A protruding scleral buckle is a serious concern that can affect your vision after retinal detachment surgery. Our dedicated retina specialists are here to provide you with personalized care and expert guidance to manage this condition effectively.
A protruding scleral buckle is a condition in which the buckle implant, originally placed during retinal detachment surgery, starts to erode through the protective layers of the eye. This complication may be identified months or even years after the initial procedure, making long-term follow-up so important. Our retina specialists want you to know that early detection and management are key to preserving both comfort and vision.
A scleral buckle is a small implant used to support the eye and secure the retina back in place after detachment. In some cases, the implant begins to break through the overlying tissue, becoming visible or even palpable under the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane covering the white part of the eye. When this happens, it’s called a protruding scleral buckle, and it can pose risks if not addressed promptly.
For many patients, this condition is not an immediate emergency but does require attention because it signals that the protective layers of the eye are compromised. Imagine a window where the sealant has gradually worn away—exposure to the elements and further damage become a very real concern.
Understanding the nature of this complication is the first step toward managing it effectively, and our retina specialists are here to help guide you through each detail with care and expertise.
Several factors can lead to scleral buckle protrusion, each disrupting the normal healing process or weakening the tissues that cover the implant. During routine follow-ups, our retina specialists monitor for these risks to ensure long-term stability after retinal detachment surgery.
An infected buckle site may not heal properly, allowing the implant to gradually break through surrounding tissue.
Ongoing irritation can thin the tissues around the buckle, especially in cases of poor healing.
If the buckle is too tight or poorly positioned, constant pressure can cause it to push outward over time.
Some patients may react to the implant material, leading to tissue damage and eventual exposure.
Conditions like dry eye can weaken the eye's surface and make it more prone to breakdown.
Multiple surgeries in the same area can create scarring or tissue fatigue, increasing the risk of protrusion.
It’s essential to know what symptoms to watch for if you have had retinal surgery with a scleral buckle implant. The appearance of new or unusual eye sensations can provide the first hints of buckle protrusion.
You might feel or see a bump beneath or even through the conjunctiva. It might seem like there is something foreign present on your eye.
Many patients describe feeling like there is something in their eye—a discomfort that isn’t typical for healed eyes.
Persistent redness can be a sign that the tissue is inflamed or not healing well over the implant.
Increased tearing or an unusual discharge may indicate that the eye is reacting to the protruding material.
Inflammation or repeated infections of the conjunctiva can be associated with buckle exposure.
Pain near the implant area, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, should be taken seriously.
Although not always present, inflammation or additional retinal issues could cause a decrease in visual acuity.
A protruding scleral buckle may begin with minor irritation or discomfort, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious and potentially vision-threatening complications. Understanding these risks helps patients and retina specialists make informed, timely decisions about care.
Once the buckle is exposed, bacteria can enter and infect surrounding tissues. This may lead to scleral buckle endophthalmitis—a rare but severe eye infection that can cause pain, redness, swelling, and vision loss.
Chronic irritation and inflammation can weaken the sclera (the white outer wall of the eye), causing it to thin or break down. In severe cases, this may compromise the structural integrity of the eye.
The pressure from the buckle can create ulcers or open sores on the conjunctiva, the protective outer membrane of the eye. These ulcers are not only painful but also increase the risk of secondary infection.
If you suspect you have a protruding scleral buckle, don't wait. Schedule an appointment with our experienced retina specialists today to ensure your vision is protected and you receive the best possible care.
If the buckle was originally placed to support a retinal repair, its failure or removal without proper management can raise the risk of retinal re-detachment, especially if scar tissue or traction remains.
Infections that start at the buckle site can sometimes spread beyond the eye into surrounding tissues, leading to orbital cellulitis—a dangerous infection requiring urgent treatment to prevent further spread or damage.
In rare and extreme cases where infection, necrosis, or inflammation go untreated, the eye can become non-functional (phthisis bulbi) and may ultimately need to be removed to prevent ongoing pain or infection.
For cases where the buckle protrusion is mild and there is limited inflammation, conservative management may be the first line of treatment. The aim here is to reduce inflammation and prevent further erosion while closely monitoring the condition.
These medications help to control any suspicion of infection and reduce the local inflammatory process. They are applied directly to the eye, ensuring that the affected area receives concentrated treatment.
Maintaining a healthy ocular surface is crucial, especially if the eye is experiencing dryness or irritation. Regular use of lubricating drops can help soothe the eye and promote a protective barrier over the conjunctiva.
This approach is particularly useful in minimizing discomfort while giving the eye’s tissues a chance to heal. However, conservative management requires a commitment to regular follow-up visits so our retina specialists can monitor the situation and ensure there is no progression toward more serious complications.
In cases where the protrusion is significant, or if an infection has set in that does not respond to conservative measures, a surgical approach may be necessary. Surgery aims to correct the defect, remove compromised tissue, and restore the protective layers of the eye.
When the buckle extrudes through the conjunctiva or is associated with ongoing infection, removing the implant becomes necessary. Although the buckle once played a critical role in supporting the retina, the risks of leaving a compromised implant outweigh its benefits in these cases.
To cover the area where the buckle has eroded, surgeons may perform a repair or even grafting procedure. This step ensures that the eye has a robust barrier against further external exposure and infection.
Since the buckle was initially placed to provide retinal support, our retina specialists carry out a comprehensive evaluation of retinal stability during surgery. In cases where the retina shows signs of distress or detachment, additional surgical interventions might be arranged to provide alternative support or to safeguard vision.
Surgical treatment is designed to address both the local problem of the extrusion and any potential secondary effects on the retina. While surgery might sound intimidating, know that our retina specialists perform these procedures with precision, constantly prioritizing your eye health and long-term visual stability.
Each treatment plan is highly personalized. If you or a loved one has a history of scleral buckle surgery, maintaining regular appointments allows our retina specialists to catch these issues early, ensuring that treatment begins before any serious damage occurs.
If you suspect you have a protruding scleral buckle, don't wait. Schedule an appointment with our experienced retina specialists today to ensure your vision is protected and you receive the best possible care.
Address complications related to protruding scleral buckle with specialized care. Find a top retina specialist near you today.
