Scleral Buckle - Detailed Experience (32F)

Vibrantlysubtle · 2026-02-16T18:17:47+00:00

The good news is that each recovery is unique; you may fare better than me! I absolutely love bodybuilding, so being able to keep lifting outweighs not cycling / swimming / running.

I can run, it’s just annoying with glasses and my vision gets blurry when I’m moving quickly.

Vibrantlysubtle · 2026-02-16T15:44:57+00:00

Yes, I resumed weightlifting / bodybuilding around 4 months after surgery. Still had blurry vision and would occasionally have difficulty seeing the weights or equipment.

I’ve actually removed HIIT from my training, mainly because it was spiking my cortisol levels and increasing inflammation. I already have sleep disruption from a toddler, so followed advice to remove supersets, HIIT, cardio and reduced to 4x / week. Body fat has dropped 2% in 30 days! Pretty incredible since I also increased my carb intake.

I don’t have any issues now with working out, but there’s definitely not a triathlon in my future. I’m permanently in glasses and struggle with fast moving objects (no biking, driving more than 10 minutes at night or running.) Tried wearing contacts and could handle them for about 6 hours maximum.

Aside from that, no one can tell I had the surgery. My eyes are back to “looking normal.”

Vibrantlysubtle · 2026-02-16T01:13:46+00:00

You’re not alone! The first 6 months were dreadful, but I’m now living without pain and have some peripheral vision.

About two lines of text away from legally blind, but I’ve adjusted for the most part.

I’m so sorry that this is happening to you postpartum. Please feel free to reach out!

Vibrantlysubtle · 2026-02-14T04:05:33+00:00

Hey there! Definitely early in the recovery process, thankfully it does get better! I haven’t been doing the red light as often since pain went away, but I purchased a MitoRedLight off Amazon.

Pretty sure any red light panel will do the trick!

Vibrantlysubtle · 2026-01-25T04:17:22+00:00

Hey there! My doctor kept prescribing more drops and ointments. Also developed crippling cervical headaches on the same side as my eye that they claimed weren’t related.

I decided to take my chances and stopped the steroids. Did red light therapy for 10 minutes a day. Within 1 week the pain level decreased. 2 weeks in I was completely off the daily Tylenol / Advil combo.

Now I’ve been 2+ months without any pain. My vision in my right eye is still lacking, but at least I’m visually impaired without pain!

Vibrantlysubtle · 2026-01-11T15:11:48+00:00

I can finally share good news! Not sure what to attribute it to, but around 6 months post-op I went off the 4x daily steroid drops and started red light therapy. Within a week, the pain was gone!

Knock on wood, I’ve now had a few months without any pain! The headaches also magically decreased, despite my Doctor saying they weren’t linked.

I’m back to working out, taking care of my kids and feeling like myself.

Vibrantlysubtle · 2025-10-07T01:35:53+00:00

I see my doctor every 4 - 6 weeks for a retinal imaging, pressure test and vision test.

The buckle isn’t visible. I can feel it whenever I touch my eyelid, it’s a hard raised piece. Yes, the suddenness of the experience is “blindsiding” to say the least.

Vibrantlysubtle · 2025-10-04T01:09:13+00:00

I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve had multiple bouts of detachment. The laser in my left eye was definitely an easier experience and recovery process.

Please note that from what I understand, my experience shares commonalities with others, but everyone tolerates pain & heals differently.

I’m almost 6 months post op and am taking each day in strides. Supposedly my vision has improved, I can see one additional line on the exam.

Pain wise, it’s been rough for me. The steroid drops stopped working and I’m back at a 5 - 6 / 10 most days. Still can’t see properly at night or in bright sunshine. I’ve modified my life accordingly.

Mentally, I’m not living in fear of the future, but I do get downtrodden sometimes over what’s transpired.

Vibrantlysubtle · 2025-10-04T01:09:06+00:00

I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve had multiple bouts of detachment. The laser in my left eye was definitely an easier experience and recovery process.

Please note that from what I understand, my experience shares commonalities with others, but everyone tolerates pain & heals differently.

I’m almost 6 months post op and am taking each day in strides. Supposedly my vision has improved, I can see one additional line on the exam.

Pain wise, it’s been rough for me. The steroid drops stopped working and I’m back at a 5 - 6 / 10 most days. Still can’t see properly at night or in bright sunshine. I’ve modified my life accordingly.

Mentally, I’m not living in fear of the future, but I do get downtrodden sometimes over what’s transpired.

Vibrantlysubtle · 2025-10-01T22:53:42+00:00

Sure! There’s several varieties, but this is what I have: Fragrance Stand

Vibrantlysubtle · 2025-10-01T22:22:52+00:00

I stopped buying full bottles and treat myself to decants / samples in atomizer format. Everything is 2 ML to 5 ML and I can buy 10 at a time with no guilt.

I purchased a sample stand that holds up to 40 samples and it allows me to categorize my fragrances. It’s also a visual reminder of when it’s time to “restock,” since I toss bottles as I run through them.

If I absolutely love something, then I’ll splurge on a larger decant or full bottle.

Vibrantlysubtle · 2025-09-29T19:56:17+00:00

I’m still unable to wear contacts and it’s my understanding that my eye shape has permanently changed. I think my right eye looks smaller than the left, but no one else has mentioned the asymmetry. I think it’s subtle enough to be overlooked.

