Scleral Buckle Surgery

Scleral buckle surgery is a specialized procedure used to fix a serious eye problem called a retinal detachment. When the retina pulls away from the back of your eye, it needs to be put back in place quickly to save your sight. During this surgery, our expert doctors at RVSU place a tiny, flexible band around the eye. This band helps push the eye wall back against the retina so it can heal properly. This proven method allows our specialists to treat complex detachments and protect your vision for the long term.
By supporting the eye and closing any tears, this treatment is a major way to stop vision loss. Because a detached retina is an emergency, acting fast is very important. This surgery helps prevent permanent blindness and keeps your eye strong and stable.

Lasting Structural Success

This surgery is over 90% effective at reattaching the retina and helping patients keep their vision for years to come.

Utah’s Retina Authorities

Our doctors perform hundreds of retinal surgeries each month. This gives them the highest level of skill for complex cases.

When is a Scleral Buckle the Best Path?

Most patients go home the same day. This allows you to start your healing journey in the comfort of your own house.

When is a Scleral Buckle the Best Path?

Our specialists might use this structural treatment to help with these problems:

Retinal Detachment: To move the eye wall closer to the retina so the two layers can stick back together again.
Large Retinal Tears: To support a weak area where a tear has allowed fluid to leak under the retina.
Complex Eye Problems: To treat detachments that may not stay in place with just a laser or a gas bubble alone.
Injury to the Eye: To repair damage caused by a hard hit or a poke to the eye area.
Nearsightedness Issues: To help patients with very high nearsightedness whose retinas are naturally thinner and more fragile.

Surgical Mechanics and Long-Term Stability

In most cases, a scleral buckle is a permanent fix for a detached retina. The tiny silicone band stays on the eye forever to provide lifelong support. This procedure has a very high success rate in restoring sight. It often saves patients from total vision loss. For many patients, the buckle is the best way to make sure the retina stays stable for a long time. While you will need to rest while you heal, this treatment helps you stay independent by protecting your ability to see clearly. During your visit, we will create a personal recovery plan to make sure your eye health is always our top priority.

The Treatment Process

01

Detailed Eye Mapping

We use advanced cameras to look at your retina. This helps us decide if a buckle is the best way to fix the detachment for your specific eye.

02

Expert Surgical Care

The surgery is done in a specialized center. We use medicine to make sure you are comfortable and feel no pain during the entire procedure.

03

Securing the Band

Our surgeons carefully place the thin band around the white part of your eye. It is hidden under the eye tissue so no one else can see it.

04

Smooth Transition Home

Because this is a surgery, you will need a ride home. You will also need a few days of quiet rest to let your eye start the healing process safely.

Guiding Your Smooth Recovery

After your surgery, your eye may feel a bit scratchy or look red for a short time. This is normal and will get better as you heal. Most people can return to their usual routine in a few weeks. However, we will ask you not to do heavy lifting or hard exercise while the retina is bonding back into place. It is very important to come to all your follow-up appointments. These visits allow our doctors to make sure your eye is healing perfectly and your vision is as safe as possible.

Our Specialists

All four of our physicians are board-certified ophthalmologists with fellowship training in vitreoretinal surgery.

Jack Stringham, MD

Richard Corey, MD

Ryan Isom, MD

R. Joel Welch, MD

Trust the Eye Experts of Utah

Retina and Vitreous Surgeons of Utah is here to give you the best care possible. Our doctors are experts at using surgical technology to fix complex eye problems with care and precision. If you have noticed a dark shadow in your vision, or if you were told you have a detached retina, please schedule a visit at one of our offices. We are here to keep your vision safe.

Find an RVSU Location Near You

See all of our convenient locations across Utah.