Restore Your Retinal Health with Scleral Buckling
Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that can result from injury, poorly controlled diabetes, or inflammatory eye disorders, among other factors. Symptoms are usually sudden and include flashes of light along the peripheral vision, or shadows moving from the sides to the center of your vision. If you are experiencing retinal detachment symptoms, it is extremely important to seek emergency medical treatment to preserve your eyesight. Dr. Sean C. Lalin is a highly trained specialist who provides advanced retinal detachment treatment, including scleral buckling, at his Morristown practice. Scleral buckling can effectively relieve pressure on the retina, allowing it to return to its normal, healthy position. To learn more about scleral buckling and whether it is right for you, contact us and schedule your appointment today.
Understanding the Importance of Retinal Health
The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that sends signals to the brain, allowing us to perceive images. The retina is separated from the lens at the front of the eye by a clear fluid called vitreous. If a small tear occurs in the retina, the vitreous can flow into this space and separate the retina from its supportive tissue. This tear or hole can lead to total retinal detachment. Left untreated, a retinal detachment can lead to severe visual impairment and even blindness. It is crucial that any sudden changes in vision, including an increase in flashes and floaters, be treated as a medical emergency.
Advanced Treatment Options to Save Your Vision
Dr. Lalin offers several retinal detachment treatment options, including surgery for more advanced cases. Using an ophthalmoscope and ultrasonography, he can examine the inner structure of your eye to determine the treatment option that best meets your needs.
What is Scleral Buckling?
Scleral buckling is an effective form of surgical treatment for retinal detachment. During a scleral buckling procedure, your doctor will place a small piece of rubber or sponge on the outside of the sclera, or the white part of the eye. By pushing in, or essentially buckling, the sclera, the retina will be pushed to settle against the wall of the eye. The buckling element will typically be left in place permanently. For most patients, placing a scleral buckle successfully reattaches the retina and restores vision.
Since failure to treat retinal detachment can lead to blindness, the benefits of this procedure far outweigh the risks. Short-term and long-term complications are rare, and may include scarring on the retina, detachment of the choroidal, or the middle layer of eye tissue, or bleeding, swelling, or infection in the eye. These conditions may necessitate revision surgery to restore your ocular health. Before beginning any procedure, your doctor will discuss your treatment options in detail, including their unique advantages and potential side-effects.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Our doctors have years of experience treating retinal detachment, and will make your health, safety, and quality of life unwavering priorities. For more information on your treatment options, please contact our practice today. We look forward to hearing from you.