Retinal Detachment Surgery: Face-down position and more

Welcome to our article about retinal detachment surgery. We will answer some popular questions including those related to the face-down position. Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that demands attention and specialized treatment. In this article, we will explore the surgical procedures involved in addressing retinal detachment, with a particular focus on the face-down positioning technique.

What Is Retinal Detachment?

Retinal detachment is a critical situation where the thin tissue layer (retina) at the back of the eye moves away from its usual position. This separation disrupts the connection between retinal cells and the layer of blood vessels responsible for supplying oxygen and nourishment to the eye. Delaying treatment for retinal detachment increases the risk of permanent vision loss in the affected eye.

Warning signs of retinal detachment may include reduced vision and the sudden appearance of floaters and flashes of light. Seeking immediate attention from an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) is crucial to preserving your vision.

There are various subtypes of retinal detachment:

• Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: Fluid ingress from the vitreous cavity to the subretinal space, causing retinal separation (most common).
• Retinal break: Full-thickness defect in the neurosensory retina, often caused by trauma or inflammation.
• Lattice degeneration: Circular retinal holes or atrophic holes.
• Tractional retinal detachment: Results from retinal fibrosis.
• Exudative retinal detachment: Occurs due to choroidal tumors causing increased flow through the subretinal space.

Indications of Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment itself is painless, but there are usually warning signs preceding its occurrence. Key symptoms include:

• Blurred vision.
• Partial vision loss, creating a sensation as if a curtain has been drawn across your field of vision, accompanied by dark shadowing effects.
• Sudden flashes of light observed in one or both eyes.
• Abrupt appearance of numerous floaters, small fragments or strings drifting before your eyes resembling black flecks.

Symptoms of retinal detachment tend to manifest rapidly. Failure to address the issue promptly may elevate the risk of further detachment, thereby increasing the likelihood of vision loss.

Retinal Detachment Surgery

In most cases, swift surgical intervention can successfully reattach the retina. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the retinal tear or hole. For small holes, laser treatment is effective, with over 90 percent success in treating detached retinas.

No non-surgical remedies exist for retinal tears or detachment, but many surgical procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis without general anesthesia. Depending on the extent of the injury, one of the following surgeries may be necessary:

• Scleral Buckle Surgery: Involves sewing a piece of plastic or silicone sponge beneath the conjunctiva on the outer eye tissue. This action pushes the eye wall against the detached retina, facilitating reattachment. The scleral buckle is typically left permanently in place, although removal may be considered if necessary.
• Cryopexy: Employed when a large tear causes the retina to peel away, this procedure uses a freezing probe to reattach the retina and seal the area around the tear. In some cases, a permanent scleral buckle compresses the eyeball, aiding the retina’s contact with the eye’s back.
• Laser Photocoagulation: Utilizes a laser beam to create a seal around a torn or partially detached retina. As the burns heal, scars form, preventing fluid accumulation under the retina and further detachment.
• Pneumatic Retinopexy: Involves injecting a tiny gas bubble into the eye, positioning it against the retina to seal the tear and eventually reattach the retina. Laser or cryopexy may be used to further seal the tear.
• Vitrectomy: Sometimes performed alongside retinal detachment surgery, it entails removing some or all of the vitreous humor, the clear gel that fills the back of the eyeball. This provides better access to the back of the eye for reattaching the torn retina.

Face Down Recovery Tips

After certain retinal surgeries, maintaining a face-down position is crucial. This positioning is necessary when a gas bubble is inserted into the eye. By keeping the head down, the bubble can move into the correct position, securing the retina for proper healing.

Tips for posturing after eye surgery

• Duration: Your eye surgeon will specify how long you must stay face down, ranging from a few days to a week or more.
• Consistency: It’s essential to maintain the face-down position consistently, following your surgeon’s instructions during activities such as standing, sitting, eating, walking, and sleeping. Having someone accompany you when walking is advised for safety.
• Impact on Surgery: Failing to adhere to the recommended position may compromise the success of the surgery, as incorrect positioning can exert pressure on other parts of the eye, leading to additional complications.
• Restrictions: Avoid air travel, mountainous regions, or scuba diving until the gas bubble dissolves. Changes in altitude can impact eye pressure and affect the bubble.

How to sleep after retinal detachment surgery? Lie face down on a pillow, allowing the recovering side of your face to hang off the bed edge, reducing pressure on the operated eye. As for the sitting, place folded arms on a table and rest your forehead on them.

Specialized Equipment for Comfort

Consider renting or purchasing equipment to facilitate a more comfortable recovery:

• Face-down chairs: Adjustable chairs providing head and neck support.
• Tabletop face cradles: Allow hands-free sitting at a table.
• Face-down pillows: Include a face cutout for more comfortable sleep.
• Face-down mirrors: Angled mirrors for viewing people or objects in front.

