A simple technique is described for the transcleral drainage of subret
inal fluid during retinal detachment repair. In a prospective study of
94 consecutive suture needle drainage procedures subretinal fluid was
successfully drained in 91 cases. There were six 'significant' subret
inal haemorrhages associated with the procedure, but none was subfovea
l in location or directly compromised the surgical outcome. In no case
was retinal incarceration or retinotomy observed.