Scleral Buckle has Deteriorated

I had scleral buckles placed in both eyes (after retinal detachments) 15 years ago.  I have very limited vision in my left eye, and now unfortunately the material from scleral buckle in my right eye is breaking down.  There is a noticable lump, a noticible ptosis, and some discomfort (not pain).  I would like an opinion as to whether continued watchful waiting is the best approach, given the fact that this is the eye I rely on totally - or whether it is safe to remove/replace the buckle.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You should be under the care of a retinal surgeon that you see twice per year at least. Sometimes the retina "hardware" can damage the eye and needs to be removed.

JCH MD

[Scleralrecipient]

I had a scleral buckle surgery done 5/21/09. 5 weeks later I had a tear. 3 weeks later another tear. After the first 2 procedures, I went back to full duty as a detention deputy. Since the 3rd tear, I have not returned back to full duty and am taking everything very, very easy. However, there are times when the eye becomes very inflamed and hurts so badly. There is also a lot of tearing. I feel like the eye ball is throbbing so much, it is going to fall out.
The retina is still in tact, but is that the b-all and end-all of everything?
My problem beside the excessive intermittent pain is that it is my dominant eye (shooting eye). Everything looks very wavy, unclear, and distorted. Will it ever be that I will be able to shoot with a minimum 38 out of 42 score? I can't even find the screw head without feeling for it first.
I get so depressed and wonder if the other eye is going to go the same way.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

I suggest you get a second opinion. Also use the search feature and archives to read about RD surgery and the long and often brutal healing process. Also know that if the macula was detached or has disease like membranes or fluid you may not recover full vision

JCH MD

[athom73]

Is anyone familiar with the posterior scleral buckling surgery that Dr. Brian Ward is doing in California for those of us with myopic degeneration due to high Axial length?

[berrywoo]

there have been 2 people on these forums who have gone ahead with the posterior pole buckling by Dr. Ward. These members are dukey, and spookyluv.

[berrywoo]

Here are the links to their posts:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Eye-Care/Posterior-Pole-buckling-nervousness/show/1092406

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Eye-Care/Posterior-pole-buckle-for-myopia---my-experience/show/988016?personal_page_id=50135&post_id=post_4613791