Repair of Retinal Detachment, Scleral Buckling and Vitrectomy When the retina detaches, it separates from its nourishing blood supply and falls into the posterior cavity of the eye. Loss of vision results. The physician reattaches the retina by freezing and thus sealing the retinal tissue to the back of the eye, by heat, or by laser. This procedure is performed without entering the posterior chamber. A probe is pressed against the sclera overlying the site of the retinal defect, sealing it against the choroid (the middle layer of the eyes shell). If a laser is used, the light goes through a dilated pupil without an incision to burn spots at the site of the retinal detachment or retinal tear to seal the retina back into place against the choroids. A scleral buckle may be placed. The physician removes any vitreous opacity or vitreous traction. The lens may also be removed if it interferes with the physician's view of the retina or if the lens is in the way of the removal of scar tissue. Any incisions may be repaired with sutures. Antibiotic ointment and a pressure patch may be applied.