Scleral Buckling Surgery

The retina is a thin layer of nerve tissue that lines the inner surface of the eye like wallpaper. It is vital for vision and the anatomical integrity of the eye. When a tear or hole forms in the retina, intraocular fluid can seep through, causing the nerve layer to peel away from the eye wall—a condition known as Retinal Detachment.

This is a major crisis that can lead to permanent blindness within hours. To resolve it, surgeons can intervene from inside the eye (via Vitrectomy) or, in specific cases, through a miraculous method from the outside of the eye. Known in medical literature as Scleral Buckling, this classic yet highly effective microsurgical technique is a life-saving operation that shows the highest respect for the eye's natural anatomy, especially in younger patients.

As Ophthalmology Specialist Dr. Ayşe Öner and her clinical team—highly experienced in complex retinal surgeries—we determine the most suitable technique to secure your vision. By blending Turkey’s robust health tourism infrastructure with our clinic’s VIP service quality, we offer international patients urgent, reliable, and comfortable medical travel.

What is Scleral Buckling Surgery?

The fundamental logic of treating retinal detachment is to reattach the displaced nerve layer (retina) to the outer wall of the eye (sclera). While a Vitrectomy does this by entering the eye and applying pressure from the inside out (using gas or silicone), Scleral Buckling works with the opposite mechanism: from the outside in.

In this operation, the interior of the eye is not entered. Instead, a biocompatible, flexible, and permanent silicone band or sponge is stitched onto the white outer wall (sclera). This band wraps around the eye like a belt, slightly indenting the wall and pushing it toward the detached retina. When the wall and retina meet, the tear is physically closed, the fluid leak stops, and the retina reattaches to its natural position to begin receiving nourishment again.

When is Scleral Buckling Preferred?

While vitrectomy has become very common due to technological advancements, Scleral Buckling remains the "Gold Standard" and preferred first choice for specific patient groups:

1. Young Patients: Entering the eye (Vitrectomy) in young patients often causes the natural lens to cloud over, leading to cataracts within a few years. Because Scleral Buckling stays outside the eye, it protects the eye's natural lens 100%. This is the greatest advantage for younger individuals.
2. High Myopia: In highly nearsighted people, the eyeball is longer than normal, causing the retina to be stretched thin and prone to tearing. The silicone band slightly shortens this length and relieves the tension (traction), allowing tears to close.
3. Cases Where the Vitreous is Not Fully Detached: Specific types of retinal separation (such as dialysis) where cleaning the internal gel (vitreous) might pose unnecessary risks.

The Surgical Process: Healing from the Outside

Scleral Buckling is a meticulous reconstructive operation performed under general or local anesthesia in our JCI-accredited operating theaters.

1. Locating the Tear: Using specialized microscopes and headlamps, the surgeon precisely marks the location of the retinal tears from the outside of the eye.
2. Freezing (Cryotherapy): A specialized probe is used to freeze the tissue around the tear from the outside. This creates a controlled "soldering" effect, causing the retina to bond to the wall.
3. Placing the Buckle: The biocompatible silicone band is secured to the sclera with permanent sutures. This band stays in the eye for life, is completely invisible from the outside, and creates no aesthetic change.
4. Fluid Drainage: If significant fluid has accumulated behind the retina, the surgeon may drain it using a microscopic needle to ensure the retina settles perfectly.

The Major Advantage for International Patients: Freedom to Fly

For patients traveling from abroad for health tourism, Scleral Buckling offers massive logistical and medical advantages over Vitrectomy:

1. Freedom to Fly: In Vitrectomy, the eye is often filled with Gas to hold the retina in place. Patients strictly cannot fly for weeks until this gas is absorbed, as pressure changes can cause the eye pressure to spike dangerously. Since Scleral Buckling does not use gas, patients can safely fly home just a few days after surgery.
2. No Positioning Requirements: While Vitrectomy patients may need to lie face-down for weeks, Scleral Buckling typically requires no strict head positioning, making the recovery much more comfortable.
3. Minimal Infection Risk: Since the interior of the eye is not entered, the risk of intraocular infection (endophthalmitis) is nearly zero.

VIP Process Management with Dr. Ayşe Öner

A diagnosis of retinal detachment is a crisis that begins with the sentence: "You must have surgery immediately." Patients stuck in bureaucratic queues in their home countries often face irreversible vision loss. Dr. Ayşe Öner Clinic manages these crises with flawless organization:

1. Zero Waiting: The moment you share your medical reports, our emergency procedure is activated. We perform your detailed examination and take you to surgery the same day or the following morning. Time is the life of your visual cells.
2. The Right Surgical Decision: Choosing between Vitrectomy and Scleral Buckling depends on surgical expertise. Dr. Ayşe Öner selects the most effective method that prioritizes your long-term health (such as avoiding cataracts).
3. Stress-Free Logistics: We handle VIP greetings, luxury accommodation for you and your family near the clinic, and private transfers. You only need to focus on healing.
4. Native Language Support: The surgical technique, the cryotherapy process, and recovery are explained by specialist interpreters in your language, removing all barriers to communication.

Do not let a retinal tear leave a permanent mark on your life. To intervene with the most anatomically respectful techniques and return home safely on a flight shortly after, contact Specialist Dr. Ayşe Öner Clinic immediately. We are here to secure your vision.