrinking daily and I hope that it will be gone in another week when I revisit the surgeon. My vision is currently much worse than before the problem, but I can focus well enough to read, if the book is about 10" away from my eye, not very practical. I am hopeful that this will be correctable with new lenses for my glasses. All in all this was not a pleasant experience, but if I still have vision in my eye, I really can't complain. It makes me very thankful that I have a great deal of support from my family, I don't know how I could have gotten through this without them.
My husband (ago 69) had a vitrectomy and Scleral buckle 4 days ago, and has orders to lie face down for 5 days. He also had a cataract removed w/o a lens implant so he knows he will not have much vision until he can get the lens (4-6 months) I'm wondering if anyone else has undergone the cataract removal at the same time as the other procedures? He had a partial detachment and within the last two months had 2 laser patches for holes in the retina and a vitrectomy to correct macular pucker. Has anyone had a similar experience? At this time he can see a little, but very little. I don't know how he will make it through six months!
46
alan
Hi I have had 3 surgerys in 3 months the last one was sceleral buckle and gas bubble one month ago and have seen my surgeon today all seems okay I was told just to wait for the bubble to absorb to know if my retina will hold. I have to say the last op was the worst regarding pain and discomfort it took me 2 weeks before it started to ease and regain any type of vision.
It really can be a bad experience I do sympatise with anybody enduring the same, I guess the only good thing is that when you are coming out on the other side everything seems so much better, it does take time and you need to stay positive because eventually it does go in the right direction, follow the advice given rest try to be patient and do not lift or bend down for anything, if like me it was sheer hell and I have to say a life changing experience as I will not take so much for granted and hope not to have to go through that hell ever again.
My brother recently experiened a detached retina. Initally had an office procedure done where a gas bubble was attemped. A week later the physician then used laser procedure in the office. Due to extreme pain he was experiencing, a decision was made to go to the OR. This was scheduled two weeks later. It's now been 2 1/2 weeks and the vision in the affected eye is minimal. Prio to surgery, her had 20/20 vision. How long do you anticipate before vision is completely restored or will it be restored. The physician reports he is do ing fine but my brother is extremely upset because he can not see out of his eye. Thanks for reading and responding to my question
48
Mark
I have had two major surgeries on my left eye due to detactment. I started with a large tear which I caught after about 23 hours after it happened. Laser treatment didn't hold the tears and I wound up doing a buckle surgery on the 16th of Aug. I didn't have a lot of pain, but the eye looked terrible. The doctor told me all about that though and assured me that it would get better, and it did. I would say that after that surgery, my eye felt different, although I can't exactly describe how. Unfortunately though, the retina detached again (in two places) so I had a follow up vitrectomy on Oct 6th. The retina seems to be holding although I still have flashes and wavy areas in my periphery. I think that I might have to learn to live with that. Honestly, I wish that I would have had vitectomy first due to double vision problems from the buckle. The double vision is the worst when looking left and down, and it's bad in the late evenings when my eyes are tired.

My problems all stem from terribly vision: -16 in both eyes. (The tears originally happened in lattice areas). At any rate, I'm overjoyed that I still have my vision, even if it is reduced somewhat in my left eye. Cataract surgery will likely be up soon due to vitrectomy, and I"m a little worried about that because of the risk of detachment, but that's just something that needs to be dealt with.

As others have said, educate yourself. I realize now that I have a great doctor who took the time to talk about why buckle instead of vitrectomy first, the side effects (double vision is the worst for me), the pain associated with surgery, what the eye would look like. I saw the doctor often after my buckle surgery and he answered all the questions that I had.

Check with your doc about his/her view of the surgery - what they feel your recovery time will be, how often they will do follow up (i was in every few days for a couple of weeks, and then once a week for a while - then I had the second detachment). That follow up care is important I think. For me anyway, the surgery worked out well (even though I had the vitectromy) because I didn't really have a lot of problems post surgery. My eye is still red from that surgery (at least I don't think it's from the vitrectomy), but that's gotten a lot better recently.

