In 375 scleral buckling procedures, an absorbable gelatin implant (Retina Gelfilm) was used. This series included 192 trapdoor and scleral pouch procedures, and 183 operations in which a gelatin implant was used beneath a silicone rubber implant. Two thicknesses of gelatin implants were used, 0.5 mm and 0.75 mm. Absorption time varied from 2 to 24 months, depending on the thickness of the implant and whether it was used alone or beneath a silicone rubber implant. Gelatin is an excellent absorbable implant when used alone or under a silicone rubber implant in selected patients with retinal detachment to produce a temporary elevation or posterior extension of the buckle, or both.