The use of retinal tacks in the repair of complicated retinal detachments.

Retinal tacks that can be easily placed and removed allow precise intraocular control of retinal fixation in the repair of complicated retinal detachments. We used this technique in 41 consecutive cases of complicated retinal detachment. In 37 cases follow-up was six months or more. We achieved reattachment of the posterior pole, including the macula, in 22 patients after six months or more of follow-up. Postoperative visual acuities were 1/200 or better in 15 patients and 5/200 or better in six.