If you’re facing vitrectomy surgery, you’ve probably heard the term “face-down recovery“ – and if you’re like most patients, the idea makes you wince. Maintaining a prone position for an extended period is uncomfortable, but it’s often the difference between successful healing and permanently impaired vision or additional surgeries.
Why Your Surgeon Insists on Face-Down Positioning
The retina is in the back of the eye. During a vitrectomy surgery, surgeons remove the vitreous gel in the eye, seal the damaged tissue and insert a gas bubble to hold the retina in place. The purpose of the gas bubble is to serve as a band-aid by applying pressure to the sealed tissue for a short period until the patient’s own body tissue has healed enough to keep the repaired retina tissue closed. Here’s the catch: gas rises. Because the macular hole or retinal detachment in the back of the eye, the patient must be face down to allow the bubble to press against the sealed tissue in the back of the eye. If the patient doesn’t position properly through face-down recovery, the bubble won’t do its job. The risks of skipping it?
- Uncorrected retinal detachment, macular hole, or vitreous hemorrhage (all requiring another surgery).
- Pressure buildup that could damage vision permanently.
- Slower healing that prolongs recovery.
The Reality of Face-Down Life (And How to Survive It)
Spending several days face-down is brutal. Patients mention:
- Neck pain that feels like a vice grip.
- Nights with little to no sleep.
- Frustration from missing out on daily life.
But here’s the good news: specialized face-down equipment rental options exist to make this face down recovery bearable.
Game-Changing Tools for Recovery
Face-Down Support Systems
- Cushioned massage chairs with face cradles.
- Three-pad face cushions designed to accommodate patients who wear glasses and for use with the eye shield worn after surgery.
- A ‘True View’ mirror that allows patients to watch TV while remaining face down.
The Vitrectomy Chair or Face Down Chair is
- designed specifically to assist in maintaining a face down posture and relieve neck and back strain.
- perfect for using the True View mirror for watching TV because the chair has a tray and can easily be set up in front of the television.
- available for short-term rental.
Pro tip: Many clinics partner with face-down recovery equipment providers that deliver equipment to your home and provide videos to insure you use the equipment properly.
When Can You Skip the Face-Down Position?
Some alternatives exist:
- Silicone oil (though it requires second surgery for removal).
- Scleral buckling (for certain detachments).
But here’s the truth – if your surgeon recommends face-down recovery, there’s usually a critical reason why positioning face down is necessary for surgical success.
Making It Through: Practical Tips
- Rent equipment and arrange for delivery prior to surgery.
- Set up multiple recovery stations (bed, couch, chair).
- Use timers to remind yourself to stay positioned.
- Binge watch movies and TV shows using the True View mirror.
The Bottom Line
Positioning face-down is not fun but, for most, it is worth the effort to correct impaired vision. Face down equipment like the vitrectomy chair helps to make an unbearable ordeal manageable.
