A temporary balloon buckle for the treatment of small retinal detachments.

An inflatable silicone explant has been used to treat small retinal detachments. The device is inserted through the conjunctiva at the oral and expanded beneath the retinal break. Subretinal fluid absorbs because the intrusion of the balloon closes the retinal break. Adhesion is obtained by transconjunctival cryopexy or laser coagulation. The balloon, which is unsecured by sutures, is deflated and withdrawn after one week.