The effect of cryotherapy was studied in experimentally detached retinas under conditions similar to those in retinal detachment surgery. When cryotherapy was applied to the pigment epithelium and to the retina and the retina was reattached, a strong adhesion developed, characterized by the occurrence of true cell junctions between pigment epithelium and retinal cells. When only the pigment epithelium was treated, the adhesion after reattachment appeared weak due to the absence of microvillous interdigitations normally present between pigment epithelium and retina.