How is a detached retina treated?

Several techniques are available to repair retinal tears and to eliminate the area of separation behind the detached retina. Some options include (in some cases more than one of the options listed below may be combined):

• Pneumatic retinopexy — A bubble of special gas is injected near the area of retinal detachment to press the retina back into place.

• Scleral buckling — This procedure is designed to put gentle pressure on the white part of the eye, which helps the retina reattach.

• Vitrectomy — Part of the vitreous fluid is removed near the detachment and then replaced with sterile saline (a salt solution) or some other fluid.

• Cryotherapy — The retinal tear is sealed with a freezing probe.