I do still have a fairly dilated pupil (about 50% larger than it should be I think), but that will probably get better too - if not, *shrug*, I can still see so it doesn't matter much. I did spend about 16 weeks total on atropine so I can imagine that it will never get all the way down to what my other eye looks like.
Hi. I'm hoping to find out if what I'm experiencing is normal. I had a retinal detachment 3 months ago. A scleral buckle and gas bubble were inserted and the doctors tell me the surgery was successful. I just started wearing new glasses to correct the vision in that eye but I still can't see. There's a cloud that seems to cover my entire vision and while I can see better beyond the cloud, my situation is hardly improved -- if both of my eyes were in the same condition as the one that has been operated on, I'd be legally blind. Has anyone had a similar experience -- does the cloud go away at some point? Thanks for your help!
Information about the recent eye surgery from Mevelyn
Hello,
Luckily there is the web... your article is very informative...
I am looking for help with double vision... my left eye has half a buckle. The vision is a such that I see left lower and twisted clockwise, but that is only when I am tired, expecially on the computer it might be better to were an eye patch. Driving is not so much a problem, close by is... reading, computer. I was reading about prism glasses... well, do I have to change at night when I am tired? Also, I am 50y, what can I expact getting older? What about muscle excercises? I am sure that muscles can be trained to be strong, my doctor says it does not matter, I do not think so? Any accumpuncture or accupressure points that help stimulate? Any herbs, avoiding foods etc... I am curious to hear from people in the same situation, trying to find there way back to normality... I also saw eye muscle surgery listed as a solution... So if you are a doctor that belleves there is a solution.. I would apreciate your input, feedback and perhaps help.
I had a scleral buckle placed two weeks ago for a retinal detachment. I went to see an optometrist when I ran out of contacts and it had been a few years since I had seen one. I failed one of the tests that checks your peripheral vision. I had a blind spot in the upper right quadrant of my vision in my left eye and didn't even know it. The optometrist looked closely and suspected a detachment. I went to see a retinal specialist the next day who confirmed it and I had surgery the day after that. My surgeon suspected I had it for sometime (months) because the fluid that had built up between the retina and the outer wall was very thick. He told me there was a possibility the buckle may not work because of that and we would have to do a vitroectomy which would have involved cataract surgery. The day after surgery he was pleased to tell me it was reattched. He also did laser procedures on both my eyes amd plans to do some additional laser on my left eye when I see him in 2 weeks. I have lattice degeneration and am very near sighted so it was probably due to these issues and not trauma. The only trauma I had was a road biking crash several months ago where I hit the ground so hard my helmet cracked so that could have caused it. The buckle completely encircles my eye. I did not do any bubble (thankfully!) After surgery and a few days later my pain was moderate, but about a week out it was much better. I took lortab and alever for about the first week for pain and it helped a lot. I have had a few headaches too. The hardest part for me was taking it easy. I have 4 kids, one of them a baby at home, so even with help I was up and about more than I felt comfortable with. This caused me to be really cranky at times. The pain a few days out was more annoying than actually painful. Also having decreased vision in the eye is irritating but in 2 weeks I will be able to get my prescription upgraded so I can see hopefully 20/20 with glasses/contacts. My left eye is still redish and swollen and my vision with my glasses is poor in my left eye. I have slight double vision but it has gotten much better this week and most likely will not be permanant. My surgeon said there is a 5 to 10 percent chance of permanent double vision that has to be corrected by more surgery but in his practice he has yet to have anyone have it (yay!) It feels like there is something in my eye, but that is because of the trauma to it because of surgery. The whole experience was not very traumatic for me. Only having 24 hours notice to prepare for surgery was daunting, I was under general anesthesia which was the first for me, so I was nervous beforehand, but now I am glad I did the surgery. I was lucky the detachment did not involve the macular area, especially considering how long it was that way. I had noticed floaters (but i have always had them) and I would sometimes see flashing lights when I would blink my eyes sometimes, but ignored it. My advice, urge everyone you know to get their eyes checked yearly. I have had my lattice degenration for sometime but had not gone to the eye doctors for years. If I had I would have known I was at risk for this. I am thankful my case wasn't more serious and that my surgery so far has been sucessful. I worry about how my eye will look aestetically in the long run (possible drooping or eyes different sizes) but I am glad to have my vision saved even if I am even more nearsighted. Also reading these post helped me as far as what to expect. Thanks for sharing!
53
Bonnie
I'm also 22 years old and 4 days post op on scleral buckle surgery. Thank you for the posts as well, it is good to hear the accounts of others who have been through this procedure. I was asymptomatic (no signs or symptoms) so it was good of my optometrist to refer me to an eye specialist when I went in to get new glasses, otherwise my RD would not have been found. When found I went for surgery immediately on the day and needed to posture on my right side while sleeping for three days with the first day lying down for 22 of the 24 hours for my eye to heal. All seems fine so far, eye is red and the bubble in my vision consists of one large one and 3 very smaller ones next to it (as if the bubble had split). Eagerly waiting for my eye to heal you do appreciate the finer things in life and are so thankful to have not lost sight of the bigger picture. I hope everyone else also goes well with their surgery.
Update: I am 6 weeks out from surgery now and my eye looks much better and is less swollen. It is still red in the outer corners and I can't wear contacts for another 6 weeks. My left eye was -9.75 before surgery, now it is -11.75. I have not gotten my prescription updated yet for my glasses but will in the next day or two. I no longer have double vision and am corrected 20/40 in my left eye. I am -9.75 20/20 in my right unaffected eye. I do not have any pain in my eye, but sometimes (usually when I am tired or not sleeping enough) my eye feels tight and heavy if that makes sense. If I look up and to the right or down to the left as much as I can my eye feels as if there is something in it, like I can sort of feel the band, but it doesn't hurt and one rarely has their eye looking that way most the time anyhow. I wore eye makup for the first time in 6 weeks today, starting to "feel normal" again as far as my aestetic apperance. Eye still is smaller and the lid abit droopy but I am hoping that will go away with more time. If not I can get surgery to correct the muscle that controls the lid my surgeon said. I am pleased about the outcome and hope with the laser surgery and check-up appointments that I will avoid any other detachments. For those who have experienced detachments and tears, you must join the detached retina group on yahoo groups. This site will not let me post the link. It is called detached-retina. The group offers great advice and support, since this is a pretty life changing experience. Be patient and optimistic and spread the word for your friends and loved ones to get annual eye checkups! God BLess!
Hi guys, am a 25 yr old guy from India and in my 1st yr Masters of Pharmacy (Biotechnology). I had a scleral buckling operation with general operation in Dec. 13, 1997 (on Jan.1 I was 12yrs old) as I was diagnosed with partial retinal detachment. I was very young then and I reported the problem to the doctor incidentally when I accompanied my grandmother to the eye clinic. Out of curiosity I told the doc that I too had vision problem in right eye, then in a big hospital I had the operation (ofcourse free cost as the hospital treats everyone freely including heart, neurological, urological surgeries too). I had -3.00 power after eye operation , then in 2001, nearly 3-4 yrs it decreased to -2.75.the doc says teh retina is fine and attached but I have macular pigmentation due to which I will not be able to see perfectly like my left eye which is 6/6 or 20/20. I go for regular eye check up once a year, now the doc says in my left eye too there is a slight chance that there MAY be a small tear, as they found signs which predisposes for a tear and suggested me for laser treatment for my left eye but I wish to take advice from other doctors too. I dont know if it is a familial history but my grandmother's aunt was blind later in her life, and hope to know the cause. I wished to know if any guys could restore good vision atleast with glasses after scleral buckling or laser treatment.
I have 6/24 in my right eye which was operated and left eye is 6/6 but the doc says i have got lattice degeneration in my left eye so a laser treatment may prevent from a tear future but cannot give 100 percent guarantee. I am confused so I wish to take advice from other doctors too as I am not interested in taking treatments to sensitive eyes. I had macular pigmentation in right eye which prevented my right eye to have perfect sight, even with glasses it is just a bit better, but only due to my left eye am having no problems. So I consider the left eye very precious and wish to get good info to keep it safe.
Sorry , that was not general operation but general anesthesia , scleral buckling operation I had.
I have had the buckleing procedure. It has been 2 months since the surgery, and the buble; although substantially smaller, it is still present. I have double vission as a result of the injury. Is this correctable? Will the condition worsen or improve? Will another surgery be required? Thank you for providing this service. Anxiously awaiting your reply.
I have a quwstion...Is there a complication of pain or pressure feel in the area of the performed surgery? We are 6 months post op and a complaint of pressure pain in and around the eye area exists 5 out of 7 days a week. Is this something to be concered with or is this a normal occurance?
I have had the scleral buckle procedure done over 3 years ago and not sure if this is normal but i started getting pain in that eye as well as that same side of my head -- it almost feels like my eye is bruised. I have recently gotten a job that requires me on the computer 8-9 hours a day so i am not sure if that is the reason -
I had 2 scleral buckle operations in 2009. It's almost 2 years now and I still have white flashes and flickering in my eye. My eye is also still sensitive and feels painful if I touch it. I went to the Docter yesterday and he said my eye looks good and everything is still intact but these flashes are really freaking me out. Isn't it suppose to go away?
My son had this surgery in 2007 and I was wondering if anyone knows if it increases the risk or your eye sight getting worse as time goes by. He went for a eye exam and now he is 15 and they are saying he is at risk due to having the buckle procedure years ago?

Please let me know if you have any idea?

Billy
I was hoping to read about more experiences with silicone oil bubbles. Seems like I'm one of just a handful of folks who opted for it.

I had just turned 40 in July and not even a month later, the eye doctor discovered blood in the vitreous humor. The blood was obscuring a tear in the retina. it tooks less than 24 hours from the time i noticed more floaters to a complete black spot. Thank god i paid attention to the symptoms and got to the retinal specialist immediately.

I learned that I am in a high-risk category: 40 years old, high myopia (-19, -17), prior eye surgery (Inter-collamer lens in both eyes), and prior Choroidal neo-vascularization.

I was 10 days into the recovery with a gas bubble and noticed a gray area that i didn't recall seeing before. Rushed to the retina surgeon. Had a new tear. He gave me my options and after lying with my head down for 7 days the first time, i opted for oil this time. I chose the oil so I could have somewhat of a life - moving around, working, sleeping in less restrictive positions. Of course, now that 10 more days has passed, i sort of wish I had done gas again. The oil has little tiny bubbles in it that the gas didn't have. They seem to cluster like a bunch of grapes right in my central vision. I have to tip my head straight up for a few seconds until they float to the sides. I can see fairly well when looking down - 45 - 90 degrees or so. The oil does catch the light and give weird refractions so I have to wear the old-man cataract sunglasses when i go outside or if i'm in a bright room. So far, I have had no unexpected side effects from either surgery. I do get headaches, but i think it's from not seeing clearly. It is challenging, but not impossible to drive since each eye has totally different vision. But I have just started off slowly - driving in familiar areas, when traffic is light, and not venturing out too far from home. The worst part is the "halos" i see at night from the street lights. It's pretty much impossible to drive at night. Even with that eye shut, the lack of depth perception makes me paranoid. I'm trying to get glasses of some sort for just the left eye that will reduce the glare and sharpen the central vision. So far, a magnifying glass style has improved the periphery, but the central vision is still off.

