A scleral buckle is a piece of silicone sponge, rubber, or
semi-hard plastic. In scleral buckling surgery, the
buckle is placed against the outer surface of the eye and
sewn onto the eye to keep it in place. The buckle pushes the sclera toward the
middle of the eye, relieving the pull on the retina and allowing the tear to
settle against the wall of the eye.
Extreme cold (cryopexy) or
light (laser photocoagulation) is used to scar the area around the tear.
The scarring helps keep this area from moving so that a seal can
form between the retina and the layer beneath it. In most
cases, the buckle will stay on the eye forever.
ByHealthwise Staff Primary Medical ReviewerAdam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Specialist Medical ReviewerDouglas Rett, OD, FAAO -
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.