OBJECTIVE To treat patients with traction detachment of the central retina by laser in order to avoid vitrectomy. METHODS Focal treatment of and around the flat detached retinal area with the argon laser. RESULTS Seven patients were treated for macular-threatening traction detachment of the retina. The non-rhegmatogenous traction detachment was flat and circumscribed. Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) with the argon laser was performed prior to treatment of the traction in three of the cases, in four it was carried out in addition to PRP. In each of the seven patients partial or complete reattachment and stabilization for many years was achieved, rendering vitrectomy unnecessary (mean follow-up after therapy: 40.1 months). In no case was a laser-induced hole produced, and in no patient did the visual acuity decrease. CONCLUSIONS The favourable results following photocoagulation can be explained by the tight retinal/choroidal scar formation (laserpexy). Laserpexy is only recommended for eyes with slight initial detachment.