Glad to read that patience is the key. I try to stay positive, but like so many others, feel "why me?" when I'm otherwise healthy. My problem now is this horrible feeling of dread that I will be trying to live my life again and this will happen when i'm away from home: on a cruise, out of the country, etc.

I'm happy to share stories with anyone in this situation. :)
dear sire,,

i had an accident and having severely damage in my right eye it mean doctor said retina is fully damage.cannot get a vision i had 5 times surgery now i having silicon oil in my eye been 8 years so i would like to know can we replace a new retina ? or how can i get the vision ? now i am 23 years before 8 years it happen

it's a pleasure to hear you soon...

chamni divan
sri lanka
I have one eye blind and not see the two in the same direction but is it possible to recover and I have both eyes at the sight of one thing means that both the look right I will make every something that cures.

Florent.
My dad, 63 yrs old, just had his 4th retinal detachment surgery in 5 months. The first surgery they did the belt and the bubble. 2nd, 3rd & 4th surgery they did a really big bubble. Has anybody else had to have this many surgeries? He's very active and as you know basically can't do anything afterwards but sit with his head down all of the time. I'm hoping to hear from someone who has as many surgeries with a success story at the end.
Had this surgery Sept.12.Still have a droopy eyelid and blurred vision and some serious sized floaters in this eye. Has only been 12 days and one visit to opthamologist for follow up. From reading above, it seems that this can take many months to have vision return to normal. The biggest problem so far is the lack of activity. Hopefully, there will be steady improvement as the days go by.

I only waited 4 days to go to the optometrist about the shadow on the right when I looked left. She diagnosed this possible RD and called the local hospital that specialized in eye care. In less than 6 hours, the surgery had been done by a leading opthamologist in our city.

Here's hoping that there are no further complications...find it very hard to be lazy.
68
L.H.
Had my buckle with vitrectomy put in in 2004. It took about 4 months for the gas to disappear, and not totally to be gone for 6 months, just less annoying at 4. I've been told to avoid any type of eye trauma, as even with the buckle, my eye now has a weak retina, and always will, and likely always has. Tears can still happen post-Op, down the road. Mine right now has what's called 'traction' and could lead to a new tear. I am actually wondering about Marfan syndrome, because I had braces for crowded teeth in my teens, been told I have scoliosis, have family members who were diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse, and I have had a detached retina in one eye, and a smaller tear in the other. Anyone know anything about this from a Doctor? I've read the online resources to no end... Also, FYI I was told normal activities are fine, same with exercise, but not overboard stuff like Martial Arts sparring, and even Hot yoga was not recommended, just regular yoga. I think I might do tai chi. Wow I am 34 not 80. I'm going to ask about planes, last time I travelled on one, my eye was red and bloodshot and hurt afterwards. One eye was lasered, the other was buckled with a vitrectomy so I had the works. Hey people, at least be grateful for what you have, this surgery was not available during my whole life time, and was there when I needed it. Good luck and any insight on Marfan would be greatly appreciated, or if you have it. I don't have the long arms thing or double-jointed thing going for me, so that might be a good thing! Good luck and godspeed with your healing and recoveries from surgery. LH
69
Alisa
After two laser procedures to fix a tear in my retina, I suffered a vitreal hemorrhage and total detachment of retina/macula. Three days later, a vitrectomy, gas bubble and laser surgery was performed. Two and a-half weeks after surgery, the retina is flat but I can only detect some light in this eye. The doctor's say that what happened to me is not the norm, the total detachment plus development of scar tissue. The scar tissue was removed during surgery also.

I was told it could take months for recovery. My question is, will I regain any sight? I don't understand what has to happen for sight to return. From what I read about other's experiences, they are able to see after surgery, albeit not always well at first. I could see nothing but blackness prior to surgery, now post op I can detect light only. Could someone let me know what to expect. I am preparing myself for the worst.

Thank you.
VERY INFORMATIVE. WOULD LIKE TOO CONTACT AND ANSWER QUESTIONS. AS A CONTACT GROUP.
I had a a scleral buckle, vitrecomy and gas bubble in my right eye on 14 October 2011 as an emergency operation under general. I also had some laser done to my left eye because of latticing. My right eye It was v painful for the first 3 days, but after that, normal paracetamol and ibuprofen was sufficient to keep the pain levels down. I had tears in all 4 quadrants of my right eye and the Consultant said I had 'the works' on the operating table. To be honest, my left eye which had the laser was so easy that a week after the operation I had to ask the surgeon if he actually did anything as I couldn't notice anything different, although this may have been because of the large amounts of painkillers I wads taking for my right eye! After the operation I had to do posturing for 10 days which involves spending 50 minutes of every hour with your head facing the floor. this was perhaps the worst part for me as I am normally very active, but since I was a little under the weather after the operation it was less frustrating than I imagined and I broke it down in my mind to 4, 3 day events which seemed to make it better as I could aim for 25% through it 50% etc.

5 weeks later (still not returned to work yet) I can see pretty well, the pain is infrequent and not too bad, I rarely take paracetamol to ease it and, apart from the frustrating bubble in my eye (which is now about 10% of my visual area, originally 95%) it just feels a little more short sighted. My sight gets better daily, but apparently it could take a few months to stabilize. I have started driving again this weekend without any problems, and I have been doing 2-4 hours work form home emailing, reading reports etc.

I have a consultants appointment next week, when it is likely that he will be able to tell me how my vision is doing. It wasn't a pleasant experience by any means, but it wasn't that bad on the scale of things and the recovery time is relatively short. Hopefully I will be told the surgery was successful next week.

If you have to have the surgery, it really isn't too bad in my experience and much better than the alternative of going blind.
72
Matt
13 months ago my eye doctor was diagnosing my left eye with iritis when she noticed a small retinal hole in my right eye. She said it looked small and I would probably need laser surgery to repair it. The next day I met with a retinal specialist (who happens to also be the owner of a large chain of eye care centers) who said I did have a tear, and I was set up with an appointment to have surgery the next day at a hospital 2 hours away. All of this was after I experienced very little in the way of symptoms. I had noticed a few small flashes, but that was it.

Anyway, the whole situation was very confusing, but I trusted the doctors. When they told me I needed to have cryopexy and a scleral buckle, I accepted it. They did not entirely explain to me the risks nor did I have the time or opportunity to research and find out if this was true. Having read about these things afterwards, I feel like they rushed me into a more expensive and possibly unnecessary procedure for a small hole that cryopexy could likely have fixed by itself.

To make matters worse, I have a large bump on the top of my eye. When I asked my retinal specialist about it at a follow up, he merely smiled and said that it was from where the buckle was placed. He seemed to indicate that it would just always be there. But again, I have now read that it is supposed to mostly go away. Over a year after the surgery it is still the same size as before. It rubs against my eye socket sometimes and I can feel it moving around in there. If I close my eye and look down, it can be seen rubbing up against the eyelid. I also still have an occasional moving flash right in the area of the surgery (the same spot in my vision where the gas bubble had been for two weeks). My doctor told me my eye was fine and not to worry about the flash unless it got worse.

I also had another complication. About six months after the surgery, I was playing basketball by myself in my yard when I noticed there was a weird flash that I could see when I moved my eyes left to right. It was not a normal flash, but instead looked like a jagged line, like a river might look on a map, or the way a scar would look. It was always the same shape and located in the same area of my vision. I could see it whether my eyes were opened or closed, but only when my eyes were moving. I noticed it more when I wore contacts, but at other times I would not notice it at all. When I finally went to see my retinal specialist, I ended up getting his son instead. He asked me rather quizzically about my symptoms and did a thorough job examining BOTH my eyes, not just the one I had trouble with. Of course I later found out I was being charged double for that. He could not give me an answer for what I was seeing, but suggested that it was just the scleral sponge rubbing when I moved my eye. He said it was nothing to worry about, but he wanted me to come back in two weeks for a follow up, which made me suspicious. At the two week appointment he told me I was fine, but then asked me to come back in a month. I refused to make another appointment because it was clear to me that either something was wrong and they didn't want to tell me, or nothing was wrong and they simply wanted to bill me for extra appointments.

