Controlled release of subretinal fluid.

Drainage os subretinal fluid is generally regarded as being unnecessary when local buckling procedures are carried out, particularly when the buckle is placed radially, unless the patient has chronic glaucoma or the choroidal vessels are markedly sclerosed.However, there are many cases of retinal detachment where the eye is otherwise normal and where radial procedure is the detachment operation of choice in which a limited and controlled release of subretinal fluid will help considerably in the localisation, treatment by cryotherapy and final positioning of the tear on the buckle. This paper describes the technique employed and the advantages which may be gained by using this method in cases of deep bullous detachment of the retina. The results which have been obtained in cases in which this method has been used during the last 3 years are described.