Modified external needle drainage of subretinal fluid in the management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment using a "guarded needle" approach.

External needle drainage of subretinal fluid is a useful technique to assist with retinal detachment surgery. This technique provides the ability to directly visualize the removal of subretinal fluid in a controlled manner. The major difficulty in learning this technique is the potential for overpenetration with the needle. Using a "guarded needle" approach can reduce this risk and increase the adoption of this useful method.