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Repair of Retinal
Detachment with Scleral Buckling
What is retinal detachment?
Normally the retina is firmly attached to the back of
the eyeball. If it becomes detached, the eye loses vision.
This is a rare disease occurring in about one person out of
every 10,000 each year. The immediate cause is usually a
hole in the retina. It may be due to injury or surgery, but
is usually due to weakness of the retina. It is sometimes
called degeneration.
What is scleral buckling surgery?
The surgery may be done under general anaesthesia (you
will be sound asleep) or local anaesthesia (you will be
awake but an injection will prevent any pain). The retina is
reattached by freezing (cryosurgery) and with the placement
of a permanent silicon patch (buckle) on the wall of your
eyeball. The external stitches will melt away and do not
have to be removed. Usually the eye responds to one
operation; occasionally, additional surgery may be required.
The eyelashes are cut before surgery but they always grow
back. You will probably spend one or two nights in the
hospital after the operation. Normally, only the operated
eye is bandaged but, sometimes, both eyes may be bandaged
for a few days. Most patients can return to work in four to
five weeks.
What may I do after surgery?
You must stay at home for at least three weeks.
Travelling should be avoided except to visit the doctor.
After surgery you will be given written instructions
regarding medication and precautions to be taken. You should
carefully observe these instructions. You may be advised to
lie on your side or stomach while sleeping or resting.
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