Treatment

Pneumatic Retinopexy

Also known as Gas Bubble Retinal Detachment Repair, Office Retinal Detachment Procedure, Retina Gas Bubble, Retinal Tear Gas Bubble Treatment

Updated May 19, 2026For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice. See our terms.

Bottom Line

Pneumatic retinopexy repairs selected retinal detachments with a gas bubble. It works best when the tear is near the top of the eye and positioning is possible.

Pneumatic retinopexy uses a gas bubble to press a detached retina back toward the eye wall. Laser or freezing then seals the retinal tear 1.

It is not for every retinal detachment. Tear location, lens status, scar tissue, and the ability to position all matter.

Reviews compare pneumatic retinopexy with scleral buckle and vitrectomy. Each method has different tradeoffs for selected detachments 2.

How It Works

The gas bubble floats upward inside the eye. It presses the detached retina back against the eye wall.

Laser or freezing makes a scar around the tear. That scar helps seal the break.

Your head position aims the bubble at the tear. Without positioning, the bubble may miss the right spot.

Who It Helps

This procedure works best for selected simple detachments.

  • Upper tear. Gas floats up, so tear location matters.
  • Limited detachment. Smaller detachments are better candidates.
  • No major scar tissue. Pulling scar tissue often needs surgery.

The final choice depends on a careful retina exam.

Risks And Limits

Risks include failure to reattach the retina, new tears, high eye pressure, bleeding, infection, and cataract progression.

Some eyes need a second operation. This can happen even when the first plan was reasonable.

Flying with a gas bubble is unsafe. The bubble can expand and raise eye pressure.

Cost And Insurance

Medical insurance usually covers retinal detachment repair.

Total cost depends on office procedure fees, imaging, laser or freezing, and follow-up visits.

Ask what happens financially if another surgery is needed.

Common Questions About Pneumatic Retinopexy

No. It works best for selected detachments with an upper tear and little scar tissue.

Next Steps

  1. 1Follow positioning instructions exactly.
  2. 2Keep every early retina visit, even if vision seems better.
  3. 3Avoid flying and high altitude until the bubble is gone.
  4. 4Call the retina specialist the same day for more floaters, a curtain, pain, or worse vision.
  5. 5Ask when driving and work are safe for your eye.

Find specialists for Pneumatic Retinopexy

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