External drainage of subretinal fluid with a contact Nd:YAG laser

We used a Nd:YAg laser fit with a fiberoptic cord and sapphire tip to drain subretinal fluid externally in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. The direct contact between the laser and the choroid allowed for controlled cutting and coagulation of the intervening choroidal vasculature. The drainage was successfully achieved with no complication.