Clear vision depends on healthy eyes. When the light-collecting retina inside the eye detaches, it can interfere with normal vision or even cause permanent blindness. Fortunately, modern ophthalmology can prevent this outcome with various forms of retinal surgery, including scleral buckle surgery. If you seek scleral buckle surgery in or around Rapid City SD, Slingsby and Huot Eye Care Associates can provide it.

Eye Surgery for Retinal Detachment

The human eye consists of several components, from the outer sclera or white of the eye to the retina that lines the rear of the eye. The retina's light-sensitive cells collect visual information and send it through the optic nerve to the brain's vision center. If part of the retina detaches from the eye, it can no longer perform this crucial job. Symptoms of a detached retina include annoying flashes and floaters, blurred vision, and a dark veil over part of your visual field.

Scleral buckle surgery can reverse retinal detachment if you seek help for your visual symptoms promptly. In this procedure, the eye surgeon places a band called a scleral buckle around the sclera, just under the outermost membrane known as the conjunctiva. This scleral buckle gently pushes the wall of the eye toward the retina, helping the retina reattach.

What to Expect from Scleral Buckle Surgery

Scleral buckle surgery usually counts as an outpatient procedure, whether you receive local or general anesthesia. (In either case, you should arrange for transportation home in advance.) After numbing the eye, your eye surgeon will open the conjunctiva and install the scleral buckle around the eyeball. During the procedure, the eye surgeon will also inspect the retina and then use freezing or other techniques to repair tears or other damage.

Immediately following this type of retinal surgery, you'll receive a topical antibiotic to prevent postoperative infections. You'll also wear a protective eye patch for a couple of days. A certain amount of redness and discomfort normally lingers for one to two weeks. During this recovery period, you should avoid strenuous activities. Your eye doctor may also tell you to avoid high-altitude travel or activities since higher altitudes can increase internal eye pressure.

Contact Our Ophthalmology Clinic

The skilled eye surgery specialists at Slingsby and Huot Eye Care Associates can evaluate your retinas, advise you on the proper course of treatment, and perform scleral buckle surgery if necessary. Our ophthalmology clinic maintains outreach clinics in Rapid City, Pierre, Belle Fourche, and Spearfish SD as well as Chadron, NE. Contact any of our locations to schedule an initial evaluation.