What is it?
In scleral buckling, the surgeon stitches a soft silicone band or sponge onto the white wall of the eye (the sclera), directly over the retinal tear. The band indents the wall inwards so that it meets the detached retina. The tear is then sealed with freezing (cryotherapy) or laser.
Because the vitreous jelly is left in place, a buckle does not speed up cataract. It is especially useful in younger people, whose jelly is still firmly attached to the retina, and in some detachments caused by small holes in thin retina.
Who is it suitable for
- Young patients (often under 40) with a fresh retinal detachment
- Detachments from small round holes or a 'dialysis' after an injury
- Eyes with a clear lens, where avoiding cataract matters
- Combined with vitrectomy in some complex detachments
Like any retinal detachment repair, a buckle is done urgently, usually within a few days of diagnosis.
Call +91 98306 66650How it is diagnosed
- Dilated examination to map all tears
- OCT of the macula
- B-scan if needed
Treatment options
Scleral buckle alone
Most common in young, phakic (own lens) eyes with tears in the front part of the retina.
Buckle with vitrectomy
Used in some complex or recurrent detachments to give extra support.
Vitrectomy alone
Preferred in older patients, in eyes that have had cataract surgery, and when there is bleeding or scar tissue.
What happens, step by step
- Anaesthesia
Local anaesthesia, or general anaesthesia for anxious or young patients.
- Surgery
Takes 60 to 90 minutes. The band stays permanently and is not visible from outside.
- After
The eye is red and sore for 1 to 2 weeks. Drops and tablets control this.
Recovery timeline
- Week 1 to 2
Swelling and discomfort settle. No heavy lifting or bending.
- Month 1 to 3
Your glasses power often becomes more short-sighted because the band changes the eye's shape; new glasses are prescribed after 6 to 8 weeks.
Scleral buckle surgery cost in Kolkata
Scleral buckle surgery typically costs ₹30,000 to ₹70,000 per eye in Kolkata. Spectra's retinal detachment surgery starts from ₹22,000–25,000; your written estimate shows the exact figure for the method chosen.
| Treatment / test | At Spectra | Typical Kolkata range |
|---|---|---|
| Scleral buckle surgeryper eye | Written estimate | ₹30,000 – ₹70,000 |
| Retinal detachment surgeryper eye | from ₹22,000 – ₹25,000 | ₹40,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
| Pneumatic retinopexyper eye | Written estimate | ₹15,000 – ₹35,000 |
| Retina specialist consultationper visit | ₹500 | ₹500 – ₹1,500 |
Spectra prices are those published by Spectra Eye Hospital. Kolkata ranges are indicative 2026 ranges across private eye hospitals in the city. Your final cost depends on the eye, the medicine, and the gas, oil or lens used, and is given to you in writing before any procedure.
Cashless and government schemes
Retina specialists for scleral buckle surgery
Dr. Subhajit Das
MBBS, DO, MS (Ophthalmology), FICO, FMRF
25+ years in medical and surgical retina, 7,500+ retinal procedures, vitreo-retina fellowship at Sankara Nethralaya (FMRF), ZEISS trained.
- Retinal detachment surgery
- Vitrectomy
- Scleral buckle
- Anti-VEGF injections
Dr. Aniruddha Maiti
MBBS, DO, DNB, FVRS, FICO, MRCS (Edinburgh), FACS
10,000+ vitreo-retinal operations since 2008, former Head of Retina at Susrut Eye Foundation, ASRS Honor Award recipient.
- Macular hole & ERM surgery
- Complex retinal detachment
- Diabetic vitrectomy
- Anti-VEGF & Ozurdex
Dr. Bishwanath Dutta Chowdhury
MBBS, DO, DNB, VR Fellowship
Fellowship-trained retina surgeon at Madhyamgram for retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
- Retina & vitreous surgery
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
- Uveitis
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of scleral buckle surgery in Kolkata?
Typically ₹30,000 to ₹70,000 per eye in Kolkata private hospitals. At Spectra, retinal detachment surgery starts from ₹22,000–25,000, and you get a written estimate before surgery.
Buckle or vitrectomy: which is better?
Neither is better for everyone. A buckle suits younger eyes with clear lenses and certain tear types; vitrectomy suits older eyes, eyes after cataract surgery, and detachments with bleeding or scar tissue. Your surgeon will explain why they recommend one.
Is the band removed later?
No, it stays permanently and causes no problems in nearly all patients.
Does a buckle change my glasses power?
Often yes: the eye usually becomes more short-sighted. Glasses are updated once healing is complete.
Related
Written by the retina team at Spectra Eye Hospital. Last updated 22 October 2026. This page explains common situations and is not a substitute for an eye examination.