This surgery is performed in the hospital as an outpatient procedure and takes about one hour. Local or general anesthesia may be used during this procedure. During a scleral buckling procedure, a  small piece of silicone rubber is sewn to the outside of the eye to indent the eyeball and allow the retina to reconnect. This small piece of silicone is permanent, however, it is placed far back on the eye where it is not visible. Sometimes a small bubble of gas or air is injected into the eyeball to help keep the retina against the nourishing bed. This helps hold the retina in place, giving it time to heal. During this procedure a freezing (cryopexy), probe is used to seal the tear or hole that is the source of the detachment

There are several treatments available to repair retinal detachments. Only your doctor can determine which treatment is best for you. In many cases, a scleral buckling procedure will be recommended.

Recovery is about six weeks and the patient will have some restrictions afterwards. Frequent follow up visits are necessary and eye drops will be prescribed to help prevent infection and inflammation.

Depending on the extent of the detachment, visual recovery may take up to three months and a change in glasses prescription may be necessary, as the buckle will change the shape of the eyeball.