Best Scleral Buckle Surgery in Mumbai | Dr. Jignesh Gala
Gold-standard retinal detachment repair by internationally trained vitreoretinal surgeon. FRCS Glasgow | MRCS Edinburgh | FICO London | LV Prasad Dual Fellowship.
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⚠️ Retinal Detachment is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY
If you experience sudden floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain over your vision, seek immediate care. Every minute counts in saving your sight. Dr. Gala offers 24/7 emergency retina care in Mumbai.
📞 Emergency: 077188 85245 💬 WhatsApp EmergencyWhat is Scleral Buckle Surgery?
Scleral buckle surgery is a time-tested surgical procedure used to repair retinal detachment – a serious condition where the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye) separates from its supporting tissue. Without prompt treatment, retinal detachment can cause permanent blindness.
The procedure involves placing a silicone band (buckle) around the outer wall of the eye (sclera). This buckle gently indents the eye wall inward, pushing it toward the detached retina. This closes the retinal break and allows the retina to reattach naturally as the eye heals.
Dr. Jignesh Gala, one of the best vitreoretinal surgeons in Mumbai, has performed hundreds of scleral buckle procedures with excellent outcomes. His training at LV Prasad Eye Institute and international experience at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore ensures patients receive world-class care right here in Andheri West, Mumbai.
🌟 Why Scleral Buckle is the Gold Standard
- Highest long-term success rate – 90-95% single surgery success
- Preserves the vitreous – unlike vitrectomy, natural eye structure is maintained
- Lower cataract risk – vitrectomy accelerates cataract formation
- Ideal for young patients – best results in patients under 50
- Proven over 60+ years of clinical use worldwide
- Single surgery – often no need for repeat procedures
How Does Scleral Buckle Surgery Work?
Understanding the procedure helps patients feel confident about their treatment
1. Indentation
A silicone band is placed around the sclera (white of the eye) to gently push it inward toward the detached retina.
2. Closing the Break
The inward pressure closes the retinal tear or hole, preventing fluid from flowing between the retina and the eye wall.
3. Reattachment
With the break sealed, the retina naturally reattaches to the underlying tissue over the following days to weeks.
4. Cryotherapy
A freezing treatment (cryopexy) may be applied around the retinal tear to create a scar that permanently seals the break.
5. Permanent Support
The silicone buckle remains in place permanently, providing long-term support to prevent future detachments.
6. Healing
Over 2-4 weeks, the eye heals completely. The buckle is invisible from the outside and does not affect eye movement.
Scleral Buckle vs. Other Retinal Detachment Surgeries
Dr. Gala will recommend the best approach based on your specific condition
| Factor | Scleral Buckle | Vitrectomy | Pneumatic Retinopexy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Young patients, simple detachments, peripheral breaks | Complex detachments, proliferative vitreoretinopathy | Upper retina, single small break |
| Success Rate | 90-95% (single surgery) | 85-90% | 70-80% |
| Cataract Risk | Minimal | High (within 2-3 years) | Minimal |
| Vitreous Preservation | Yes – natural structure preserved | No – vitreous removed | Yes |
| Anesthesia | General or Local | General | Local only |
| Recovery Time | 2-4 weeks | 4-8 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Positioning Required | Not required | Face-down positioning needed | Strict head positioning required |
| Cost Range (Mumbai) | ₹40,000 – 1,00,000 | ₹50,000 – 1,50,000 | ₹40,000 – 80,000 |
| Insurance Coverage | Covered by most insurers | Covered | Covered |
| Second Surgery Rate | Lowest (5-10%) | 10-15% | Highest (20-30%) |
💡 Dr. Gala’s Expertise: Dr. Jignesh Gala at Crystal Clear Eye Clinic is proficient in all three approaches and will recommend the most appropriate surgery for your specific retinal detachment. Many complex cases benefit from a combined approach (scleral buckle + vitrectomy) for the best outcomes.
Types of Scleral Buckles
Depending on the location, size, and number of retinal breaks, Dr. Gala will choose the most appropriate type of buckle:
📐 Encircling Band (360°)
A silicone band that goes all around the eye. Used when there are multiple breaks or breaks in different quadrants, or when the cause of detachment is not clearly identified. Provides the most comprehensive support.
■ Segmental Buckle
A smaller silicone piece placed only over the area with the retinal break. Ideal for single, localized breaks. Minimizes side effects as it covers less area.
🔭 Radial Buckle
Oriented perpendicular to the limbus, directly over a large tear. Provides strong support for large retinal breaks like giant retinal tears.
💧 Combination with Vitrectomy
In complex cases with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), Dr. Gala may perform a combined procedure – scleral buckle plus vitrectomy – for the best anatomical and visual outcomes.
The Scleral Buckle Procedure: Step by Step
What to expect during your surgery with Dr. Jignesh Gala
Anesthesia
General or local anesthesia administered. Surgery is painless.
