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Pneumatic Retinopexy

Detached Retina and Pneumatic Retinopexy

A gas bubble is injected into an eye with detached retina to cover the retinal hole. Fluid is then pumped out, and the retina flattens itself. At this point, LASER can also be performed for a tight adhesion. The gas gets absorbed slowly.
A gas bubble is injected into an eye with a detached retina to cover the retinal hole. Fluid is then removed by the eye and the retina flattens itself. At this point, LASER can be performed to create a tight adhesion. The gas gets absorbed slowly.

Pneumatic retinopexy is used to repair retinal detachments. It is a procedure we offer in our offices. If your retinal detachment fits certain criteria, this may be an option for you. This procedure involves a two-part process; on the first visit, a gas bubble is injected into the eye. Then one to three days, laser treatment is used to repair the retinal tear.

If the procedure is successful, you will not need a more involved surgery in an operating room. However, compared to vitrectomy or scleral buckle, this procedure has a lower single-surgery success rate.