Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
scleral buckle
Pronunciation: SKLER-al BUK-el
A surgical implant placed around the eye to treat retinal detachment by indenting the eye wall inward.
Full Definition
A scleral buckle is a silicone band or sponge surgically attached to the outside of the eye to create an inward indentation of the sclera. This indentation relieves vitreous traction on the retina and closes retinal breaks, allowing the detached retina to reattach. The buckle may be segmental (covering only the area of detachment) or encircling (completely surrounding the eye). The procedure is often combined with cryotherapy or laser photocoagulation to seal retinal tears permanently.
Usage
Usage note: Specify whether buckle is segmental or encircling, and note any concurrent procedures.
In Context
- "A segmental scleral buckle was placed to support the superior retinal detachment with horseshoe tear." — Operative report
- "Encircling scleral buckle surgery achieved complete retinal reattachment at the four-week follow-up." — Post-operative assessment
Also known as
retinal buckle
Don't confuse with
vitrectomy
pneumatic retinopexy