Cryoretinopexy involves the placement of a very cold probe on the sclera (white part of eye) in order to transmit treatment to the underlying retina inside the eye. This treatment causes a focal adhesion of the retina to the eye wall.
Cryoretinopexy is useful in the treatment of retinal defects such as tears or small detachments – especially when these defects are in the far periphery of the retina, near the front of the eye, where laser can be more difficult to apply. It is also useful when the view is not clear enough to perform laser due to cataracts or vitreous hemorrhage/opacities.
This type of procedure can also be used during pneumatic retinopexy or to supplement certain surgical procedures done in the operating room.