Sometimes, your provider will diagnose a retinal tear before the retina starts pulling away. Your provider uses a medical laser or a freezing tool to seal the tear. These devices create a scar that holds the retina in place.

1.Pneumatic retinopexy

a.      Your provider injects a small gas bubble into the eye.

b.      The bubble presses against the retina, closing the tear.

c.      You may need laser or cryopexy (freezing) to seal the tear.

d.      Your body reabsorbs the fluid that collected under your retina. Your retina can now stick to your eye wall the way that it should. Eventually, your body also absorbs the gas bubble (Figure 1).

After surgery, your provider will recommend that you keep your head still for a few days to promote healing. Your provider may also tell you what position you should lie in or sleep in.

Scleral buckle  

a.      Your provider surgically places a silicone band or sponge (buckle) around the eye.

b.      The band holds the retina in place and stays there permanently. You can’t see the band.

c.      Your provider seals the tear with a laser or cryopexy.

d.      Your provider may inject a gas bubble or drain the fluid under the retina to help reattach it.

1.Vitrectomy

a.      Surgically removes the vitreous.

b.      Uses laser or freezing to seal all retinal tears or holes.

c.      Places a bubble of air, gas or oil in the eye to push the retina back in place.

 If your provider uses an oil bubble, you’ll have it removed a few months later. Your body reabsorbs gas and air bubbles. If you have a gas bubble, you may have to avoid activities at certain altitudes. The altitude change can increase the size of the gas bubble and the pressure in your eye. You’ll have to avoid flying and traveling to high altitudes. Your provider will tell you when you can start these activities again.