Improvisation with Household Items:

If specialized equipment is unavailable, use household items like pillows and towels to alleviate discomfort. Create a makeshift face-down pillow using a large towel arranged in a horseshoe shape. Place trays on pillows or bean bags for practical surfaces for various activities.

Accessible Recovery Essentials:

Prepare for recovery by organizing essential items in easily reachable locations throughout your home. Arrange clothes, toiletries, and kitchen items within easy reach to minimize inconvenience.

Personal Care:

Indulge in self-care activities before and after surgery to enhance your recovery quality. Consider coloring your hair, getting a pedicure, or adding a fun nail color to uplift your spirits during the recovery period.

Consult with your ophthalmologist for information on renting or purchasing face-down recovery equipment, ensuring a more comfortable and successful recovery process.

What happens if you don’t stay face down after vitrectomy?

Failure to uphold a face-down position post vitrectomy may result in inadequate or unsuccessful healing, inviting potential complications like retinal detachment, macular hole, or other vision-endangering issues.

How many days to stay face down after vitrectomy?

• For patients undergoing vitreo-retinal surgery to address a macular hole, face-down posturing is necessary for 14 days.
• For other conditions, the face-down posturing period is typically 5 days.

How to eat after macular hole surgery

• Consume small, light meals within the initial 24 hours to prevent potential eye-related issues associated with nausea and vomiting.
• Avoid alcohol for the first 24 hours after any anesthesia; thereafter, one glass per day is acceptable.
• Gradually return to a more regular diet 24 hours post-surgery.
• When taking strong painkillers like Panadeine, ensure you have had food to avoid common side effects like nausea and vomiting.
• Managing meals and beverages with a head-down posture: Use a straw for drinking, and keep your eyes downward while eating.

Based on experiences, here are 10 food suggestions

• Smoothies, Protein Shakes, Milkshakes
• Soups & Casseroles
• Yogurt
• Vegetables, Hummus
• Eggs
• Frozen Dinners
• Liquid Replacement Meals
• Sandwiches
• Pasta

Activity after surgery

For the initial 48 hours post-surgery, prioritize rest by relaxing in bed or a chair with closed eyes. If needed, move cautiously around the house, considering potential balance issues with one eye closed. Gradually increase activity levels after this period, but use eye protection when interacting with young children to prevent accidental eye pokes.

Note: To prevent blood clots, move your legs frequently and squeeze calf muscles during limited activity.

Normal Postoperative Discomfort

Expect minor discomfort like soreness, redness, tearing, and light sensitivity, which will diminish gradually. Over-the-counter non-aspirin analgesics (e.g., Tylenol) and warm compresses can alleviate minor discomfort. Follow physician instructions for prescription pain medications. Rapidly increasing pain is abnormal, and if experienced, contact your physician.

Vision Expectations

Anticipate a gradual vision improvement post-surgery. Initially, blurred vision may result from factors like a gas bubble, eye ointment, dilation, or tearing. Retinal healing is slow, with significant improvement around four weeks post-surgery, especially for gas bubble procedures. Final postoperative vision may approach within six weeks, but continuous healing can extend for a year or more. Regularly assess your vision, report negative changes promptly to your physician, and remain patient and vigilant throughout the recovery process.

Some other tips

Following retinal detachment surgery, consider the following tips for a smoother recovery:

• Practice good eye hygiene: Ensure the area around the eye remains clean to reduce the risk of infections.
• Eat a balanced diet: Include nutrients like Vitamins A, C, and E, which contribute to overall eye health and support the healing process.
• Stay hydrated: Maintain adequate fluid intake to preserve the eye’s natural moisture balance during recovery.
• Rest: Allow your eyes sufficient downtime, particularly in the early stages of recovery, similar to taking breaks on a long journey.
• Stay positive: Foster a positive mindset to aid the healing process and effectively manage any potential stressors.

Concluding Insights

In conclusion, retinal detachment surgery is a critical and delicate procedure that requires careful consideration of various factors, including the face-down positioning technique. Throughout this guide, we’ve navigated the complexities of this surgical intervention and shed light on the significance of adopting a face-down position in the recovery process. The commitment to postoperative care, adherence to medical advice, and the collaboration between patients and healthcare professionals are essential elements in ensuring successful outcomes. As we wrap up our exploration, we emphasize the importance of early detection, swift intervention, and ongoing vigilance in preserving the precious gift of sight. May this information serve as a valuable resource for those seeking insights into retinal detachment surgery and its associated nuances.