Which surgical procedure uses a silicone band to apply pressure to the retina?

• A. Vitreoretinal Lensectomy
• B. Laser photocoagulation
• C. Cryopexy
• D. Scleral buckling

Answer: (D)

Scleral buckling uses a silicone band to apply pressure to the outside of the eye. The band is attached to the sclera (the white part of the eye) to create an indentation that brings the retina closer to the underlying pigment epithelium and choroid. This mechanical support helps seal retinal breaks and allows the detached retina to reattach by relieving vitreoretinal traction and pressing the retina against the back wall of the eye, where fluids can reabsorb and reattach naturally.

Laser photocoagulation creates tiny adhesions around tears by applying laser energy to the retina; cryopexy uses freezing to create adhesions around tears; both are internal techniques that seal breaks without external indentation. Vitreoretinal lensectomy involves removing the lens and vitreous material, not applying external pressure to the retina.