Surgery and plastic When can I lay on my back after retinal detachment surgery?
You may have to wear an eye patch or shield for a few days. If your doctor used a gas bubble to hold the retina in place, keep your head in a certain position for most of the day and night for 1 to 3 weeks after the surgery. Your doctor will give you specific instructions. Do not lie on your back.
How long does the gas bubble last after retinal surgery?
Later on, your sight will begin to return. The timing depends on the type of gas used: short-acting gas (SF6) takes 2 to 3 weeks to disappear; long-acting gas (C3F8) takes about 2 months. When the gas bubble is down to half size, you will see a horizontal line across your vision, bobbing up and down with head movement.
What can you not do after retinal detachment surgery?
Avoid Aspirin or Ibuprofen as this can increase your risk of bleeding. You may need to position your head in a certain position after surgery. Your surgeon will review appropriate head positioning with you and your family members after surgery. The positioning will depend on where your retinal tear(s) are.
Why do you have to lie face down after eye surgery?
Posturing is necessary to ensure that the gas or silicone oil bubble in your eye is positioned against the part of the retina that requires supporting; it is essential process which will help the retina to reattach correctly.
Can you watch TV after retinal detachment surgery?
Watching TV and reading will cause no harm. Your vision will remain blurred / poor for several weeks. Often the vision is distorted after surgery. This will vary depending on the type of operation, e.g. if a gas bubble is inserted into the eye, as the bubble shrinks you might see the edge of the bubble.
How long do you have to keep your head down after eye surgery?
After macular hole surgery, it is common to have to position face down for 1 week. Your surgeon will go over the needed time with you.
How long will eye stay dilated after retinal surgery?
For most people, their eyes remain dilated for four to six hours. It takes approximately 30 minutes for the pupils to dilate enough for the doctor to perform the eye examination.
Can I sleep on my side after vitrectomy surgery?
Do not lay on either side or look up. At night it may be helpful to sleep in a recliner or propped up against some pillows to maintain your position.
How long does it take to lose vision after retinal detachment?
The recovery timeline is different for each, but the overall range is two to six weeks. A retinal detachment can result in permanent vision loss if it is not treated quickly. The detachment happens when the retina pulls away from its normal position.
How soon can you drive after retinal detachment surgery?
We advise you not to drive for two weeks after the procedure. If gas has been injected in your eye to support the retina, you will not be able to drive for about six to eight weeks. This is because of the effects the gas may have on your eye during that time.
How can I strengthen my retina?
How to Improve the Health of the Retina
- Healthy and balanced diet. Poor diet containing insufficient nutrients can cause the health of the retina to degrade. …
- Avoiding unhealthy foods and drinks. …
- Drinking plenty of water. …
- Regular exercise. …
- Wearing sunglass when out in the sun. …
- Quitting smoking. …
- Wearing eye protection. …
- Regular eye check-up.
Can vision be restored after retinal detachment?
Vision may take many months to improve and in some cases may never fully return. Unfortunately, some patients, particularly those with chronic retinal detachment, do not recover any vision.
Can you drive with a gas bubble in your eye?
This is because the change in altitude may cause the gas bubble to expand and increase the pressure inside the eye. You will probably need to take 2 to 4 weeks off from work. It depends on the type of work you do and how you feel. You may drive when your vision allows it.
How long does it take for an air bubble to dissolve after vitrectomy?
The vision is usually quite blurry in the days and weeks following retina surgery, so expect gradual recovery of vision. If you have a gas bubble in the eye, we typically examine the eye every two to three weeks until the bubble is gone, to ensure that the retina stays attached as the bubble dissolves.