What is Scleral Buckling?

Scleral buckling is a condition in which the thin layers of tissue holding the eyeball in place bulge outward because of fluid build-up.

This can cause vision to become blurred or even damage because of a lack of space for required eye reflexes. When scleral buckling becomes severe, it can lead to a retinal detachment which requires immediate surgery to repair.

Scleral buckling is a condition commonly seen with age and may also happen with excess weight gain, pregnancy, and glaucoma.

It's usually treated by elevating the eyelids until the swelling subsides and then injecting a solution into small pockets under each eyelid once a day for a few weeks until symptoms resolve.

How is Scleral Buckling Corrected?

If the eye is severely damaged, it may be replaced with a prosthetic eye. It should be noted that this does not improve vision but simply restores the appearance of an eye. Ocularists can recreate the intricate details of an iris, pupil, and eyelids with amazing accuracy through an enucleation procedure.

The ocularist will custom sculpt an artificial eyeball based on pictures of what you previously looked like before your injury or loss of your natural eye. After this, it is covered with a special plastic that helps to keep the eyeball in place while it's being used for artificial eyes.

There are two main materials used to create artificial eyes. The first is silicone, which has the feel of human skin and natural tear ducts. A silicon eye can be created in any shape or color.

The second material used is acrylic, which is a more rigid plastic. This gives the artificial eye more structure but comes at a price because it's heavier and harder to sculpt into a replica of an eye.

The most preferred method for creating an artificial eye is with both materials because it maintains detail similar to what you had previously.

What Are The Risks Of Scleral Buckling?

Risks include:

· Blurry vision.

· Dry eye.

· Loss of vision, if the eye is not fixed properly.

· Painful eyes. The pain can be severe enough to cause severe trauma to the eyelids and the interior of the eye if proper restraint is not used when leaving them alone for treatment.

A blinking or closing motion could force the eyelids apart exposing the surface of the eye to damage. An ocularist should sit with you while you are under general anesthesia so they can take time to explain how things will work, what to expect, and answer any questions you have before they begin treatment on your eyes after surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions on Scleral Buckling

How long will the artificial eye be used for?

The eye is designed to last about five years. The silicone material used in the eyes can withstand the hotter temperatures of the iris making it unnecessary to have a protective coating. However, acrylic will need protection during transportation because extreme heat can melt it.

If your artificial eye breaks, you may have to have a new one made or have that one surgically repaired to restore its functionality in your injured eye. You must communicate this concern with your ophthalmologist before the surgery so they can prepare for this possibility.

How long is the recovery period for Scleral Buckling?

Recovery time will vary depending on the assessment of your injury, the type of medical procedure you underwent, and your health. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to feel like you will again.

When it comes to scleral buckling, most people recover in about 2-3 weeks after the surgery is completed. You must be able to leave your eye unsupervised because there are risks involved with doing so.

A caregiver must be present at all times until you feel comfortable leaving your eyes alone during treatment.