Dr. Jennifer O. Adeghate, MD, PhD

Refractive disorders happen when the shape of the eye doesn't let allow someone focus very precisely. They might be myopic (nearsighted), hyperopic (farsighted), or have an astigmatism, which is a focus problem caused by the cornea. Refractive disorders can be corrected by glasses or contacts.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. It happens when fluid pressure builds up within the eye and damages the optic nerve. It is treated with medications and surgery.

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes. The retina is tissue at the back of the eye that is filled with numerous, tiny blood vessels. When diabetes damages these delicate blood vessels, they burst or leak, leading to blind spots and blurred vision. Diabetic retinopathy can be treated with laser therapy and surgery, but often vision cannot be restored.

Macular degeneration is common in older adults. The macula is the central part of the retina and is responsible for crisp center vision. Over time, the cells in the macula begin to die, making central vision blurry. An early symptom of macular degeneration is that straight lines appear wavy.

Cataracts happen when the clear lens in the front of the eye becomes cloudy, making things look blurry or faded. They are extremely common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans will have had a cataract. In early stages, prescription glasses and magnifying lenses can help. As the cataracts get worse, surgery to replace the lens may be the best option.

More than just one of the five senses, the eyes are heavily relied upon to communicate, work, and get around every day. It's important to have regular eye exams for vision stays in good shape for years to come.

During a scleral buckle procedure, the retina is first fused back into place, often using a kind of very cold needle. Then a tiny, flat piece or band of silicone is stitched to the white area on the outside of the eyeball. This creates a small indentation (or buckle) which pushes the wall of the eye securely against the retina. It helps the retina adhere to its proper location and heal correctly.

Scleral buckle surgery may be performed along with other procedures to treat a retinal detachment, for instance removing a small amount of the liquid inside the eye. After surgery, patients may experience redness or swelling. Patients may be given eye drops or a patch to wear to protect their eye while it heals. At first, there is often an uncomfortable gritty feeling like something is in the eye. Although the buckle is permanent, this sensation soon disappears. In most cases the retina reattaches, and within a few weeks vision and eye will be back to normal.

During surgery, patients will be given adequate anesthesia so they won't be aware of what is happening. After surgery, patients may feel some discomfort as their eyes heal Patients may have to temporarily wear an eye patch to protect their eyes, or use eye drops to help them heal. Depending on what kind of surgery patients have had, their vision may be blurry for a few days. Patients should feel better within a few days, but it may take more than a month for their vision to completely recover.