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The second method to bring the layers together is placement of a scleral buckle. A scleral buckle is often used for retinal tears and detachments that require more advanced surgery. After sealing breaks and tears in the retina using either a cryoprobe or photocoagulation, a silicone sponge is sewn to the outside of the eye. This pushes the wall of the eye inward to meet the detached retina. This compresses the globe of the eye, which may elongate slightly. Sometimes a silicone band is wrapped around the eye, and over the sponge (like a belt), so that it pushes the sponge in a little more. The silicone sponge and band (if used) usually can be left in place permanently, unless they cause problems later, such as infection.
Review Date 7/24/2025
Updated by: Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