So what I would like to know from others who have had this surgery is whether or not you have a bump on your eye from the buckle, and if so, how long have you had it? Has it receded/gone down any? I'm concerned that I may have received a botched job.
73
Jorge Garcia
I had a buckle with a vitrectomy gas bubble put on May 11 2010. after procedure a developed a cataract and a macular hole. the cataract was fixed but i have had 3 procedures to seal the macular hole. I did not know that developing a macular hole might have been a side effect of the first procedure. I'm wondering if anyone else has gone thru this.
74
Shonda
Matt - I had a scleral buckle inserted into my right eye two years ago, as well as two laser surgeries on my left for retinal repair. I have a bump on both the lower and upper part of my right eye, that I was told it was sutures and would recede. It hasn't, and although it doesn't interfere with my vision, it does irritate the inner part of my eyelid, especially when I'm having allergy problems or when a pressure-changing weather pattern moves in. Lately the ocular bone itself has been sensitive and feels bruised. When I told my regular eye doctor that today, he looked at it and advised me to make an appt with my surgeon immediately to have him look at it. I have an appt a week from today. Will let you know how it turns out.
75
Wendy
I had the scleral buckle procedure done on my right eye on December 21 due to my severe nearsightedness. I was terrified because this was my first time under any kind of anesthesia. The surgery was actually a piece of cake. My eye was sore and itchy for about two weeks, but this part of the recovery has been fine and pretty easy. It's my dilated pupil that is driving me crazy. I realize that it will take more time to shrink back to a somewhat (hopefully) normal size, but how do you deal with the dizziness and awkwardness of having one dilated pupil --- 24/7? I can no longer wear an eye patch and a contact in my good eye because my depth perception is way off. Any advice? Thanks so much!
Thank you so much everyone for all your comments. My beautiful ten year old boy had the operation yesterday as a result of an accident in the playground three days ago. And I can't sleep with worry. It's really helpful to read about all your experiences - the good and the bad. It makes it less scarey. Poor boy has spent the day in a darkened room. He's finding the drops very sore. Is that normal? He also has a cut on the cornea so that's probably not helping is it. It's Sunday, but will ring the hospital if it's not stopped hurting so much by Monday. Good luck everyone with your recovery
77
sam
My father who lives overseas recently came to the US because of eye problems. The doctor informed him that he had a completely detached retina in left eye and a tear in the right eye. The right eye was repaired with laser surgery but he is hesitant about getting the surgery for the one thats completely detached. the doctor warned him that since it has been 4 months since it started the central vision would probably not return and the complications could be many including 3 or 4 other surgeries depending on how the first went. He is 77 years old and doesnt know if he wants to endure a painful surgery. He does realize that if nothing is done he will eventually lose what limited sight he now has (about 5%) what he reaaly wants to know is what happens if he doesnt get the surgery? Besides vision loss is there any other side effects that are dangerous if he doesnt get the surgery? thanks for any help
78
Morgan
I had 3 holes in my retina that the doctor found on March 10, 2011. On March 14th I had a cryopexy and a vitrectomy with my buckle. I am 24 years old and have never suffered any trauma to my face. They couldn't fit me into surgery as soon as they would have liked because I was seen on a Friday so I was told to sleep sitting up for the weekend to avoid further tearing. The surgery was a breeze, afterward I was unable to open my good eye due to the pain in my left (surgery) eye, when one eye tries to open the other one follows. I stayed in the hospital overnight and was able to open my right eye the next day and see through a contact. I was out of work for 6 weeks, spent most of it on my right side or face down. The gas bubble remained for 76 days before it was completely gone. It has been almost a year and other than a little pinching where the buckle runs through the eye lid muscle (mostly after crying or when my eyes are dry and they swell a little) I have very little trouble. Not all of my peripheral vision has returned to one side. Hope this helps all the worriers!
79
Rodger
I have had both my left and right eye buckled,both were a horrible experience but im not blind now,but i would be without the surgeries,its been about 2 yrs since my left eye was done i still have alot of drainage and i have to wear glasses now,it can take years to heal fully mine is still healing,its been hell but it beats being blind which i would be in both eyes without surgery,i had multiple tears,the lazer to me was the worst,i have very sensitive nerves and the lazer treatment would put me to the floor in pain my headaches would last for weeks 24/7,i could go on and on,but i had no choice and it did work so far,if anyone has any questions feel free to email me.
80
jennifur
Hi everyone my name is jen im 24yrs old First off i wish everyone the best in there surgeries n recoveries. I had some retinal tears in 2010 i had the laser done. Recently i had more done in my right eye but a week before i could recover i noticed the flashing light which is irritating i knew something was wrong i had two more small holes in my retina n a hemorrhage. But no detachment my doc wants to do a scleral buckle to prevent the detachment i admit was scared that's y IM up late researching. IM glad to hear positive feed back. Hopefully After i have my surgery everything go good Ill let u guys know how my surgery went good luck to all just like the Guy said above anything beats going blind do if your having problem just have faith
81
Claire
I have had 5 surgeries in 6 months. Second time they did scleral buckling and it was somewhat painful for a week and I had some bruising. but not bad. I used ibuprofren for pain and it worked. If your surgeon says it is necessary, you have stay positive if you need it. The pain goes away. I do not feel or see the buckle at all. I have PVR, where the scar tissue continually pulls the retina down. I have had the gas bubble twice and then silicone oil twice. It is now in there for maybe 9 months or more until hopefully retina stays re-attached and more stable. My vision is less than it was and this is not a definite fixable problem. Only time will tell; there are days of anxiety and worrying about my other eye, but I am trying to face it head on and be educated and informed about my condition so I know what is happening and why. Now I can be realistic about the outcome and deal with it..I am lucky to have some of the top retina surgeons in the county. People who has not had to luckily deal with it this situation cannot understand what we go through. Good to know there are others out there who have had more than one surgery and that there are some success stories. Good wishes to you all.
82
Carol
Hi everyone. I richocheted a tennis ball to my eye and one week later had a "wash out" procedure of the front of the eye. 4 days later I had a trabeculectomy for glaucoma. I experienced some lights in my eye 4 days later and I developed a black area from 6-9 in my eye towards the nose. At first the surgeon shrugged and blew me off. Two weeks later I went back to complain of the same black thing and was diagnosed with the retinal detachment. I had a Giant retinal tear and had a vitrectomy and scleral buckling on my right eye 2-29-12. I had the nitrous oxide gas bubble placed and was required to have my head down for 3 weeks. It was a daunting task but I fell into a routine and was able to read a lot. I am a medical professional. I thought that the eye was painful for all the drops for a few days and the eye definately felt mangled as I could not open it for 2-3 weeks. It was really red for the first 2-3 weeks. In just the past week I have started to converge the vision in both eyes and I did see a slight double image at first when I started to use my right eye. I never lost vision, just had some blackness towards the nose that seems to be gone. I did have lasik in both eyes about 6 years ago. I feel that my vision in this mangled eye is pretty good--up and over the bubble. The bubble is like looking through to the bottom of a glass of water when having to look down for 3 weeks. With my head upright, it is like looking through the side of a glass of water--between the top of the water and the top of the glass. I did not think the eye was too painful, but did take some of the vicodin pills I was prescribed. The eye is still sore and I believe that I can feel the buckle or the pressure of the scleral buckle--which I was told was a piece of silicone. I am happy to have vision in the eye and hope not to need further correction, but was told by all surgeons that I could have a lasik enhancement--I would not do that for a good year or two. Good luck to those recovering. I hope this was helpful.
83
Jen
Hi everyone,
I had a buckle put in about 3 years ago after getting hit in the face with a football. I had the operation less than 48 hours after. I was scared and it's nerve racking. My doctor explained the risks which were around vision being affected after the surgery as the buckle can change the shape of the eye and affects vision.
I had it under general anaesthetic as there was no way I could have it done under local although they did offer!!! The operation went really well and I felt worse from the anaesthetic than I did from the operation itself. My eye was sore and red which is to be expected. I put the drops in and wore a patch at night time. It was sore/unconfortable but not painful.

