Thank you for the verification. However, this is not technically for the retina to remain 'dry'. This technique effectively 'holds pressure' to keep tissues in place against each other to facilitate them attaching and healing together. It can initially involve head positioning to strategically move the gas bubble against the desired tissue of interest. Gas bubbles can also be used in partial (descemet membrane) corneal transplants.

Mixtures of air +/- SF6 or C3F8 can be used. Air does reabsorb more quickly and is less expansile than the others. The emphasis of my comment was that one cannot fly while gas is in the eye. This is called "gas precautions", and patients may receive a medical alert bracelet during this period.

The eye can also be filled with liquid in lieu of gas, such as silicone oil, which is flying-friendly but requires another surgery to remove it if it's not left in place permanently.