Scleral buckle surgery for retinal detachment costs from £7,500 per eye in the UK in 2026, including the consultant vitreoretinal surgeon, theatre, the buckle procedure with cryotherapy or laser, drainage of subretinal fluid where needed, post-op drops and follow-up reviews. The operation places a soft silicone band around the eye to indent the wall, relieve the pull on the retina and close the tear so the retina can reattach. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency — if you have sudden flashes, a shower of new floaters or a shadow/curtain across your vision, seek care urgently. See our retinal detachment condition page for warning signs.
What is a scleral buckle?
The retina is the light-sensitive layer lining the back of the eye. A retinal detachment happens when the retina peels away from the wall of the eye, usually after a tear lets fluid pass underneath it. Without prompt treatment it leads to permanent loss of vision. You can read more on our retinal detachment condition page.
A scleral buckle is one of the main ways to repair a detachment. A flexible silicone band or sponge is stitched onto the outside of the eye (the sclera), where it gently pushes the eye wall inward toward the detached retina. This indentation relieves the traction pulling on the retina and brings the wall back into contact with it, while cryotherapy (freezing) or laser seals the tear. The buckle usually stays in place permanently and is not visible from the front of the eye. It is often used for younger patients and certain types of detachment, sometimes alone and sometimes combined with a vitrectomy.
When is a scleral buckle used?
- Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment from a tear or break in the retina.
- Younger patients whose natural vitreous gel is still firmly attached.
- Detachments with breaks that are well suited to external support.
- Cases where the surgeon judges a buckle gives the best chance of a single successful repair, alone or combined with vitrectomy.
Sudden flashes, new floaters or a shadow in your vision? This can signal a retinal tear or detachment and needs urgent assessment — do not wait.
Request an urgent consultationWhat affects the cost
Scleral buckle pricing is largely standardised, but a few factors influence the final figure your surgeon confirms at consultation.
Because surgery on or around the eye can speed the development of a cataract, some patients need cataract surgery later; this is treated separately. Your surgeon will explain whether a buckle, a vitrectomy, or a combination gives you the best outcome.
How the surgery is performed
Scleral buckle surgery is performed under general or local anaesthetic and usually takes around 45–90 minutes under the operating microscope.
- Anaesthetic is given and the eye is cleaned and prepared.
- The surgeon gains access to the white of the eye and locates the retinal tear(s).
- Cryotherapy or laser is applied around the break to create a seal that will hold the retina in place.
- A silicone buckle is stitched onto the sclera to indent the eye wall and support the retina; subretinal fluid is drained if required.
- The eye is checked and the conjunctiva closed; you rest before going home the same day or after a short stay.
Recovery
Vision recovers gradually as the retina settles back into place and the eye heals. The buckle itself stays in permanently and is not felt or seen day to day.
Week 1
The eye is often red, swollen, gritty and aching, and vision is blurred. Drops begin. Avoid heavy lifting and rubbing the eye. Some patients have temporary double vision.
Weeks 2–6
Redness and discomfort settle and vision starts to clear. A review confirms the retina is flat. Most return to light activities; your surgeon advises on driving and work.
Months 2–6
Vision continues to improve as the retina recovers. The final result depends on whether the central macula was detached before surgery.
Beyond
Most retinas stay successfully reattached. Any cataract that develops afterwards is treated separately when it affects vision.
What is included in the price
Our scleral buckle pricing is all-inclusive — there are no separate charges for theatre, instruments or routine aftercare.
- Self-pay: from £7,500 per eye, including the consultant vitreoretinal surgeon, theatre and day-case or short-stay fees, the scleral buckle with cryotherapy or laser, drainage of subretinal fluid where needed, post-op drops and follow-up reviews.
- Insurance: recognised by Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna and WPA where surgery is clinically indicated. We handle pre-authorisation.
- Finance: 0% options available to spread the cost.
- Cataract after retinal surgery: may develop later and is treated separately — see our price guide.
Compare across our vitreoretinal surgery pricing, or learn more about vitreoretinal surgery and same-day retinal detachment surgery.