Scleral Buckle

Retinal detachment repair brings the retina back into position and then sealing the hole or tear in the retina. Retinal detachment is almost always treated with some form of surgery. If the detachment is not extensive, laser treatment or cryotherapy (freezing) in the office are options. A procedure called pneumatic retinopexy treats some detachments. This involves the injection of air or gas into the eye in conjunction with laser or cryo. Doctors provide patients with specific head position instructions which allow the bubble to float up against the retina and keep it in position as it heals. Pneumatic retinopexy is only suitable for a select group of retinal detachments.

One of the most common surgical techniques in retinal detachment repair is a scleral buckle procedure. This is an operating room procedure in which a silicone band is placed around the eye. The band changes the shape of the eye and brings the retina back into contact with the wall of the eye. Then, cryo or lasers treat the retinal breaks and other weak areas.