I can see the buckle stitch if I look to the side but it's only two small bumps so I don't mind it and I can't feel it. I had an eye test the morning after the op and my eyesight was back to normal. I didn't have any double vision or if I did it lasted a limited time. I occasionally see black dots but normally in extreme sunlight and it's certainly not even every day.. Your brain learns to filter it out..
I had a very good experience with this op and i want people to hear my story.
84
Sylvia
How soon after Scleral Buckle surgery is it safe to swim or fly.
85
Allan
had SB surgery two weeks ago; double vision at first. very disconcerting; has basically went away. vision has also come completely back; still have floaters in DR eye. Back to work a week after. everything is normal according to the doctor. another followup visit tomorrow. SB urgery did take a lot out of my body; I was tired a week but feeling OK mow so just waiting on the doctors OK to go back to a normal life. I am 55, male and in decent shape.
86
Sue
So far I have had three surgeries to repair retinal tears and detachment in my right eye. The first surgery was in April, I did well for about two months then noticed flashing lights and a dark line across the top of my eye; went to the doc found out I had another tear and the retina was starting to detach, so they did the buckle thing. I was told ahead of time by the doctor that there would be more pain involved with this second surgery. He was right, it was like the pain you have when some foreign object (hair/eyelash, etc.) gets in your eye and you can't get it out, and the eye was very sensitive to sunlight, which was bad because by the time I had the second surgery it was July and the weather was very warm. Anyway, a few weeks after the second surgery I was starting to see a little bit, but that only lasted a few days then it all went downhill from there. I couldn't see hardly at all, went back to the doctor, he checked it out and I had developed scar tissue which was causing another tear or two; he diagnosed it as PVR Retinal Detachment. So, it was back to surgery for the third time. The doctor removed the scar tissue, fixed the tear and put silicone oil in my eye which will have to be left in the eye for a number of months. I also have developed a fairly bad cataract from the two gas bubbles I had in my eye after the two surgeries, so will have to have that removed. At the present time my vision is blurry (mostly the cataract I am told), but can see enough to confuse my good left eye. I go to the Opthomologist next week to be see about getting glasses. Hopefully they can give me some type of lens for the right eye as well that will help the vision a little bit at least until I can have the cataract removed. At least I was able to go back to work a week after the third surgery, and can now drive. I was able to determine that my retinal detachment was possibly a hereditary thing, my father had the same detachment in his right eye as well and had the scleral buckle too.I sympathize with everyone, but glad to read the success stories. Hopefully we will all recover in the near future.
87
Andy
I've had SB surgery in my right eye in August 2011. I had no idea what I was dealing with, and the doctors looked so calm about the surgery that I believed that the procedure wouldn't have any serious consequence, like an appendicitis or so. Howevever, they had warned me that there could be another surgery, provided the first one failed.
Anyway, everything went well for the first months... at first, my eye wouldn't move correctly and I had double vision, but that was due to the local anesthesia they had used. They told me I shouldn't wear a patch, since the eye needed some air, so instead I covered the right side of my glasses. Then I restarted using a contact lense but only in my left eye. Meanwhile, I visited the doctor weekly, and he told me that everything was going right. I waited like a month or so to use the lense in the right eye, and soon I realised that I had some kind of distorted vision, which I found out trough the internet, is called Metamorphopsy. When I told this to the doctor, he told me that it was normal, and it could be gone in a year or so.
So I went back to my life in a pretty normal way. I used to play football (or soccer) before the surgery, and I had to wait like three or four months to do it again, but luckily I was able to. In january, 6 months after the surgery, I stopped wearing sunglasses, since me eye wasn't so red and swollen. But one day I woke up early to play football with my friends, and found out these annoying floaters moving through my vision. I got really depressed when I was told that they would never go away, though in time I would get used to them. So I kept living my life until, a week or two ago, I was still seeing my eye kind of swallen, because the drooping eyelid that has been improoving for months, wasn't entirely gone. My doctor told me that it was due to the silicon buckle, and that it could still improve. He also told me that it was not advisable to remove it, since it was still helping the retina hold in place. By the way, the metamorphopsy didn't completely go away, although it's almost unnoticeable and I'm still getting used to the floaters (I have my days). The eye may still get a little pink when I use the lense, but the doctor told me this could happen, and that I should have patience.My question is, for those who have had the surgery a long time ago, does the eye recover aesthetically, or does it look smaller than before? I know it may not sound as a big deal, but I'm twenty years old and it kind of is to me. Should I wait until the buckle has no effect on the retina and try to get it removed or simply wait and see if the eye goes back to normal with the buckle in it?
88
pp
my mother aged 80yrs underwent scleral buckle implant 15 yrs ago.For the past 2 yrs she has been experiencing discharge from that eye & recently even blood has come. She has been taking moxicip eye drops & ointment for the past 3 weeks.Ophthalmologist suggested that buckle is exposed & infected & he said he will explant it under local anaesthesia.What is your advice?can she prolong antibiotic treatment with a surgery bcoz with local anaesthesia is it not painful at that age?Please advice me.
thanks
89
uma
Many thanks for the good comments! I had a SB opt a couple of weeks ago and i share several of the experiences post here. The comments posted here are comprehensive and the most helpful resource i have come across on RD.
90
Ron
I had the gas bubble surgery that turned out to be a failure, a scleral buckle after much laser burning, a retinal reattachment because the scleral buckle did not work, and two more retinal reattachments because of failures or scar tissue reduction and this took less than four months. While the SB might be a good procedure for diabetics, the surgeon who did mine left me with a double vision problem that is also slanted in one eye (SB eye) which makes life tough. Advice here, make your surgeon justify the procedure and don't accept the advice that it will correct itself in six months. Mine has not, and probably will not. I now hope that my retinal specialist can do something to help me when he removes the oil from my eye.
91
Cheryl Eversoll
I had the reattaching surgery and buckle on Jan.9th of this year. My eye is still halfway dialated and am wondering if this will get better? Also the gas bubble is still present and looks like it is apx. 1/3 to 1/2 the size of my eye. I can see through this translucient black bubble and wonder if it will ever go away? If anyone can answer these questions, I'd sure appreciate any help. I am going to see my eye surgeon in a couple of weeks but wanted to try to ease my mind now. Thanks
92
Suzyd
I had a retinal detachment in 1972 aged 14 (I am now 54). I had a scleral buckle procedure and also laser surgery (one of the first in the UK at that time to have it). In those days I was hospitalised and laid flat for six weeks! My sight has been fantastic for the last 40 years. Just after Christmas I experienced severe pain in the eye and after seeing several constants was eventually diagnosed. One of the sutures from the buckle had worked its way loose and was coming through the sclera. The doctor is hoping that this will eventually heal itself but 3 months down the line I am still in agony. He is reluctant to remove the buckle as it has done its job for 40 years and it may upset rings. Wondering if anyone else has had this problem? I am having trouble sleeping as the pain is mostly at night when I close my eye. Thanks.
93
suzyd
That should have read "consultants"(not constants) and "things" (not rings). Spellcheck!
94
Martha
I had a retinal detachment repaired with a scleral buckle several years ago with no complications. My vision never fully recovered but was correctable. Now I have a cataract that needs removing. Any experiences I need to know about?
95
M Villalovos
I had scleral buckle done 4/5/13. I have had 2 followups and vision is improving daily. However- since returning to work this past Monday I am experiencing a pain/pressure in affected eye- not eye itself but intemple, and behind eye, sinus area. No sign of infection, redness decreasing- note that a lot of people experience this pain- will it continue or is it just a wait and see ? No pun intended. M. Villalovos
96
Wilfred
After a scleral buckle.Is it removed after healing is completed?
97
jane
i had the buckle done twice in four months it has caused severe double vision, i had the buckle took out 4 weeks ago as it was not working and still had tears in my retina, they have done laser, hoping that will work i go back in ten days to the hospital to see what can be done still getting lots of flashed, plus i lose the sight in my eye quite a bit, the double vision is still really bad, i have to wear a patch over my glasses so i can just get on with every day living, its a nightmare :(
98
Andrew
I had this surgery 32 years ago as a 13 year old. Retinopathy of prematurity left me with blind left eye and scarred retina in right. Regular checkups from birth, at age 13 a tear was found, surgery the following day. Cryo and buckle.

