Retinal detachment is a condition in which the Retina separates from the underlying layer and hence loses its functional capacity. A retinal detachment, leads to a sudden and severe loss of vision, and if not treated properly can cause blindness and shrinking and disfiguring of the eye.

Scleral buckling surgery is a common way to treat retinal detachment. It is a method of closing breaks and flattening the retina. Scleral buckling is effective in supporting a tear, hole, or break in the retina that has caused the detachment. It is rarely helpful on its own when scar tissue tugging on the retina has caused the detachment (traction detachment).