Retinopexie

Retinopexie, or retinopexy, is an ophthalmic procedure used to reattach a detached retina by creating a durable adhesion around retinal breaks. The adhesions seal the tears and prevent subretinal fluid from passing beneath the retina, allowing reattachment and stabilization of vision.

Retinopexy can be performed with laser photocoagulation, cryotherapy (cryopexy), or as part of a broader surgical repair such as scleral buckling or pars plana vitrectomy. Laser retinopexy uses a focused light beam to induce precise chorioretinal scarring around the tear or breaks. Cryopexy applies localized freezing to produce indirect adhesions of the retina to the underlying tissues.

Indications include rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with identifiable retinal breaks, detachments associated with lattice degeneration, and repairs of recurrent detachments. Cryopexy or laser retinopexy may be used to seal tears during pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckling, or vitrectomy.

Procedure and perioperative care vary by technique. Laser or cryopexy can be performed as a standalone procedure or at the end of a surgical repair. In complex cases, retinopexy is combined with vitrectomy and/or scleral buckling. Some patients receive intraocular tamponade with gas or silicone oil, and may need head positioning to optimize outcomes.

Recovery involves follow-up to monitor reattachment and visual recovery. Potential risks include recurrent detachment, cataract formation, glaucoma, infection, bleeding, or proliferative vitreoretinopathy, though many patients achieve a successful reattachment with improved or stabilized vision.