Outpatient treatment of retinal detachment

Outpatient treatment of retinal detachment is a new concept. The first 20 cases treated in the Department of Ophthalmology at Tygerberg Hospital are discussed. After an inert gas has been injected into the vitreous cavity the patient is allowed to go home, where he must remain in the therapeutic position. When the patient returns the next day the retina will usually be reattached around the breaks, and laser photocoagulation or cryopexy is performed. The success rate is high, and this procedure should be considered in all cases in which it is indicated.