ABOUT Scleral Buckling Treatment
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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Recovery after LASIK is completed within 3
months.
The number in the eye will remain visible at that time, and then the eye numbers will not change.