retinal tamponade is a way of holding the retina in place from inside the eye. It uses a temporary internal “filler,” such as a gas bubble or silicone oil. It is most commonly used during vitreoretinal surgery for retinal detachment and related conditions. Its goal is to support healing after the retina has been repaired.

oil removal is a clinical term most commonly used in retina care to describe taking silicone oil out of the eye. Silicone oil may be placed during vitreoretinal surgery to support the retina while it heals. oil removal is typically performed as a planned follow-up procedure when the eye is stable enough. It can also be done earlier if the oil is causing problems such as high eye pressure or inflammation.

silicone oil is a clear, synthetic, medical-grade fluid used inside the eye in certain retinal surgeries. It most commonly serves as a temporary “internal bandage” to help keep the retina in place while it heals. In eye care, it is mainly associated with vitreoretinal surgery (surgery involving the vitreous and retina). It is different from cosmetic or industrial silicone products and is prepared for medical use.

C3F8 is the chemical formula for perfluoropropane, an inert fluorinated gas. In eye care, C3F8 is most commonly used as a temporary “gas bubble” placed inside the eye. It is used mainly in retinal (vitreoretinal) surgery to help support healing tissues. It is not a medication you take by mouth or as an everyday eye drop.

SF6 is sulfur hexafluoride, a colorless, inert gas. In eye care, SF6 is most commonly used as a temporary “gas bubble” inside the eye during certain retinal surgeries. Its main role is to support healing tissues by gently pressing on the retina from the inside. It is used by retina specialists in operating rooms and procedure settings.

gas tamponade is the use of a temporary gas bubble placed inside the eye. The bubble acts like an internal “splint” that supports healing tissues. It is most commonly used during or after retinal surgery, especially vitrectomy. Over time, the gas is absorbed naturally and is replaced by the eye’s own fluid.

perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) is a clear, heavy liquid used inside the eye during certain retinal surgeries. It helps surgeons gently position and stabilize delicate retinal tissue. It is most commonly used in vitreoretinal (retina and vitreous) operating rooms, not as an everyday eye drop or medication. It is typically placed temporarily and then removed during the same operation.

endolaser is a type of laser treatment delivered from inside the eye during surgery. It is most commonly used in vitreoretinal surgery (operations on the vitreous and retina). The laser energy is applied through a thin handheld probe to treat retinal disease or injury. In simple terms, endolaser helps surgeons “spot-weld” or reduce abnormal activity in retinal tissue.

An ILM peel is a surgical step where the internal limiting membrane (ILM) is carefully removed from the surface of the retina. The ILM is the retina’s innermost “thin film” that faces the gel (vitreous) inside the eye. ILM peel is most commonly performed during vitrectomy (retinal surgery) for macular conditions. It is used to reduce traction and help stabilize or improve the macula’s shape and function.

A membrane peel is an eye surgery step where a thin layer of tissue is carefully removed from the surface of the retina. It is most commonly performed during vitreoretinal surgery for conditions affecting the macula (the central retina used for fine vision). In plain terms, it is “peeling off” a film that is wrinkling or pulling on the retina. The goal is usually to reduce traction (pulling forces) and support more stable retinal anatomy.

27-gauge vitrectomy is a type of vitreoretinal surgery performed with very small instruments. It involves removing some or all of the vitreous gel from inside the eye through tiny openings. It is commonly used to treat problems at the back of the eye, including the retina and macula. The “27-gauge” label refers to instrument size, not a diagnosis.

25-gauge vitrectomy is a type of vitreoretinal surgery that uses very small instruments. It involves removing some or all of the vitreous gel from the back of the eye. It is commonly used to treat diseases of the retina, macula, and vitreous. The “25-gauge” label refers to the thin diameter of the surgical tools and entry ports.

23-gauge vitrectomy is a type of vitreoretinal surgery that uses very small instruments (23-gauge) to work inside the eye. It is most often performed as a pars plana vitrectomy, meaning the surgeon enters through the white part of the eye near the colored iris without going through the cornea. The goal is typically to remove some or all of the vitreous gel and treat problems affecting the retina and macula. It is commonly used in modern retinal surgery because the smaller instrument size can allow smaller incisions.

A trocar is a surgical entry tool used to create a controlled opening into the eye. In ophthalmology, it is most commonly part of a trocar–cannula system for vitreoretinal surgery. It helps surgeons access the back of the eye through the sclera (the white outer wall). You may hear it mentioned in the context of “vitrectomy” and “microincision” eye surgery.

A vitrector is a handheld surgical instrument used inside the eye. It cuts and removes the vitreous gel (the clear, jelly-like material that fills the back of the eye). It is most commonly used during vitrectomy surgery by retina specialists. It may also be used in certain anterior segment procedures, depending on the case.

—

pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is an eye surgery that removes some or all of the vitreous gel from the back of the eye. It is commonly used to treat retinal and macular diseases and to clear vision-blocking blood or debris. It can also help surgeons access the retina to repair tears, detachments, or scar tissue. It is performed by a retina specialist (a type of ophthalmologist) in an operating room setting.

A scleral buckle is a flexible band or small implant placed on the outside of the eye. It supports the eye wall (the sclera) to help a detached retina settle back into place. It is most commonly used in surgery for certain types of retinal detachment. It may be used alone or combined with other retinal procedures.

pneumatic retinopexy is a procedure used to help repair certain types of retinal detachment. It involves placing a small gas bubble inside the eye to support the retina. It is most commonly performed by retina specialists in a clinic or outpatient setting. It is typically paired with a sealing treatment such as laser or freezing around a retinal tear.

cryotherapy (retina) is a treatment that uses controlled freezing to affect the tissues at the back of the eye. It is most commonly used by retina specialists to help seal or reinforce areas where the retina is at risk. In plain terms, it creates a targeted “freeze spot” that later forms a firm scar-like attachment. It is often discussed alongside laser treatment and retinal detachment repair.