In the century since rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was first repaired by Jules Gonin,1 a variety of surgical techniques have been successfully used. From the introduction of the scleral buckle by Ernst Custodis, MD, in 1949 to the development of the pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) by Robert Machemer, MD, in 1971, the principles of retinal reattachment remain consistent: identify the retinal breaks, treat the retinal breaks, and relieve vitreoretinal traction. Contemporary techniques provide unparalleled opportunities to address a variety of complex retinal detachments, but these techniques should not steer vitreoretinal surgeons away from these basic principles.