Conclusion: Although the frequency of hole closure differed slightly in the two study groups, the difference was far from statistically significant. Thus, the results indicate that
3 days
of strict face-down positioning are sufficient to achieve closure of even longstanding macular holes without removal of the ILM.
Do you have to lay face down after macular hole surgery?
Currently,
most surgeons employ face-down positioning for variable periods following macular hole repair surgery
. “This may place a significant burden on patients and even eliminates the surgical opportunity for some,” says Raymond Iezzi Jr., M.D., with the Department of Ophthalmology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
How do you sleep face down after vitrectomy?
Face down (“eyes down”) posturing is only required during waking hours, not when you’re sleeping. It is recommended to
sleep on either side or even your front, but not sleep on your back
as that would make the bubble move away from the macular hole.
How do you keep your head down after macular hole surgery?
- While sitting at a table, lay your head on your folded arms.
- While sleeping, lie face down and allow your operated eye to hang over your pillow or edge of the bed.
- Purchase or rent equipment specifically for this type of recovery: Massage table. Adjustable face down chairs.
Is face down necessary after vitrectomy?
Face-down positioning (FDP) is recommended after vitrectomy and gas tamponade for rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs) [1, 2] or for macular hole (MH) surgery
[1–33].
How long do you have to lie face down after eye surgery?
Typically, face-down positioning is required for
several days to a week and, in some cases, longer
. This method of recovery can prove to be awkward and uncomfortable for the patient, leading to discomfort and morbidity, especially in cases of advanced age or musculoskeletal disorders.
What happens if you don’t stay face down after vitrectomy?
For example, facedown positioning has the potential to cause
mesenteric venous obstructions
. Additionally, patients who are hypercoagulable can develop deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
What is face-down positioning after vitrectomy?
After some types of retinal surgery, you will need to keep your head in a face-down position. This is because a gas bubble has been put in your eye.
Recovering with your head down allows the bubble to float into the correct position
. The bubble holds the retina in place to heal correctly.
What can you not do after a vitrectomy?
On your first postoperative visit, your eye surgeon and the hospital staff will review instructions related to positioning, medications, drops, use of the eye patch, and routine activities.
Driving after vitrectomy surgery is best avoided for two weeks
.
How do I know when the gas bubble in my eye is gone?
It is just like a spirit level. You will have sight above this line, and blackness below it. Day by day the line will move lower down; the seeing area will get bigger, and the black area will get smaller until it is just a circle at the bottom of your vision, and then it disappears.
How long does the gas bubble last after macular hole surgery?
The bubble of gas will block the vision while it’s present, but it slowly disappears over a period of about
6 to 8 weeks
, depending on the type of gas used. Macular hole surgery usually lasts about an hour and can be done while you’re awake (under local anaesthetic) or asleep (under general anaesthetic).
How long does it take to get vision back after macular hole surgery?
Your vision will improve once the gas bubble dissipates in
4-6 weeks
. It is very important that you position face down for the amount of time advised by your surgeon. You need to be in this position so the gas bubble remains in the appropriate position to help the macular hole close.
How long does a gas bubble last in your eye?
When you look through a gas bubble, vision is very poor – you can often only see movement. The edge of the gas bubble is seen as a black line at the top of vision. As the bubble absorbs this line descends through the field of vision. Depending on the gas, it can take
between 2-6 weeks
for the gas bubble to dissolve.
Is face down recovery necessary?
Facedown posturing (FDP) is
recommended by many vitreoretinal surgeons
so that the gas bubble can be apposed to the MH for a sustained time period. This is thought to improve the chance that the hole will close and heal.
Can you walk around after vitrectomy?
You can walk around the house if necessary
, but be aware that your balance may be affected by having one eye closed, so move slowly to minimize the risk of a fall. After the first 48 hours, you can slowly increase your activity levels.
