The ROP FAQ
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The following post is archived from the ROP list, which was moderated by Dr. Scott Richards until August, 2002. The list is now hosted at YahooGroups.
Date: June 24, 1998
From: Scott Richards
A scleral buckle is a procedure in which a band of silicone rubber is sewn onto the outside of the eye. It is called a buckle since it "buckles" or indents the wall of the eye. It is the most common technique used for treating retinal detachments in adults. In infants with ROP, the technique is somewhat simpler than in adults, since precise placement of the silicone is not really necessary. The goal is to compress the eye circumferentially to relieve some of the traction produced by the scar tissue on the retinal surface.
Date: October 9, 1998
From: Judy E.
When a retina detaches, it pulls away from the other layers at the back of the eye. A buckle is like a belt that is placed around the back of the eye to push the layers together. The success of the procedure depends upon how long the retina was detached, what part of the retina was involved, other eye problems and diseases that are present. Complications can occur as in any surgery and that can affect the results. The belt is called a scleral buckle because it is attached to the outer sclera. Judy.
Current research indicates that laser surgery is a more common treatment for ROP than scleral buckle, though scleral buckle may be used occasionally.
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