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Retinal detachment repair - series

Procedure, part 3:

After sealing breaks and tears in the retina with either laser or cryoporbe treatment, the scleral buckle is applied. This consists of a silicone patch wrapped around the eye, compressing the globe and elongating it slightly, thus pushing the retina up against the posterior aspect of the eye, and sealing the detachment. The silicone patch is usually left in place permanently, unless it causes problems later, such as infection.

Reviewed last on: 8/22/2008
Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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