Scleral Buckle Surgery in Mumbai – Kurla BKC, Kalina & Bandra W

Scleral buckle surgery is one of the most time-tested techniques for repairing retinal detachments. A soft silicone band is placed around the outside of the eye, gently indenting the eye wall toward the detached retina and helping it reattach without entering the eye.

What Is Scleral Buckle Surgery?

A flexible silicone band or sponge is sutured onto the outer surface of the eye (sclera). This creates a gentle inward dent (buckle) that brings the retinal tear into contact with the underlying retinal pigment epithelium, allowing the subretinal fluid to be absorbed and the retina to reattach. It is often combined with cryopexy to seal the tear.

Who Is It For?

This procedure is generally suited to patients meeting the following criteria:

Young patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment without significant vitreous traction
Detachments caused by peripheral retinal tears
Cases where vitrectomy is less preferable (phakic young eyes)

What Happens During the Procedure?

Each step is performed with precision and patient comfort in mind.

Step 1: Performed under peribulbar or general anaesthesia
Step 2: Detachment and tears located precisely with indirect ophthalmoscopy
Step 3: Cryopexy applied to seal the tear
Step 4: Silicone buckle sutured onto the sclera over the tear site
Step 5: Subretinal fluid may be drained if needed

Recovery & What to Expect

Vision may be blurred and the eye red and uncomfortable for 1–4 weeks. The buckle remains in the eye permanently and is not visible externally. Most patients achieve good retinal reattachment and useful vision, though final visual acuity depends on whether the macula was involved before surgery.

Benefits

Patients choosing this procedure typically experience the following benefits:

No entry into the eye — preserves the natural vitreous
Excellent long-term reattachment rates for suitable detachments
Avoids the need for silicone oil or prolonged gas tamponade

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Will the buckle affect my vision long-term?

The buckle can slightly increase myopia by lengthening the eye, but this is usually manageable with a spectacle update. It does not cause any other visual problems.

Can the buckle be removed?

Yes, though this is rarely needed. Most patients tolerate the implant indefinitely without any issues.

Considering scleral buckle?

Book a personalised consultation with Dr. Mickey. We'll evaluate your eyes carefully and walk you through whether this procedure is right for you.

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This page is informational only and is not a substitute for medical consultation. Eligibility, outcomes, and risks of any clinical procedure depend on an in-person assessment.