Short term discomfort, but nothing too bad. No loss of vision.

Long term effects

1. Early onset cataract (20 years after the scleral buckle) - possibly as a side effect of the earlier surgery. Good outcome for cataract surgery.

Retina is good - now discharged from regular checkups after 45+ years :)
99
MARY
I had scleral buckles done on both eyes over 20 years ago on an emergency basis. I have had no problems since then although the recovery time then wasn't so great. I did have early catracts and had those removed about 3 years ago. I just noticed a bump in my left eye, I went to my regular eye doctor who said that the buckle is pushing out. I have no pain or anything and he didn't think it was anything to worry about. He said the only thing they would do is take it out. Has anyone ever had it removed? I have an appointment with a retina specialist in 2 weeks. Just wondering if anyone could share if they've had it removed.
100
Sam
I am a retina specialist. If the buckle was done that long ago and the retina has been attached all these years, you're probably ok. The retina specialist would be able to tell you before surgery if there is any suspicious areas that could potentially redetach after surgery. The redetachment rate is generally low. Good luck!
101
Kimberly
I had the buckle last Thursday, so officially 1 week 1day. Swelling, bruising, are almost gone. I didn't have any real pain in the beginning but am now experiencing throbbing pain in my eye over my eyebrow. Went back in to Dr. to have it looked at, was told everything looked great. It's been 2 days since I went back and the pain is increasing anyone else experience this? I've also started seeing flashes of light that I haven't had before; is that normal?
102
Trina
Had the surgery last week. Back to work in 6 days. Tired by days end. My eye still very sore but otherwise I am on the mend. The after recovery part is more painful then I thought it of be but managable. I also have a 2 yr old and an 8 yr old. My husband was instrumental in helping bounc back.
103
belinda
I had the Scleral buckle done April 7 2014. I put it off a week being so nervous and having a child with special needs. Recovery has been rough. A ton of headaches. Seems like the pain hits me when I wan't to sleep. I did get 2 opinions on this surgery, At age 41 I went for it. I was also told I need lasering on my left eye. I think it could of been caught sooner if I had my eyes dilated when I wen't to the doctor instead of getting my glasses and going over the years. I had no symptons or injuries just a weird feeling in the corner of my right eye. Im 2 weeks into recovery. You will needs lots of rest after this and a huge support team. ill keep you posted on my recovery. Im in NYC if anyone chooses to email me or needs a good DR , belindaadra@aol.com
104
debra
has anyone been left with a crooked eye after the skeleral buckle? I had it removed because it wasn't helping my vision. My eye is not as crooked with the buckle however still noticeably crooked. can the muscles be repaired? my eye doctor told me it will never be as good as my God given eye, but I want to atleast look normal.
105
Katrina
I had scelera buckle w vitrectomy and a small gas bubble may 5 2014. The next day was painful to be expected. I only seemed to feel worse, I was in his office a few days later fainting and throwing up, my pressure was to high so he sent me home w some drops, the nights seem worse every time I try to lay my head down I felt sharp pains in my temple about every 5 minutes. That following week i went to see him and he said everything looked good, the pain is bad even w the pain medication can't sleep, went on Mother's Day to meet up w dr on call, they said eye looks good don't know why your in pain and told me to take benedryl for sleeping..it worked some the first nigh. The next week even went to emergency room because pain was traveling on top of my head and ear and back of neck all on the left side where I had surgery, they did a cat scan to make sure I wasn't bleeding but was ok, gave me 2 doses of morphine still in pain, gave me iv w a migraine cocktail of stuff and I passed out sleep so good, gave me several prescriptions. Saw dr a few days later says eye looks good I shouldn't need all that medicine and told me the pain is not from the surgery..I was like really, are you kidding me, I have never been in pain like this. I'm getting a second opinion but can't get in till June 3rd. The pain isn't constant it's like nerve pain when it hits it just tenses your whole body it hurts so bad..has any one ever had this experience, it's almost been a month since I had surgery and today the pain was in my eye and now my eye is really sore.
106
peter
I had a buckle done 44 years ago when I was 16. I have a loss of pheripheral vision but as its on the nose side my good eye covers and it has never stopped me doing anything other than squba diving and rugby.


Even now if I get over tired I can become aware of it. Small price to pay for your sight though.

