In May 1934, I suggested a method of closing a hole in the retina by multiple momentary punctures with the electrolysis needle (cathode) in the margin of the hole and in the hole itself. The anode, a small ball, lies on the eyeball. This method is the most delicate and most successful operative procedure for detachment of the retina. Instead of extreme heat or sodium hydroxide solution, a current intensity of only from 0.5 to 1 ma. is necessary. The application is momentary and can be repeated many times until the hole has been completely treated.
This new operation does not produce cicatricial bands in the retina and secondary holes from too intense heat. In contradistinction to diathermy, cathode electrolysis is active at the point of the needle, and thereby avoids the danger of perforating the detached retina and producing new holes without cauterization. The formation of hydrogen bubbles at