Anterior chamber suture in pseudophakic retinal detachments requiring intraocular gas

We have devised a simple technique to facilitate the use of vitreous cavity gas in complicated cases of pseudophakic retinal detachment with pupillary support intraocular lenses. A 10-0 monofilament suture is placed across the anterior chamber just prior to instilling gas in the vitreous cavity. This retaining suture prevents the pseudophakos from being displaced forward by the gas bubble, possibly damaging the corneal endothelium. The anterior chamber suture is removed easily at the slit-lamp examination several days postoperatively when intraocular gas is no longer present.