How Much More Nearsighted Will I Be Following Scleral Buckle for Detached Retina?

[Berob]

I'm a 43-year old male who had scleral buckle surgery about a week and a half ago to repair a detached retina.  From what I understand, it was a 30% peripheral detachment with no macula involvement and I'm told odds are good for a full visual recovery, although I'm told I will be even more nearsighted than I was (a -9.25 in glasses).  While the recovery is going well, its tough deaing with everything being out of focus in that eye and I'm told I need to wait 6 weeks for things to stabilize enough to get a new prescription.  Just curious if anyone knows how much more nearsighted, on average, one might expect to be after scleral buckle surgery and my specific circumstances?  Thank you.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

If a retina detachment is repaired with air-fluid exchange and no buckle put on there will be no change. If the eye is 360 degree buckled the amount varies but a ball park figure would be 1.5 diopters more myopia
JCH MD

[jd191146]

Hi, I had the surgery about 5 months ago, im at about 2 diopters worse than I was before the surgery and have a slight astigmatism now, the change isnt that bad, but I have blurriness still, dont have any idea how long that will last though.  I am pretty sure I am fully circled, I am still trying to get that facts straight as it is always difficult to remember things from the doctor after he has dilated my eye and shoved a light in it.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

Use the search feature and archives to read about retinal detachment surgery. There are extended and very informative discussions that will answer all your questions in general and share others experiences

JCH MD