Do I need to position myself face down after the operation?

Once at home, you may have to spend several hours during the day with your head held still and in a specific position, called posturing.

The aim of lying or sitting face down is to keep the gas bubble in contact with the hole as much as possible, to encourage it to close.

There's evidence that lying face down improves the success rate for larger holes, but it may not be needed for smaller holes.

If you're asked to do some face-down positioning, your head should be positioned so the tip of your nose points straight down to the ground. This could be done sitting at a table or lying flat on your stomach on a bed or sofa. Your doctor will advise you on whether you need to do this and, if so, for how long.

You may find it helpful to read Moorfields Eye Hospital's instructions for post-operative posturing (PDF, 1.7Mb) .

If face-down posturing isn't advised, you may simply be told to avoid lying on your back forat leasttwo weeks after the surgery.

Sleeping

You'll need to sleep with your head on one side, resting on an ear. You may be asked toavoid sleeping on your back for at least one month after your operation, to make sure the gas bubble is in contact with the macular hole as much as possible.

If you can't lie on your side, you should sleep propped up with pillows so you're at a 45-degree angle.

If you have concerns about sleeping positions, speak to your doctor or nurse.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018