It was all very new tech in 1972, 5 years previous and I might well be one eyed.
107
chakir
I had surgery last october.im feeling better day after day
108
chakir
Iim 27 years old.the doctor said that it was an inferior detachment. i had a scleral buckle in my right eye .now im weaeing glasses
109
bill
Just had the buckle and air bubble procedure 14 days ago. Outpatient and returning to work in 4 more days. Thankful and encouraged by feedback on this site. Best correction prior to detachment was 20/30. Now best correction 14 days later is 20/80. Looking forward to improved sight as eye heals further and happy to hear that even months down the road of recovery, some improved vision can occur.
110
John
In the hope of saving someone else the anguish that I am experiencing, I want to warn others about the fact that retinal detachment is frequently presented as an emergency and, because it is an emergency, most patients do not have the opportunity to research options or are given options with regard to undergoing a scleral buckle. The buckle is a very invasive, traumatic surgery with a long term recovery associated with it. I am three weeks out from surgery and have no functional vision in the eye that received the buckle after my detachment. Two days prior to my operation, I had 20/20 vision in the eye. From the limited vision that I do have, I can tell that my vision (which is double) has changed considerably for the worse from the perspective of the prescription required and I don't know if I will ever have the vision I once had. I have had follow up visits and been told that all is normal which seems to be the standard response everyone who has these operations receive. My advice is to talk with your Surgeon about alternatives if they suggest the buckle.
111
teresa smith
Hi im 43 years old and had a shuttle cock hit into my left eye from close range, which resulted in a refinal detachment. I was booked in for surgery under a general anaesthetic for a SB 9 days later.I have experienced pain and pressure since, although this is decreasing. Vision is still poor although slightly better than before surgery. I am concerned as vision has a blind spot in my central view still 16 days after surgery. Im also concerned after reading comments that this operation is a medical emergency and should be done asap to prevent permanant blindness.
112
Tomie
I had my first retinal detachment in 2010.the reason is still unknown. I had surgery with the gas bubble placed and had great results. In 2012 I had a cataract removed from that eye which improved my vision greatly. Everything was fine until 2013 when I had another retinal detachment. This time the tear went nearly all the way across my eye so a sclera buckle was added. The pain never diminished and so in 2013 it was decided to remove the sclera buckle. Immediately the pain was gone. Then I had my "secondary cataract" removed via laser in my ophthalmologist's office. Again, my eyesight was much better.Although my eyesight is better, it is not very good. I have distortion and I lost my peripheral vision. My question is this: Does anyone have headaches behind their eye? I still get them and it has been close to 2 years since my last surgery. Thanks in advance for your comments...
113
Bee J
I had retina detachment surgery- vitrectomy and scleral buckle SEVEN YEARS AGO , Feb., 2008, in my left eye. I can't look at people, I had to quit work, I have to cry every few hours because it is all so unbearable: the distortion caused, the cognitive problems created, the panicked feeling within 24/7 makes me want to kill myself every day. It is that bad. My life is ruined. I am so ashamed and depressed. I can't help with anything. I used to be very strong and could help. Now, I have to stand in a corner because I can't bare to look at anything or people. I can hardly make myself get out of the house. it is all panic. Getting to the car, acting as if I am okay and not going crazy because I can't deal with this earth anymore, walking across a parking lot, going into a store are all nightmares, with everything looming and making me want to kill myself. All I can do is say repeatedly- okay, okay, okay, just do this, just do this, just do this, okay, okay, okay, omg, omg, omg, this is terrible, I have to get out of here. There is no joy in anything. It is all despair because of this eye. I stay home mostly and am so despairing and desperate all the time. My life is getting from second to second and NOT killing myself. Looking at this as I type makes me go crazy and want to get up and scream. I see people on TV who were burned severely, with their eyelids and skin pulled tightly downward, and that is what I feel my eye and left side of face look like, but I look in the mirror and don't look that way at all. The stress 24/7 for 7 years has been unbearable. Formerly an expert reader, speller, and thinker, I now am confused, can't spell well, I add "e" to words, and mix up letters in the same manner that dyslexics do, can't even remember words & trying to do so creates terrible panic and anxiety; I can't remember what I was doing two seconds ago, and whether I do or not, I feel panicked in the process of getting through every second and finding my way around. My phone might be right next to me, but I don't see it, and panic, and throw everything out of my pocketbook and run around the house in a panic. I find it, and two seconds later, I am doing the same thing again. This happens with everything. I don't remember. I used to have an excellent sense of direction. Now I don't and I am confused and feel so panicked all the time. The eye hurts, but that is the least of my worries. It is a nightmare to remain alive. I am trapped. I can't feel or think about anything else because my eye and mind are warped. My head feels separate from my body when I get up and feels like it is bobbling somewhere and my body is below somewhere. I constantly feel like my body wants to move in a sort of jerking fashion all the time, but I control it. Riding on a train gives some relief, and if I could do that forever, I would. It is all I can do to stay alive because of the constant distortion and torment.
114
NEILL MACRAE III
I have had a retinal detachment procedure and would like to discuss it with others.
115
lakendra smalley
I just got the sb surgery and my eye itches so bad who has experienced this
116
Patient
I had a sclera buckle put in my eye in Aug of 2014. It took about 7 weeks for me to function well enough to return to a desk job due to the magnitude of the surgery. It was 10 weeks before my gas bubble fully disappeared. I now have a cataract, which is not that uncommon, but I also have glaucoma. My pupil is also permanently dilated. The glaucoma is supposedly caused because my buckle is too tight and has changed the circulation in my eye. We are currently trying various eye drops to get the pressure in my eye reduced, but one option is to cut the buckle. Has anyone had their buckle cut? If so, did it lead to a new detachment?
117
CS
I had my sb procedure in 2008, I was 22 years old. It has been a success with the exception of a cataract in 2011 which was repaired easily. My left eye that has the buckle is noticeably smaller than the right eye without the buckle, does anyone else have this problem?
118
heather
Iv recently had buckle put on both eyes due too detached retinas one more serious then the other I was practically blind with a dark black curtain it felt like half way down my vision I was operated on the very next day that was back in Feb this year second op on my right eye was yesterday. Now my biggest concern is the sight in my first operation on left eye went great but the sight is bad hazy an I can't make out faces unless totally close up too me I worry this is now the best I will get from this eye even when I can get glasses so I hope the op I had yesterday in my right really improves better as I need too compensate for the loss of sight in my left I feel totally vulnerable an panic at the thought of my sight being as bad as it is right now although I know how lucky I am not too be blind totally.
119
Jenny
I had this surgery done about 5 days ago and I am able to see out of my left eye (the one the buckle was put in) but everything has a slight yellow-red tint to it. I'm not sure if this is from the blood in my eye that the doctor told me would be there for a little while or if there is actually something wrong. I'm only 17 but I have seen some of the complications with this surgery through my sister who also had this procedure 5 years ago. (Her complications arose from her medications conflicting, causing her to go blind in her eye.) She had excessive swelling and redness in her eye for almost two weeks afterwards and my doctor told me that if my eye is still red for a while after the surgery, there may be problems with my vision when the swelling goes down. I'm scared that the redness in my vision means there is something wrong and that it isn't just a common thing that will go away. If you have experienced this please let me know if this, still seeing things in a yellow-red tint, is normal, since it has been about a week since I had the surgery.

