Positioning after retinal surgery

​Posturing positions

• Sitting upright – keeps the bubble against the upper retina. Sit, stand, or lie with your head propped up. Avoid lying flat or on your side.

• Face down – helps the bubble press on the macula. Keep your face parallel to the floor (lying in bed face down or leaning on a table works well). Travel pillows can help.

• Left cheek to pillow – presses the bubble against the right side of the retina. Rest with your left cheek down.

• Right cheek to pillow – presses the bubble against the left side of the retina. Rest with your right cheek down.

 In all cases:

• Do not lie flat on your back.

• You may move around as long as your posture is correct.

• Take breaks of 10–15 minutes every hour.

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Things to avoid

While the gas is in your eye:

• Do not fly or travel to high altitudes.

• Do not have nitrous oxide anaesthetic (“gas and air” or “laughing gas”).

• The gas will slowly disappear:

  • C3F8: usually around 8 weeks

  • C2F6: usually 4-5 weeks

  • SF6: usually 2-3 weeks

  • Air: usually 1 week

You'll be notified which gas was used after your surgery. If you have any questions please ask.

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General recovery advice

• Use eye drops as prescribed

• Rest and avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for 3 weeks

• Reading and watching TV are fine in moderation

• Shower carefully, avoiding soap and water in the eye

• Glasses or sunglasses may make you more comfortable

• Avoid gardening, sport, and sexual activity for 3 weeks

• Drink water and eat fibre to avoid constipation

• Do not drive until cleared at your first clinic appointment

• Do not rub your eye

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