[Pneumatic-retinopexy scleral buckling for retinal detachment]

30 eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment due to retinal tear at the upper half of the circumference or due to a macular hole underwent SF6 gas injection into the vitreous. In 25 eyes (83%) the retina had re-attached 1-2 days following the injection and the tear was then photocoagulated. Final visual acuity was 6/12 or better in 13 eyes, 6/15-6/20 in 4 eyes, 6/30-6/60 in 8 eyes and less than 6/60 in 5 eyes, 3 of which had a macular hole. There was no morbidity or irritation compared to conventional scleral buckling, and the functional results were better. 4 of the 5 failures underwent successful surgery. In only 1 eye the retina could not be attached by surgery. Pneumatic retinopexy can substitute for surgery in selected cases of retinal detachment.