Face-Down Recovery after Retina Surgery

Located in Tucson, Arizona, Retina Associates is a full-time retina specialist. Led by medical professionals that include Cameron Javid, MD, the Retina Associates team is committed to delivering optimal patient care at every phase of treatment, including recovery.

To treat a surgical procedure involving the retina, such as surgery on a detached retina or macular hole, retina specialists introduce a gas bubble into the vitreous, the gel-like substance filling the inner eye. The bubble stabilizes the inner eye as the repositioned retina gradually reattaches.

Retina healing can take several weeks. During this time, the patients may be instructed to keep their face parallel to the ground or side to ensure that the bubble remains in place. Eventually, the bubble subsides, and health vitreous fills the inner eye.

Face-down recovery is critical to successful retina surgical procedures. Failing to maintain such a position can lead to sub-optimal surgical results.

Patients must maintain a face-down position for a specific period of time.