Thank you
Jenny D
120
Tony Davies
I had a buckle fitted under general anaesthetic 3 weeks ago for a tear and detachment. 10 days later the pain and discomfort was more than I had anticipated, and it was diagnosed that the buckle had pierced through the skin and was irritating the eye with every blink. It was agreed that more surgery would take place under local anaesthetic or "possibly just drops" as it was only a quick procedure to trim the buckle and re-stitch. It was horrendous given that the eye was already in trauma so make sure an anaesthetic is given if this happens to you. 7 days on the discomfort is less but still disappointingly slow in terms of recovery. Back to hospital in 3 days and unsure what to expect.
121
Jim Rentschler
i had a retinal tear,left eye. Laser repair of tare . One week later, discovered retinal detachment. Had the snarl buckle placed around the left eye 5/13/2015. Had cataract surgery left eye10/13/2015. All went well. The left eyeball feels like it has ( for lack of my ability to explain ) a headache. i'm still doing eyedrops from the cataract surgery. i don't feel as though I'm in the middle of an infection. My question. Can the buckle give me pain from time to time do to the fact that I ride mountain bikes ( aggressive ) a lot of exercising. Weight lifting,rowing machine. Can the constant pushing, pulling lifting, straining create a condition causing pain to the eye. all the Doctors and surgeons that did the buckle and cataract surgery say that everything is perfect. I see my regular eye doctor this Thursday. what is the best question to ask ? This is a lot of info. Thank you, jim
122
Ishan
I had this Scleral buckling procedure in December 2010- left eye - I was 21, the doctors reported my eye damage to be severe, I really don't know how it happened. I was allowed to go home on the same day 2 hours after the surgery. It took me almost a month to feel normal again. I used sunglasses, had my eye covered most of the time. 6 years later - i yet keep contact with the surgeon and ensure i get a regular checkup from him. My only complaint is blur vision - I cannot read (books,stuff on my laptop) through my left eye . LOVE riding motorbikes - travel 24kms regularly on my bike. The first month after surgery is the most critical -surgery eye requires extreme care - endure and be brave. My job in an investment company requires me to use multiple screens 2 or 3 for 6-7 hours daily. I have trained my left eye to recognise basic colours and shapes and right eye (normal vision) for all details. My journey from almost totally losing my left eye to currently multitasking has been good and stable.
123
Joel
It's going two months in 12 days since I had my Schleral Buckling procedure. My gas bubble (is that what you call that white blurr at the bottom right of my left eye) seems to have gotten bigger affecting my whole eye especially upon waking up in the morning. Like many of you who have admitted, I cannot read normally with my left eye only. I can only do so if I read without my glasses and hold the reading material close (ofcourse, I'm near-sighted). Will my vision improve? How long before you could say that nothing will improve unless you take drastic measures and perhaps perform another operation? I would also like to know when I can start doing working out again, running (10-15kms a week) and pushups, crunches and situps? I've been driving two weeks after the operation but I faired an accident a week later. I've got it under control now.
Hi all, FYI. I'll summarize as briefly as possible:-
I am a Canadian Snow Bird, 75 years old in good health, taking no medication.
February 2017 I experienced a detachment of my retina in the left eye, subsequent examinations determined I have an operation to secure it, laser treatment along with gas in the eye ball to help hold the retina in position.
The Western Florida Eye Clinic did the procedure, the experience was amazing, the facility and interest, care and follow up by the staff and the surgeon were beyond reproach, I highly recommend this facility.
Two weeks ago, while returning to Canada on a cruise, I experienced another detachment, follow up in Toronto Weston Hospital, the facility a little dated but, again the dedication of the staff and surgeon amazing.
The surgeon determined a buckle would be best used, how ever he gave me a option of gas, oil or silicone filling, explaining the pros and cons of each, although, given the problems that could occur with the oil and the residue left, I can't imagine why anyone would choose to use it?
The decision I determined would be his, give he was the expert.
He used a gas fill again and as before vision after the surgery was purely a presence of light and slight shadows, this took four to six weeks after my initial procedure before I could "look" over the bubble (that eventually disappeared) and see 20/20.
One week after my surgery I have experienced some pain that was minimized by the occasional Aleve tablet and, as before can't determine any thing through the affected eye.
Taking it easy is the key word with as little activity as possible (fortunately I'm retired with just hobbies to keep me active).
As yet I don't know what the long term effects will be but to all who have read and contributed to this blog, I wish you a full and a speedy recovery.
125
Teresa
I have been waiting since March of 2017 and hadn't had my vision returned. I had a scleral buckle with a gas bubble done way back then. My ophthalmologist told me that I had an 80% chance of having my sight return. Here I am with no more follow up with the ophthalmologist and an optometrist that I trust very much. Since then I did see another ophthalmologist regarding a drooping lid on the same eye and potential cataracts with the worst in the affected eye. I found out that I don't need cataract surgery, but I also found out now a year later that my surgery was not a good idea as my retina was very likely irreparable at that time. It had been unattached for too long and was not receiving any oxygen and was dead back then. I'm so upset as there are other things I was told and these two ophthalmologist's are colleagues. I don't know where to turn. My eye sight is greatly affected and I've been told to completely cover my left lens of my glasses, a contact lens that is completely blackened or and eye patch. I'm absolutely gutted and I know other people have much more in their lives they are dealing with that is horrible, but I feel betrayed and lost.
126
Monica Couch
I already had surgery w scleral buckle and gas bubble in my left eye. I have noticed after 5 months from surgery on July 11 2018 and in writing this on Dec 19 2018 anyways when I get mad or hell or throws up I feel bad pressure on my scleral buckle. It gives me migraine. I know to try not to tell sometimes I didn't think about it. I don't mean yell at people which I mean happy yell. Some people yell when playing games or being loud puts pressure on my scleral buckle and causes migraine. Anyway few weeks ago Dr found bacterial infection barounrbmy scleral buckle. I put eye drops in to kill the infection. It works but next month I will see him and if infection comes back the. I may have surgery to remove the buckle. I'm so scared about surgery removal or how it affects my vision or cause the year on retina detachment. U see I'm deaf and it's very important for me to be able to see. I understand if it happens to hea into people that can scare them losing vision but u guys can hear even tho it's scary too..baby experiences like this and what to do. I'm worried.. thanks Monica
127
Judith Schlicker
I had a retinal detachment in 1984 and Had a scleral buckle. Instead of saying Double I saw things smaller with my left eye which has made my left eye turn in so I can at least see . One doctor told me they could remove the buckle but I don’t think that would change my eyesight this late in my life . my left pupil is always dilated from the drops I used . If I close my right eye I still have about 2040 vision in my left eye but it’s pretty wavy and I could not drive with it . Still I am thankful that if I would lose my right eye sight I could still see a little to get around and not be totally blind .
128
Deedee
I had scleral buckle with vitrectomy in L eye about 8 months ago. A few days ago I felt a "bump" on my L eye when touching my eyelid. I pulled the eylid up and shined a flashlight on my eyeball and I can see a projection coming out from my eye that looks like it is the end of the buckle. It is still covered by the conjunctiva (I think) but sticks our pretty far and has a point on it that looks like it would eventually pop out and be exposed. Have any others who experienced bumps on their eyes months or years after a buckle was put in have any idea if it's OK to ignore this protrusion? So far I have no pain. I sent a photo to my Dr (actually his Fellow) and he thought it was OK as long as it was covered by conjunctiva.It looks very strange and I worry it will poke thorugh and get infected. I need cataract surgery soon and am wondering if I should ask them to remove the buckle at that time?
129
Beckey
I had a retinal detachment over three decades ago now. A scleral buckle was placed in my eye. My eye looked quite bashed up after the operation, but it did heal more or less back to normal. There was always a bump under my eye lid where the the buckle was placed. I could always kind of feel it, but it didn't really bother me, However recently that scleral buckle has started to protrude out of the white of my eye. It hurts to move my eye sometimes and my eye hurts much of the times and lots of puss comes out. Pretty much closed in the mornings. I am waiting to see the surgeon to have the scelral buckle taken out. It will be relief to have it out after all this time. I am nervous about it of course, but am assuming it's probably a straight forward operation. I am told my retina is fine thankfully. I intend to stay awake during the surgery, but be sedated. Will let you know how it went.
130
Vince
Day 4 post-op 45YO short-sighted male (who got corrective LASIK in both eyes in 2012). I had the scleral buckle in left eye after seeing a dark shadow permanently creep into my upper left outside field of vision for a couple of days (meaning actual detached occurred on inside lower left), with extremely infrequent flashes of light. I had floaters for years upon years in both eyes, even before the LASIK. Looking back, I do recall other flashes of light (not sure which eye), but also even less frequent than the days preceding the surgery. The diagnosis and surgery happened quite suddenly and I'm towards the end of my new grad year as an RN. As one wrote, there really is no way of preparing for this. The left eye is slowly opening up (to about 33%), but still naturally closes when I'm not paying attention. The sensitivity to light has diminished some. My eye is still bloodshot. There was some faint blood majorly diluted with clear fluid on Night 2/early Day 3, but after calling the clinic, they are not concerned, and it hasn't happened since. The only major improvement has been the cosmetic damage done around my eye/eyelid. The restoration of my vision is one big question mark, which I'm trying not to get anxious about. I was told I could go about my activities, except work, but frankly I'm fearful of impeding recovery by exercising, even though I'm going out of my mind. I did some cleaning on Day 2, but have mostly been watching movies on computer and doing light reading on computer and only get up to use toilet and prepare meals. The whole experience feels surreal.
131
Christopher john
I'm 29years old i had my surgery on my right eye for a buckel surgery.2 weeks ago for the past 10 days I've had a unbearable pain above my right eye I've been back they have changed my eye drops and codine for pain relief and sent me on my way.. is this normal as they dont understand what I'm going through and I carnt keep going on like this I'm taking 4 pain relief tables every 4 hours 24 hours a day
132
Brian
I had my retina detachment surgery in 1964 ie 55 years ago. Just had my eye examined by a retinal specialist and told the buckle still looks good. I had a bad tear and lost a lot of vision. I spent 8 days in hospital. It was an unpleasant experience but doctor did nice job and saved more vision than anticipated. Sounds like the repair has progresses quite a bit. Good luck to all and welcome to the club.

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