Do you suddenly notice more black dots or floaters than usual? Or do you see flashes of light? Or maybe a black screen appears in front of your eyes? Don't take these things lightly. These could be signs of a medical emergency called retinal detachment. If left untreated, you could lose your vision completely.
What is Retinal Detachment?
Simply put, our eye is like a camera. The retina is a very sensitive membrane that acts like the film in this camera. The images of the things we see are formed on this membrane. This retina is attached to the tissues that provide it with the necessary nutrition. If for some reason this retina detaches from those tissues, that is what we call a retinal detachment.
This is a very serious medical emergency . Once it is severed, the retina loses its blood supply and nutrients, and that part of the eye begins to die. If not treated quickly, vision can be permanently lost.
So, what is Scleral Buckle surgery?
One of the main surgical procedures used to treat retinal detachment is called a scleral buckle. What happens here is very simple.
Imagine, you have the white part of your eye (sclera), and around it is a small band-like device made of silicone or sponge called a buckle. It's like putting a belt around your waist. This buckle creates a slight pressure on the eye from the outside inwards. This pressure causes the detached retina to reattach to the underlying tissue. This reattachment allows it to heal.
Who is this surgery recommended for?
The most common reason your eye surgeon may recommend this surgery is for a type of retinal detachment called ``rhegmatogenous''. This is the most common type. The main cause of this is aging. In addition:
- Eye injuries
- Previous eye surgery (e.g. cataract surgery)
- High Myopia
- If the retina detaches again after previous treatment
In these cases, doctors may decide to perform a scleral buckle surgery alone or in combination with another treatment (e.g., vitrectomy). Your doctor will decide which treatment is best for you.
What happens during the surgery?
This surgery usually takes about an hour or an hour and a half. Let's take a step-by-step look at how the surgery is performed.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Anesthesia | You will be given either general anesthesia or local anesthesia, and it is important that you remain still throughout the procedure. |
| Enlargement of the black eye | Eye drops dilate the pupil, allowing the doctor to see the inside of the eye more clearly. |
| Keeping the eye open | Your eye is opened with a special instrument called a speculum. |
| Making a small incision | A small incision is made in the transparent, thin membrane (conjunctiva) over the white part of the eye. |
| Attaching the buckle | The previously mentioned silicone or sponge strap ``(buckle)`` is placed around the white part of the eye ``(sclera)`` and secured. |
| Additional treatments | Laser or freezing treatment can be used to help the retina stay attached. Sometimes, fluid that has accumulated under the retina is also removed. |
What are the benefits and possible complications of this surgery?
The main advantage of this surgery is that it successfully treats a serious condition that can lead to vision loss. According to some reports, the success rate of this surgery is as high as 80% to 90% .
But like any surgery, there are some risks or complications that can arise, and it's important to be aware of them.
Remember, not all of these complications will occur in everyone. The chances of them occurring are very low.
- Double vision: Sometimes you may see things in two for a short time after surgery.
- Bleeding in the eye: This is a very rare occurrence.
- Infection: You will be given an antibiotic to prevent infection after surgery.
- Increased nearsightedness: As the eye becomes slightly longer due to the surgery, the degree of nearsightedness may increase slightly.
- Cataracts: The risk of developing cataracts may increase slightly over time after surgery.
- Increased intraocular pressure: The pressure inside the eye can increase.
- Retinal detachment: Although rare, there is a risk of the retina becoming detached or torn again.
How long does it take to recover and what happens after the surgery?
It can take two to four weeks or a little longer to fully recover. After surgery, you will need to use some eye medication. You will also need to wear an eye patch for the first day or so.
It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. In particular, ask your doctor when you can resume the following activities.
- The bath
- Starting work or school
- Starting to drive
- Strenuous work like playing sports or lifting weights
- Going swimming
When to see a doctor immediately
This is the most important part. If you experience any of the following symptoms when you go home after surgery, you should inform your doctor without delay . If necessary, go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- If the eye pain becomes unbearable.
- If the eye swelling increases.
- If your vision suddenly worsens.
Don't ignore these symptoms. Prompt treatment can prevent serious complications.
Take-Home Message
- Retinal detachment is a medical emergency. If you experience floaters, flashes of light, or a black screen before your eyes, seek immediate medical attention.
- Scleral Buckle is a very successful surgical procedure that treats this condition. It involves placing a strap around the eye and reattaching the detached retina.
- It will take several weeks to fully recover after surgery. During this time, it is essential to follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
- If you experience severe eye pain, swelling, or loss of vision after surgery, it is an emergency. Call your doctor immediately.
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