Our Summary

This study looked at why a particular eye treatment called a ‘scleral buckle’ was removed, how successful the process was, and any problems that occurred afterward. A scleral buckle is a piece of silicone placed around the eye to help treat a detached retina.

The researchers reviewed the medical records of 49 patients who had this treatment removed. They found that over the past decade, 5.7% of patients had their scleral buckles removed. The most common reason for removal was that the buckle had moved out of place, but other reasons included infection and vision problems. On average, the buckle was removed 35 months after it was put in, but in some cases, it was removed much sooner or much later.

The study found that 8.2% of patients who had their buckle removed experienced a re-detachment of the retina. Half of these cases happened within 3 months of removing the buckle.

The conclusion is that removing a scleral buckle comes with an 8.2% risk of the retina detaching again. This can happen years after the buckle is removed, so it is important for these patients to have regular eye check-ups.

FAQs

  1. What is a scleral buckle and why is it used?
  2. What are the common reasons for removing a scleral buckle?
  3. What are the risks associated with removing a scleral buckle?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about scleral buckle surgery is to make sure to attend all follow-up appointments and have regular eye check-ups to monitor for any signs of retinal re-detachment. It is important to promptly report any changes in vision or symptoms such as increased floaters or flashes of light. Additionally, following post-operative instructions regarding eye care and activity restrictions can help optimize the success of the surgery and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for scleral buckle surgery are those with a retinal detachment, particularly if it is caused by a tear or hole in the retina. Scleral buckle surgery is often recommended for patients with a high risk of retinal detachment, such as those with severe myopia, previous retinal detachment in the other eye, or a family history of retinal detachment. Additionally, patients who have not responded well to other treatments for retinal detachment may also be recommended for scleral buckle surgery.

Timeline

Before scleral buckle surgery:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with a detached retina and recommended for scleral buckle surgery.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to assess the severity of the detachment.
  3. Surgery is scheduled and the patient is informed about the procedure and potential risks.

After scleral buckle surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes post-operative care and monitoring to ensure the buckle is in place and the retina is reattached.
  2. Patient may experience temporary discomfort, redness, and swelling in the eye post-surgery.
  3. Patient is instructed to follow a strict post-operative care regimen, including using eye drops and avoiding strenuous activities.
  4. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process and assess vision improvements.
  5. In some cases, the buckle may need to be removed due to complications such as movement, infection, or vision problems.
  6. After buckle removal, patients are at risk for re-detachment of the retina and are advised to have regular eye check-ups to monitor their eye health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about scleral buckle surgery include:

  1. What is the success rate of scleral buckle surgery in treating a detached retina?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with scleral buckle surgery?
  3. How long will the scleral buckle need to remain in place?
  4. What is the process for removing the scleral buckle, and what are the potential risks of removal?
  5. What are the signs and symptoms that the scleral buckle may need to be removed?
  6. How often will I need to have follow-up appointments after scleral buckle surgery?
  7. What are the chances of the retina detaching again after the scleral buckle is removed?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after scleral buckle surgery to reduce the risk of complications?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures for a detached retina that I should consider?
  10. Can you provide me with any resources or information to help me better understand scleral buckle surgery and its potential outcomes?

Reference

Authors: Moisseiev E, Fogel M, Fabian ID, Barak A, Moisseiev J, Alhalel A. Journal: Curr Eye Res. 2017 May;42(5):766-770. doi: 10.1080/02713683.2016.1245423. Epub 2016 Dec 2. PMID: 27911111