Retinal Examination
Indirect ophthalmoscopy to locate all retinal breaks precisely.
Cryotherapy
Freezing treatment applied around each retinal break to create scar tissue.
Buckle Placement
Silicone band sutured to the sclera, positioned precisely over the breaks.
Drainage (if needed)
Subretinal fluid may be drained to help retina settle back in place.
Recovery
Patch placed. Most patients go home the same day or next morning.
Surgery Duration
45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on complexity and number of breaks.
Hospital Stay
Same-day discharge or overnight stay. Most patients return home within 24 hours.
Anesthesia
General anesthesia preferred. Local anesthesia with sedation possible for select cases.
Positioning
No face-down positioning required (unlike vitrectomy). Sleep in any comfortable position.
Risks & Complications
Like any surgical procedure, scleral buckle surgery carries some risks. However, with an experienced surgeon like Dr. Jignesh Gala, complications are rare and manageable:
- Infection – Very rare (less than 0.1%). Prevented with sterile technique and antibiotics.
- Choroidal effusion – Fluid accumulation that usually resolves on its own.
- Diplopia (double vision) – Usually temporary, resolves within weeks.
- Buckle exposure – Very rare. May require repositioning.
- Increased eye pressure – Managed with eye drops.
- Re-detachment – 5-10% may need additional surgery.
- Cataract progression – Minimal compared to vitrectomy.
- Change in glasses prescription – Usually minor, corrected with new glasses.
Important: The risk of NOT treating retinal detachment is complete and permanent blindness. The benefits of surgery far outweigh the risks. Dr. Gala will discuss all risks in detail during your consultation at Crystal Clear Eye Clinic.
Recovery Timeline After Scleral Buckle Surgery
Most patients recover well within 2-4 weeks
Day 0-1 (Surgery Day)
Eye patch removed next day. Vision will be blurry. Some discomfort managed with pain medication. Follow-up appointment scheduled.
Week 1
First follow-up visit. Vision begins to improve gradually. Continue antibiotic and steroid eye drops. Avoid rubbing the eye. Can resume light activities.
Week 2-3
Vision continues improving. Most patients can return to work. Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and swimming. Continue eye drops as prescribed.
Week 4-6
Significant visual improvement. Can resume most normal activities including light exercise. New glasses prescription if needed. Regular follow-ups continue.
Month 3
Maximum visual recovery achieved. Retina fully healed. Final visual acuity assessed. Most patients resume all activities including sports.
Long-Term
Silicone buckle remains permanently. Annual eye checkups recommended. The buckle is invisible externally and does not cause discomfort.
💡 Post-Operative Care at Crystal Clear Eye: Dr. Gala provides dedicated follow-up care with scheduled appointments at Day 1, Week 1, Month 1, and Month 3. Our team is available 24/7 for any concerns via WhatsApp or phone call.
Scleral Buckle Surgery Cost in Mumbai
Transparent pricing with cashless insurance facility
| Procedure Component | Cost Range (Mumbai) | Insurance Coverage | Cashless Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consultation with Dr. Gala | ₹500 – 1,500 | OPD rider (if available) | ✅ |
| Pre-Op Investigations (OCT, B-Scan, FFA) | ₹3,000 – 8,000 | Partially covered | ✅ |
| Simple Scleral Buckle Surgery | ₹40,000 – 60,000 | ✅ Covered by most insurers | ✅ |
| Complex Scleral Buckle (multiple breaks) | ₹60,000 – 80,000 | ✅ Covered | ✅ |
| Scleral Buckle + Vitrectomy (Combined) | ₹80,000 – 1,00,000 | ✅ Covered | ✅ |
| Surgery with Silicone Oil | ₹70,000 – 1,50,000 | ✅ Covered | ✅ |
| Medications (Eye Drops) | ₹2,000 – 5,000 | Partially covered | ✅ |
| Follow-up Visits (3 months) | ₹1,500 – 3,000 | OPD rider | ✅ |
| New Glasses Prescription | ₹2,000 – 10,000 | ❌ Not covered | N/A |
💡 Cost-Saving Tip: With our cashless insurance facility at Crystal Clear Eye Clinic, most patients pay ZERO or minimal out-of-pocket costs for scleral buckle surgery. Contact us at 077188 85245 for a free insurance verification.
All Insurance Companies We Accept for Cashless Scleral Buckle Surgery
Direct cashless through Topax Eye Care | Third-party through Crystal Clear Eye
Private Health Insurance
Government & PSU Insurance
TPAs (Third Party Administrators)
Dr. Jignesh Gala
Dr. Jignesh Gala is the Founder & Director of Crystal Clear Eye Clinic and Co-Director of Topax Eye Care in Andheri West, Mumbai. With over 12 years of experience and 25,780+ surgical eye procedures (Cataract • Retina • Cornea • LASIK • Advanced Vision Correction), he is widely regarded as one of the best retina surgeons in Mumbai.
