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.

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: up to 12 weeks

C2F6: up to 8 weeks

SF6: up to 4 weeks

Air: up to 2 weeks

Your surgeon will tell you which type of gas was used. 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

Questions or concerns If you have any concerns, please contact: Ward E2 Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion Chalmers Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9HA 📞 0131 536 1172