Scleral buckle surgery
Dear Dr.
Gao,
I recently underwent scleral buckle surgery for retinal detachment in my right eye, and it has been two weeks since the procedure.
I feel that my vision recovery is going fairly well; however, I have noticed that my eyes seem unable to focus together.
Is this normal, or should I expect this to resolve once my eyes have fully healed? If so, how long might it take for my vision to return to normal?
Lin, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/11/04
Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Mr.
Lin: The scleral buckle may cause changes in eye movement due to the presence of an implant outside the eyeball, which could result in different movement patterns than before.
This phenomenon may normalize as the situation improves, but the timeline for recovery is uncertain.
Reply Date: 2021/11/04
More Info
Scleral buckling surgery is a common procedure used to treat retinal detachment, a serious condition that can lead to permanent vision loss if not addressed promptly. After undergoing this surgery, it is not uncommon for patients to experience a variety of visual disturbances, including issues with focusing between the two eyes, which is known as binocular vision.
In your case, experiencing difficulty in focusing with both eyes two weeks post-surgery can be attributed to several factors. First, it is essential to understand that the eyes may still be healing from the surgical intervention. The scleral buckle itself is designed to support the eye and help reattach the retina, but the surrounding tissues, including the muscles that control eye movement and alignment, may still be recovering. This healing process can take time, and during this period, it is not unusual for patients to experience temporary visual disturbances.
Another factor to consider is that after retinal surgery, the brain may take time to adjust to the new positioning of the retina and the changes in the eye's anatomy. This adjustment period can lead to difficulties in coordinating the visual input from both eyes, resulting in challenges with focusing. Additionally, if there was any pre-existing condition, such as strabismus (misalignment of the eyes), it may also contribute to the focusing difficulties you are experiencing.
Typically, the recovery timeline can vary significantly among individuals. While some patients may notice improvements in their vision within a few weeks, others may take several months to fully recover. It is essential to have realistic expectations and understand that visual recovery is a gradual process. In many cases, patients may experience fluctuations in their vision during the healing phase, which can be frustrating but is often a normal part of the recovery process.
To facilitate your recovery, it is crucial to follow your ophthalmologist's post-operative care instructions closely. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns you may have. If you continue to experience significant issues with focusing or if your symptoms worsen, it is advisable to reach out to your eye care provider for further evaluation. They may recommend additional treatments, such as vision therapy or corrective lenses, to help improve your binocular vision as your eyes continue to heal.
In summary, while it is common to experience difficulties with focusing after scleral buckling surgery, this is often a temporary condition that improves as the eyes heal. The timeline for recovery can vary, but with proper care and monitoring, many patients see significant improvements in their vision over time. If you have ongoing concerns, do not hesitate to seek further evaluation from your ophthalmologist. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation and help ensure the best possible outcome for your vision recovery.
Similar Q&A
Post-Scleral Buckling Surgery: Recovery Concerns and Vision Changes
Hello, Doctor. 1. I recently underwent scleral buckle surgery for a retinal detachment in the lower right quadrant of my right eye (without affecting the macula). Postoperatively, my vision in the right eye is very blurry. At my five-day follow-up, it was found that my right ey...
Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology
Hello: I apologize, but your situation may require consultation with a surgical specialist. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Tsai Wen-Yuan, Director of the Ophthalmology Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Post-Scleral Buckling Surgery: Recovery Concerns and Vision Changes
Post-Scleral Buckling Surgery: Understanding Recovery and Vision Issues
Hello, Doctor. I underwent scleral buckle surgery two weeks ago. I understand that postoperative double vision and distortion are part of the recovery process, but the shadow I experienced before the surgery is still present. Should the shadow have disappeared when the retina was...
Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology
Hello: The presence of distortion and shadows post-surgery may be due to the retina not being fully reattached yet. The timeline for complete reattachment can vary from person to person and will require careful monitoring by the surgeon who performed your procedure. Wishing you p...[Read More] Post-Scleral Buckling Surgery: Understanding Recovery and Vision Issues
Post-Scleral Buckling Surgery: Concerns About Vision Distortion and Recovery
Hello Doctor, I discovered a retinal detachment nearly a week after my eye was struck, and there was fluid accumulation. That day, I was transferred to the emergency department at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and the next day I underwent scleral buckle surgery. However, l...
Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: First of all, retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that requires prompt treatment to prevent further visual impairment. Scleral buckle surgery is typically an effective method for restoring the normal position and function of the retina. However, post-operative vi...[Read More] Post-Scleral Buckling Surgery: Concerns About Vision Distortion and Recovery
Post-Scleral Buckling Surgery: Vision, Pain, and Recovery Insights
Dear Doctor, I have experienced a retinal tear and detachment in my right eye, for which I underwent scleral buckle surgery in mid-March of this year. Postoperatively, due to subretinal hemorrhage, I had to undergo gas tamponade and thrombolytic agent injection surgery. During f...
Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: 1. Based on the symptoms you described, the tightness, pain around the eyes, tingling, and foreign body sensation may be normal reactions following scleral buckle surgery. The eyes may require a longer time to recover and adapt, especially during prolonged near-vision ac...[Read More] Post-Scleral Buckling Surgery: Vision, Pain, and Recovery Insights
Related FAQ
(Ophthalmology)
Post-Scleral Surgery(Ophthalmology)
Post-Retinal Detachment Surgery(Ophthalmology)
Post-Chalazion Surgery(Ophthalmology)
Sclera(Ophthalmology)
Vitrectomy Surgery(Ophthalmology)
Orbital Fracture(Plastic Surgery)
Eye Trauma(Ophthalmology)
Corneal Reshaping Therapy(Ophthalmology)
Visual Afterimages(Ophthalmology)