What technique is used during pneumatic retinopexy?

The technique used during pneumatic retinopexy involves the injection of an intraocular gas bubble. This procedure is designed to treat retinal detachments, particularly those that are uncomplicated. During the process, a gas bubble is injected into the vitreous cavity, which then floats up against the area of the retina that has detached. This bubble acts to close the retinal break by pushing the retina back against the underlying retinal pigment epithelium, allowing it to reattach properly as the gas bubble expands and eventually gets absorbed by the body over time.

Pneumatic retinopexy is often chosen because it is less invasive compared to other surgical techniques and can be done in an outpatient setting. It also allows the patient to maintain vision during the recovery phase while the gas bubble gradually displaces fluids and promotes reattachment of the retina.

This method is especially prioritized in cases where the detachment is identified early and can often be used in conjunction with other therapies, such as laser photocoagulation to treat the underlying cause of the detachment after the bubble is placed.