Treatment of retinal detachments due to macular holes.

Seven cases of retinal detachment due to macular holes in myopic eyes with posterior vitreous detachment were treated by exchanging liquid vitreous with an intravitreal gas bubble (40% SF6 + 60% air in one case, SF6 alone in six cases). All patients were positioned face down until the bubble absorbed. No cryotherapy, diathermy, or photocoagulation was used to create a chorioretinal adhesion. the retina reattached in six cases, with follow-up periods ranging from 6 to 24 months. One case failed because the patient was unable to maintain a prone position.