A vitrectomy is considered among the most delicate eye surgeries, and it is important to follow a strict recovery course to achieve an optimal outcome. Maintaining a face-down position for an extended period from 3 days to two weeks is one of the most stringent requirements after surgery. Let’s explore the recommended duration, the importance of being face down, and how face down equipment rental can lend a hand in recovering comfortably.
Why Do You Have to Stay Face Down after Vitrectomy?
The vitrectomy is performed to treat retinal detachment, macular holes, or diabetic retinopathy. During surgery, the doctor removes the vitreous gel in the eye, repairs the damaged retinal tissue, and inserts a gas bubble into the eye. The purpose of the gas bubble is to apply pressure to the repaired retinal tissue to promote healing.
Because the retina is located in the back of the eye, the patient must be face down to allow the gas bubble, which rises, to apply pressure in the proper place.
How Many Hours Should You Stay Face Down?
Your retina specialist will dictate the length of face-down recovery, which will depend on his or her approach to recovery and the patient’s healing response, which is evaluated at follow-up appointments after surgery. However, most vitrectomy recoveries will involve:
- A face-down recovery period following surgery, between 16 to 22 hours per day for the first 24 hours to seven days after surgery.
- Face-down positioning up to two weeks for extensive retinal repairs.
- Face down positioning will decrease after the first week, depending on recovery progress.
Tips on How to Stay Face Down Can Be Comfortable
Recovering from vitrectomy is difficult. Use the following tips to help make the recovery more manageable.
1. Rent Face-down equipment
Investing in face-down recovery equipment rentals can make the recovery less difficult. Many companies that rent face-down equipment can be found online. Rental options include:
- Vitrectomy Chair– allows for a comfortable sitting posture while remaining face down.
- Bed/table supports – For sleeping or sitting face down to help relieve pressure from the back and neck.
- True View mirror – to watch TV or see conversational partners without straining.
- Memory foam and regular foam face pillows-which provide support for the face.
- Three-pad face pillow-face cushion with adjustable forehead and cheek pillows to accommodate patients who wear glasses and for use during the first 24 hours after surgery when the doctor requires the patient to wear an eye shield. Additionally, some patients report this Three-pad face pillow is helpful for people who suffer from claustrophobia.
2. Take advantage of the time you are face down
- Allow loved ones to serve you. Many people find it difficult to ask for help, but GET OVER IT! Family and friends are honored to help, and, in many cases, the reciprocated effort is long overdue.
- Cue up favorite movies, audiobooks, or brush up on foreign language skills you haven’t used in years.
- Mitigate muscle stiffness by gently moving arms and legs while in a face-down position.
- Take advantage of breaks from face-down positioning approved by your doctor. Use the typically permitted 10-15 minutes per waking hour to eat a quick meal, use the bathroom, or do gentle stretching exercises to prevent muscle stiffness.
- Eat healthily and increase water intake throughout your recovery. Proper nutrition supports optimal healing.
Conclusion
In most cases, strict face-down positioning is crucial for optimal healing after vitrectomy surgery. Most patients are required to remain face down for an average of one week after surgery. However, sometimes the recovery will be shorter or longer depending on the patient’s healing response as determined by the retina specialist at post-operative appointments after surgery. Face-down equipment rental, such as a vitrectomy chair or face-down chair and face-down pillows, can enhance comfort during recovery and improve the chances of a successful vitrectomy surgery. To ensure an optimal recovery, always follow your doctor’s instructions and consider renting face-down equipment to assist with the difficult positioning requirements after vitrectomy surgery. Good luck!!
