OBJECTIVE: To compare laser and 30G needle perforation of the choroid for drainage of subretinal fluid. METHOD: Hundred and six cases of retinal detachment were operated on by episcleral buckle, retinopexy and external drainage of subretinal fluid. After radial sclerotomy, the choroid was perforated in 53 cases with Argon laser (group I) and in 53 other cases with 30G needle (group II). Complications were compared between both groups. RESULTS: Group I (laser drainage): In one of 53 eyes (1.8%), a retinal perforation occurred. In this eye, the retinal detachment was shallow. In an other eye (1.8%), retinal perforation occurred secondary to incarceration of the retina at the drainage site. Two eyes (3.6%) had limited hemorrhage at the drainage site. Group II (30G needle drainage): Three of 53 eyes (3.6%) had direct retinal perforation, and three (3.6%) had perforation secondary to retinal incarceration at the drainage site. Seven eyes (13.2%) had subretinal hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: Laser is safer than 30G needle for perforation of the choroid and drainage of subretinal fluid, and is associated with a lower incidence of retinal perforations and subretinal hemorrhages.