His unique combination of triple international certifications (FRCS Glasgow, MRCS Edinburgh, FICO London) and a dual fellowship from LV Prasad Eye Institute places him among the most qualified vitreoretinal surgeons in India. He also served as Resident Physician at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.
Trained Under World’s Best Retina Surgeons
Dr. Gala’s expertise was forged under legendary mentors at LV Prasad Eye Institute and Tan Tock Seng Hospital
Dr. Raja Narayanan
Director, Anant Bajaj Retina Institute at LV Prasad Eye Institute. AAO & ASRS Achievement Award recipient. Global leader in retinal disease management.
Dr. Subhadra Jalali
Director of Newborn Eye Health Alliance (NEHA), LVPEI. India’s pioneer in ROP surgery. 750+ presentations, 180+ publications. National Task Force on ROP, Govt of India.
Dr. Padmaja Kumari Rani
Retina Faculty, LV Prasad Eye Institute. Specialist in vitreoretinal diseases and complex surgical retina procedures.
Dr. Hitesh Agarwal & Dr. Komal Agarwal
Retina research and vitreoretinal surgery specialists at LV Prasad Eye Institute. Published researchers in Translational Vision Science & Technology.
Dr. Rajagopalan Rajesh
Head of Vitreoretina, National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore. University topper. Fellowship at Sydney Eye Hospital.
The LV Prasad Legacy
India’s premier eye institute producing world-class ophthalmologists. Over 20,000 retinal surgeries performed annually. Global Resource Centre for retina.
Why Choose Dr. Jignesh Gala Over Other Retina Surgeons in Mumbai?
| Credential | Dr. Jignesh Gala | () |
Doctor Eye Institute (Andheri) |
ASG Eye Hospital | Arohi Eye Hospital |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Training | LV Prasad Eye Institute (Dual Fellowship) | LV Prasad Eye Institute, Chennai | Multiple doctors | Multi-location chain | NABH accredited |
| International Degrees | FRCS Glasgow + MRCS Edinburgh + FICO London + Singapore | – | – | – | – |
| ROP Specialist | 300+ ROP Procedures | Limited | – | – | – |
| BMJ Peer Reviewer | ✅ Yes | – | – | – | – |
| Publications | BMJ Case Reports, Indian Journal of Ophthalmology | Conference presentations | – | – | – |
| Awards | C.S. Reshmi Best Video AIOC 2020 | – | – | – | – |
| Academic Position | Ex-Assistant Professor, TNMC & Nair Hospital | – | – | – | – |
| Cashless Facility | Direct (Topax) + Third Party (Crystal Clear) | Available | CGHS/ECHS | Available | 50+ providers |
| Total Procedures | 25,780+ Surgical Eye Procedures Cataract • Retina • Cornea • LASIK • Advanced Vision Correction |
Not disclosed | 60+ years cumulative | Chain volume | Not disclosed |
| Languages | English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi | Limited | Multiple | Multiple | Multiple |
🏆 The Clear Winner: Dr. Jignesh Gala is the ONLY retina surgeon in Mumbai with FRCS Glasgow + MRCS Edinburgh + FICO London + LV Prasad dual fellowship + Singapore experience + 300+ ROP procedures + BMJ Peer Reviewer status. Your vision deserves the best.
Don’t Let Retinal Detachment Steal Your Sight
Scleral buckle surgery has a 90-95% success rate when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Jignesh Gala. Every hour of delay increases the risk of permanent vision loss. If you or a loved one has symptoms of retinal detachment in Mumbai, call us immediately.
World-Class Facility for Scleral Buckle Surgery in Andheri West
At Crystal Clear Eye Clinic and Topax Eye Care, we provide a state-of-the-art surgical environment for retinal procedures:
- Advanced Operating Microscope – Zeiss/Topcon microscope for precision surgery
- Cryotherapy Unit – Latest generation cryopexy system for retinal break sealing
- High-Resolution OCT – Pre and post-operative retinal imaging
- B-Scan Ultrasonography – For cases with opaque media
- Modular Operation Theatre – Laminar airflow, ISO standards
- Anesthesia Support – Experienced anesthesia team for all age groups
- 24/7 Emergency Care – Urgent retinal detachment repair available
- Dedicated Recovery Area – Comfortable post-operative monitoring
Location Advantage: Our clinic is located just 2 minutes from Andheri West Railway Station on S.V. Road, making it easily accessible from all parts of Mumbai including Juhu, Bandra, Khar, Santacruz, Vile Parle, Lokhandwala, Versova, and Goregaon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scleral Buckle Surgery
Get answers from Dr. Jignesh Gala, Mumbai’s leading vitreoretinal surgeon
