What Is A Scleral Dilation Operation?

Scleral dilation surgery has little risk, although several weeks of care are required to avoid complications. Today’s article will describe the procedure.

Scleral dilation surgery is a procedure to repair retinal detachment. It consists of the introduction of silicone material to restore this tissue to its original state.

There are other alternatives, although this is one of the most commonly used by ophthalmologists. Then you will find the most important details about this operation. Read on!

Why is the retina peeling off?

The retina looks like a thin layer on the back of the eye, but it is very complex from a microscopic point of view. Thanks to the retina, we can see images clearly, which is why any damage leaves lasting consequences.

There are many factors that play a role in retinal detachment, and in each case there is a build-up of fluid (called vitreous humor) behind the retinal structure. This leads to a gradual loss of blood supply and subsequent tissue death.

Detachment can occur spontaneously in some people with risk factors. According to a Mayo Clinic publication, the most important of these are:

• Be over 50 years old
• Have diabetes
• Have a personal or family history of retinal detachment
• Having had an ophthalmic procedure in the past

How does a scleral dilation operation work?

According to a publication by Texas Retina Associates, scleral dilation surgery involves the insertion of a silicone tape or sponge near the sclera. This is the white part around the iris that is visible in the eye.

This leads to a slight increase in pressure and a displacement of the intraocular structures in order to bring the retina back to its original location. The procedure requires some incisions on the outer surface of the eye to allow the material to be inserted.

The attending physician can take some additional measures to prevent the disease from recurring. Laser photocoagulation and cryopexy are the most common. In both cases, scar tissue seals the breaks in the injured tissue.

Preparatory actions

As with all surgical procedures, there is usually a brief preoperative period. This consists of:

• Staying in bed to avoid sudden movements while waiting for the procedure to begin.
• The doctor or nurse may shorten the eyelashes a little and apply some eye drops to widen the pupil

• Administration of local or regional anesthesia – it depends on the patient and the severity of the disease

How does the procedure work?

Depending on the severity of the retinal detachment, the scleral dilation operation can take at least one to two hours. The general steps are:

• An incision is made in the sclera
• Then the silicone material is placed
• The latter is sewn on to prevent it from shifting
• Eventually, the fluid that has accumulated behind the retina is drained away.

It is also possible to carry out the supplementary procedures mentioned in the previous section, even if each of them has its own technique.

Scleral Enlargement Surgery: Expectations and Recovery

The effectiveness of this procedure is usually excellent, although there are some complications (we’ll mention them in the next section).

In the first few days of recovery, there will be somatic pain, as well as redness and constant lacrimation. However, these symptoms will subside over the days.

In addition, the doctor can provide further information, such as:

• Resting, even if not always lying down
• Using a patch after the procedure
• Regular use of antibiotic eye drops
• Use pain relievers like ibuprofen
• Do not drive a car or lift heavy objects
• Do not travel by plane
• Wear sunglasses

As the weeks go by, you will need to consult your treating physician to check the effectiveness of the procedure.

What are the risks of the surgery?

The procedure may cause complications in the first few weeks, although this is rare. The most important are::

• Infections
• Cataract
• Green star (glaucoma)
• New retinal detachment

Therefore, you should see an ophthalmologist if your visual acuity deteriorates after surgery or if you see lights or foreign objects. Swelling around the eye and increasing pain are other warning signs.

Sclerosis surgery is an effective solution for emergencies

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency that can lead to permanent blindness. Consult an ophthalmologist as soon as possible if you notice the above symptoms.

Finally, there are other effective procedures such as pars plana vitrectomy, but scleral-enlarging surgery remains the first choice for many doctors.