Pneumatic retinopexy is a minimally invasive procedure used to repair certain types of retinal detachment — when the thin layer at the back of your eye (the retina) pulls away from its normal position, which can lead to vision loss.
During the procedure, your eye doctor places a tiny gas bubble inside the eye. The bubble gently floats upward and presses the retina back into place.
A laser or freezing treatment is then used to seal the tear and prevent further damage.
Over the next few weeks, the gas bubble gradually dissolves on its own as the retina heals and your vision improves.
Pneumatic retinopexy is typically recommended for patients who have:
It is generally not used for large, multiple, or lower retinal tears.
This outpatient procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
Your eye doctor injects a small gas bubble into the eye’s vitreous cavity. The bubble rises, gently pressing the retina against the back wall of the eye, helping it reattach.
A laser or cryotherapy (freezing) treatment is then used to seal the tear and prevent fluid from leaking underneath the retina.
The gas bubble remains in place for several days to weeks, then naturally dissolves as the retina heals.
Most people do well, but possible risks include:
Pneumatic retinopexy is only used in certain cases where patients qualify as good candidates based on the type, size, and location of the retinal detachment.
