To describe a technique of displacement of submacular hemorrhage (SMH) using subretinal injection of balanced salt solution and filtered air.

Patients presenting within 2 weeks of massive SMH (>4 disk diameter) were prospectively included. All patients underwent 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy, posterior vitreous detachment, injection of subretinal balanced salt solution and filtered air followed by partial fluid air exchange, 20% sulfur hexafluoride tamponade, and heads-up positioning postoperatively. Degree of displacement of SMH was assessed at 1 month and change in best-corrected visual acuity was assessed at 3 months.

Ten patients with massive SMH who underwent the aforementioned procedure were included. Complete displacement of bleed from the macula was achieved in nine (90%) of 10 eyes at 1 month. There was significant improvement in best-corrected visual acuity from baseline at 1 month (P = 0.015) and 3 months (P = 0.043).

Pars plana vitrectomy with injection of subretinal balanced salt solution and filtered air was well-tolerated and efficacious in displacing large and thick SMH in patients operated within 2 weeks of onset of symptoms.