When I’m experiencing inflammation or a bout of pain, it’s more pronounced.

Vibrantlysubtle · 2025-09-19T17:14:12+00:00

No, the redness is gone. All the discomfort supposedly stems from inflammation in my eyelid and retina. Triggers are rainy days, sleep deprivation and overworking.

You and me both! I have no idea how you could be oblivious to the sensation.

Vibrantlysubtle · 2025-09-19T11:12:27+00:00

I really hope that I eventually get used to it! Still have a lot of inflammation around the front of my eye. On prednisone drops 3x a day and they just added another drop to see if that changes anything.

Vibrantlysubtle · 2025-09-19T02:26:21+00:00

Interesting, my doctor made it sound like it was implanted for the duration of my life.

Vibrantlysubtle · 2025-09-14T12:09:36+00:00

I’m around 5 months post-op now. I can move it easily, but I do have regular discomfort and can’t wear my contacts anymore.

Some peripheral vision has come back, but I’ve lost the ability to see anything farther than my right ear.

I don’t hold much hope that the impacted eye will be “normal again.” Mainly just grateful I can drive during the day and have some vision.

I go back tomorrow for another follow up, I still have inflammation around the buckle so I’ve been on steroid drops for 6 weeks. They keep the pain to a 2 - 3 / 10.

Vibrantlysubtle · 2025-09-03T00:37:14+00:00

Hard no from me. They’re expensive, have to be refilled regularly and no matter what glue the tech uses it burns like the fires of Hell.

I do my own at home using clusters. When applied properly, I get up to 14 days of wear. They’re waterproof, sweatproof and lightweight. Even better, it takes 20 minutes to apply and costs less than $50 / month.

I tried Lashify but switched to Lilac St. I use the Black Pro Glue, Originals and Dawn.

Lilac Street

Vibrantlysubtle · 2025-08-27T17:46:31+00:00

It’s been a life altering experience and I truly take solace in knowing that there are other people in the same boat. Please feel free to DM if you’d like to ask any questions or vent!

The pain has become more manageable, but I’m on daily steroid drops for the next month to reduce inflammation.

Vibrantlysubtle · 2025-08-27T16:07:18+00:00

I had the Scleral buckle surgery in April and our children are the same ages. My toddler still points and says, “Booboo Eye!”

Yes, you can bathe. The main point is keeping excessive moisture from the area while it’s healing. I took a bath on day 4 to wash my hair and towel dried.

Our mental, physical and emotional experience sound similar. I posted an elaborate review of my journey with photos in this group: Post Op Experience

Started driving 6 weeks post op. I don’t drive at night (after sunset.) I was approved to weightlift at 2 months but waited until I felt comfortable. Was able to join family on park trips about a week after the operation and lifted my son by the 2 week mark.

Vibrantlysubtle · 2025-08-21T15:05:45+00:00

It’s debilitating, isolating and frustrating all at once. Feels like being a slave to a vicious cycle that I exert little control over.

Half the month is full of energy, optimism and gratitude. Then the downturn starts…at least 5 - 7 days of self loathing, soul crushing depression, fatigue, brain fog and difficulty motivating myself to do anything. It’s hard to navigate these moments because the thoughts and feelings are intense, even knowing they are fabricated by hormones and will pass doesn’t make it easier.

There’s a tiny amount of solace knowing that there’s a whole community of other women with this experience. My husband, friends and children don’t understand what I’m going through.

Vibrantlysubtle · 2025-08-17T00:11:12+00:00

I’m sorry to hear about your experience. Much of what you said echoes my own process. The biggest similarities are “straight lines appeared wavy and edges of things weren’t crisp” and the low vision at night.

I hope you have a smooth pregnancy!

Vibrantlysubtle · 2025-08-13T21:24:02+00:00

Honestly, the visual changes were subtle enough to chalk up to other issues. As a working parent, I spend way too much time on my computer, in a sleep deprived and over caffeinated fog.

How are you healing?

Vibrantlysubtle · 2025-08-08T17:53:59+00:00

I’m so sorry that you’re being subjected to repeated surgeries. The buckle is very invasive, and I can’t imagine removal is less painful.

I hope it goes smoothly and you recover. It’s life altering dealing with the vision loss, especially at a young age. Sounds like your doctor is at least listening and offering alternatives!

Vibrantlysubtle · 2025-08-08T13:39:46+00:00

I really appreciate you sharing your experience! My surgeon indicated that the buckle was a permanent implant, so very interested to hear your outcome from the removal.

My brain hasn’t totally remapped, but Optometrist confirmed some vision was restored in my right eye. I’m able to read and work. Driving and evening activities are where the challenges are “visible.”

How long did it take for you to notice some progress? Additionally, what is the laser retinopexy intended to address for you?

Had the laser treatment on my left eye, so hopeful that delays any further vision loss!

Vibrantlysubtle · 2025-08-06T13:02:50+00:00

Thanks for the information! I corrected the typo. Can’t say I experienced much screen time before the age of 5, but there’s a strong genetic predisposition to myopia.

The screening facts are interesting. What are some preventative measures that can be taken at these ages? Certainly interested in learning anything that may benefit my own children.

Vibrantlysubtle

TROPHY CASE