Our Summary
This research paper discusses a study done on the changes in the retina (the layer of tissue at the back of the eye that senses light) after a specific type of eye surgery called scleral buckling surgery. This surgery is used to treat a condition where the retina detaches from the back of the eye. The patient, a 40-year-old male, had a partially detached retina that affected his central vision, and his visual acuity (sharpness of vision) was very poor.
Five months after the surgery, the patient’s retina had settled back into place, but his vision was still not good. Tests showed that certain parts of the retina were thinner than normal, and there was a disruption in one of the layers of the retina. However, the blood supply to the area of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision was not reduced, which is a positive outcome.
In simple terms, while the surgery helped to reattach the retina, it did not fully restore the patient’s vision, and caused some changes in the retina. However, it did not reduce the blood supply to the important central part of the retina.
FAQs
- What is the purpose of scleral buckling surgery?
- What changes in the retina were observed five months after the scleral buckling surgery?
- Did the scleral buckling surgery lead to reduced vascular density in superficial capillary plexus in the operated eye?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about scleral buckle surgery is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including keeping the eye clean and avoiding activities that could put strain on the eye. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure optimal outcomes. Additionally, patients should be aware of potential side effects or complications and report any unusual symptoms to their doctor promptly.
Suitable For
Patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment involving the macula are typically recommended scleral buckle surgery. Other indications for scleral buckle surgery include retinal tears, retinal detachments with significant subretinal fluid, and cases where pneumatic retinopexy or vitrectomy are not suitable options.
Timeline
- Before scleral buckle surgery: The patient presents with a subtotal retinal detachment involving the macula and has a best corrected visual acuity of logmar 2.3 in the affected eye.
- During scleral buckle surgery: The surgeon applies a 120 degree scleral buckle to reattach the retina.
- After scleral buckle surgery:
- Five months post-surgery, the patient’s retina has settled and vision has improved to logmar 1.
- Swept source optical coherence tomography (SSOCT) reveals inner segment-outer segment junction disruption, thinning of the retinal pigment epithelium, central macular thickness of 275 micrometers, and subfoveal choroidal thickness of 222 micrometers.
- Swept source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) shows a normal foveal avascular zone and higher values for vascular density in the superficial capillary plexus in all quadrants except the temporal quadrant in the operated eye compared to the fellow eye.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- What is the purpose of scleral buckle surgery for retinal detachment?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with scleral buckle surgery?
- How long is the recovery process after scleral buckle surgery?
- Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
- How will scleral buckle surgery affect my vision in the long term?
- Are there any alternative treatment options for my retinal detachment?
- How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery?
- What are the chances of the retinal detachment recurring after scleral buckle surgery?
- Will I need to make any lifestyle changes after the surgery to protect my eyes?
- Are there any specific warning signs or symptoms I should watch out for after the surgery?
Reference
Authors: Sodhi PK, Sharma A, Hasan N. Journal: Nepal J Ophthalmol. 2021 Jan;13(25):165-170. doi: 10.3126/nepjoph.v13i1.30652. PMID: 33981114