Pneumatic retinopexy is a procedure that repairs a retinal detachment. Read this handout to learn about your treatment and what you can expect as you heal.
What to Expect
We schedule this procedure in clinic instead of an operating room. During this treatment, the eye care team dilates and checks your eye, gives you numbing drops, and may give you a small shot to keep the eye comfortable. They may freeze the retina tear first if needed.
They remove a small amount of fluid from your eye and inject a small amount of gas through the white part of the eye. This gas bubble presses on the torn or loose retina and helps it settle back into place so it can heal. They may also use freezing (cryotherapy) or laser treatment to seal the tear. You will get instructions on how to hold your head for the next few days so the bubble stays in the right spot.
The bubble lasts about 2 to 6 weeks and slowly goes away on its own. While it is there, it makes your sight blurry and blocks some of your lower vision.
Activity Restrictions
You should not travel by airplane during this time because lower pressure at higher altitude allows the bubble inside the eye to expand. There may be other limits on activity and positioning.
Medicine
Sometimes eye drops are needed. You can use Tylenol (acetaminophen) if needed for pain.
Follow-up Visit
We will schedule a check-up 1-2 days after the procedure. We may ask you to come back for laser treatment.
When to Call
If you have any concerns or any other changes in vision, please call the clinic.
Who to Call
University Station Eye Clinic
8 am. 4:30 pm
Monday - Friday
(608) 916-2020
When the clinic is closed, your call will be forwarded to the hospital paging operator. Ask for the “eye resident on call”. Give the operator your name and phone number with area code. The doctor will call you back.
The toll free number is1-800-323-8942 and ask to be transferred to the above number.