Treatment Overview
Scleral Buckle Surgery is a retinal reattachment procedure used to treat rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). It involves placing a silicone band, sponge, or tire around the eye (sclera) to indent the eyeball, bringing the sclera closer to the detached retina and sealing retinal breaks. This external approach reduces vitreoretinal traction, allowing the retina to reattach naturally.
In Korea, scleral buckle surgery is performed with precision imaging, modern surgical techniques, and personalized planning:
- Widefield fundus imaging and OCT to localize retinal tears or breaks
- AI-assisted preoperative planning for buckle placement and tension adjustment
- Customizable silicone elements (bands, tires, sponges) for individualized support
- Combined procedures with vitrectomy, cryotherapy, or laser photocoagulation if needed
- Microincision and minimal dissection techniques for faster recovery and less trauma
Korean retinal surgeons are skilled in both primary buckle placement and revision procedures, ensuring high anatomical success and visual preservation.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Reattach the retina by supporting retinal breaks externally
- Reduce vitreoretinal traction to prevent further detachment
- Preserve or restore central and peripheral vision
- Complement vitrectomy or cryotherapy in complex cases
- Treat both traumatic and spontaneous retinal detachments
Benefits
- High anatomical success for primary or secondary retinal detachment
- Effective for peripheral retinal tears and lattice degeneration
- Minimally invasive dissection techniques reduce surgical trauma
- Can be combined with vitrectomy or laser therapy for complex cases
- Preserves the natural vitreous and lens when possible
- AI-assisted planning ensures precise buckle placement and optimal outcomes
- Rapid visual recovery compared to traditional extensive surgery
Ideal Candidates
Scleral Buckle Surgery in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD)
- Eyes with peripheral retinal tears or dialysis
- Traumatic retinal detachments requiring external support
- Young phakic patients where vitrectomy may risk cataract progression
- Individuals with lattice degeneration or high-risk peripheral retinal lesions
- Patients requiring revision or combined buckle-vitreous procedures
Possible Risks & Complications
Minor/Transient Issues
- Mild eye discomfort, redness, or swelling
- Temporary blurred vision
- Eyelid irritation at the surgical site
Rare/Serious Risks
- Infection or scleral buckle extrusion
- Recurrent retinal detachment
- Diplopia (double vision) due to muscle manipulation
- Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Cataract progression if vitrectomy is combined
- Allergic reaction to buckle materials
Korean clinics minimize risks through:
- Precise preoperative imaging for accurate buckle placement
- AI-assisted tension mapping and sizing of silicone elements
- Experienced retinal surgeons skilled in minimal dissection techniques
- Postoperative monitoring for early detection of infection or detachment
- Integration with vitrectomy or laser when required
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- OCT and Widefield Fundus Imaging – Identify retinal breaks and assess detachment
- Cryotherapy / Laser Photocoagulation – Seal retinal tears pre- or post-buckle
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) – Optional adjunct for complex or posterior detachments
- Fluid–Air or Gas Tamponade – Combined with buckle in selected cases
- AI-Assisted Surgical Planning – Ensures optimal buckle positioning
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Comprehensive eye exam including visual acuity, IOP, and fundus evaluation
- OCT and widefield fundus imaging to locate retinal breaks
- AI-assisted planning for buckle type, size, and placement
Step 2 – Surgical Procedure
- Local or general anesthesia applied
- Small conjunctival incision made to expose sclera
- Silicone band, sponge, or tire placed around the eyeball
- Buckle secured with sutures to indent the sclera beneath retinal breaks
- Cryotherapy or laser applied to seal retinal tears
- Closure of conjunctiva and final imaging to confirm buckle position
Step 3 – Postoperative Follow-Up
- Examination within 24–48 hours
- Follow-up imaging at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months
- Adjustment or additional procedures if detachment persists
Duration: 60–120 minutes
Setting: Advanced retinal surgery operating room
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Mild discomfort, redness, or swelling is normal
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or eye trauma for several weeks
- Use prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops
- Attend all follow-up appointments for imaging and visual assessment
- Report new flashes, floaters, or sudden vision changes immediately
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Mild discomfort and blurred vision
- 1–2 Weeks: Initial healing and reduction of inflammation
- 1–3 Months: Visual stabilization and retinal reattachment confirmation
- Long-Term: Regular monitoring ensures retinal stability and buckle integrity
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- High anatomical success in retinal reattachment
- Effective support for peripheral retinal breaks
- Reduced risk of recurrent detachment, especially in young or phakic patients
- Can be combined with vitrectomy or laser for complex cases
- Rapid recovery with minimal postoperative complications
Longevity
- Scleral buckle often provides long-term retinal support
- Lifelong monitoring recommended for high-risk patients
- Rare need for revision unless buckle-related complications occur
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Experienced retinal surgeons specializing in scleral buckle surgery
- Advanced imaging for precise localization and planning
- AI-assisted buckle sizing and placement for optimal outcomes
- Minimal dissection and microincision techniques for faster recovery
- Integration with vitrectomy, laser, or cryotherapy when necessary
- English-friendly clinics with structured postoperative care
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-assisted buckle mapping and tension adjustment
- Microincision conjunctival exposure to reduce trauma
- Combined buckle and vitrectomy procedures for complex detachments
- Widefield imaging for peripheral retinal assessment
- Digital postoperative monitoring dashboards for follow-up
- Optimized surgical protocols for quicker recovery and improved comfort
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Scleral Buckle Surgery | ₩7,000,000 – ₩12,000,000 | ~$5,350 – $9,200 | Buckle placement + cryotherapy/laser + imaging |
| Buckle + Vitrectomy Combination | ₩10,000,000 – ₩16,000,000 | ~$7,650 – $12,200 | PPV + buckle + tamponade + laser/cryotherapy |
| Follow-Up Monitoring Package | ₩300,000 – ₩800,000 | ~$230 – $620 | OCT + fundus + AI-assisted follow-up |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Kim’s Eye Hospital (Seoul)
- Gangnam Severance Hospital Retina Unit
- Seoul National University Hospital Retina Center
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul)
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan)
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul)
- NUNE Eye Hospital (Daegu)
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic
