What Is Retinal Surgery Face-down Recovery?
You would need to hold the head in a face-down position after certain forms of retinal surgery. This is due to a gas bubble being inserted into your eye. The bubble will float into the proper position if you recover with your head down. The bubble keeps the retina in place so that it can recover properly.
Your doctor will advise you for how long you can remain face down. It could be a few days, a week, or even longer. Your eye gradually fills with its fluid, and the gas bubble vanishes.
The bubble floats in the right place in your eye when sitting or lying face down, applying pressure to the retina and assisting it in reattaching to the back of the eye.
What You Should Know About Face-Down Recovery:
● Until your eye surgeon advises you otherwise, you must remain face down at all times. When you stand, sit, eat, walk, or sleep, keep your face down. When walking around, have someone with you to keep you safe.
● If you do not recover in the prescribed position, your surgery will fail. This is due to the fact that lying in the incorrect position brings pressure on other areas of your eye. Other eye problems can arise as a result of this.
● You are not allowed to fly in a plane until the gas bubble has dissipated. Changes in altitude will cause your eye pressure to increase. This might cause issues with the bubble.
How to Make a Face-down or Sideways Position Easier
● Sitting: Fold your arms on a table and rest your brow on them.
● Lying down: Lie face down on a pillow with the healing side of your face dangling off the bed’s edge. This relieves discomfort and relieves pressure on the operated eye.
● At any time: Use special equipment that allows you to sit face down or sideways for longer periods of time. Equipment such as face-down chairs may be rented or purchased. These can be adjusted to provide head and neck support when you sit.
● Face-down chairs. These can be adjusted to provide head and neck support when you sit.
● Tabletop face cradles. These encourage you to sit at the table while keeping your hands free.
● Face-down pillows. To make sleeping more comfortable, these have a cutout for your ears.
● Face-down mirrors. They are angled to allow you to see people or items in the immediate vicinity. This allows you to watch TV or converse with visitors directly.
Inquire with your ophthalmologist about renting or purchasing face-down recovery equipment. These products will make it easier for you to heal.
