If you don't stay face down after a vitrectomy it could cause the bubble or oil to get out of the correct position.
When you keep your face down after a vitrectomy it ensures that the bubble or oil remains in the correct position and allows it to heal effectively and quickly.
You don't have to sleep face down after a vitrectomy unless you want too.
You should however keep your face down as much as possible when awake but you don't have to when you're sleeping.
After a vitrectomy it's recommended that you sleep on either side or even your front but avoid sleeping on your back as that can make the bubble move away from the macular hole.
Although it's not recommended you can go for a walk after a vitrectomy although you should not strain yourself when walking.
Simply walking around some is of no harm after you've had a vitrectomy but avoid any other strenuous exercise or activities for at least a week.
A vitrectomy does improve vision although at first your eyesight may be blurry for around 24 hours but then if your eyes are overall healthy then your vision should improve some after the vitrectomy.
The risk of a vitrectomy are.
Change in refractive error.
Increased rate of cataract formation.
Problems with eye movement after the surgery.
High pressure in the eye.
Lens Damage.
Infection and Excess bleeding.
A vitrectomy does not hurt although you might feel some slight discomfort.
However the vitrectomy will be done under general anesthesia so you should not even be aware of or feel any pain.
You can watch TV or even use a computer, phone, tablet etc after a Vitrectomy as doing so will cause no harm although your vision can remain blurry for a few days or so.
Full recovery after a vitrectomy takes around 4 weeks although you should begin to heal after the vitrectomy within a week.
A Vitrectomy is not a serious operation and in fact a Vitrectomy is considered to be a very simple and very effective procedure that carries very few risk of complications.
In most cases a vitrectomy takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on the type of operation, but may be significantly longer depending on the surgical indication and complexity of the case.
During vitrectomy surgery, the eye doctor will make very small openings in your eye wall and remove most of the vitreous from your eye with a suction tool.
Depending on your treatment plan, your doctor may also: Use a laser or freeze treatment to reattach or repair your retina.
It may take around two-four weeks or even more to get a clear vision after the vitrectomy procedure.
The clarity of the vision after the procedure may be affected by the following factors: The eye drops used to dilate eyes during surgery may also cause blurry vision.
Vitrectomy procedures are an effective surgery and severe complications are rare.
According to the American Society of Retina Specialists, most surgeries have a 90 percent success rate.
The retinal surgeon may perform a vitrectomy either under local or general anaesthetic.
If you have a local anaesthetic, you will be awake during surgery.
They will dilate (make bigger) your pupil with eye drops first and then instil anaesthetic drops onto your eye.
Do not remove the shield / pad until you see your doctor the day after the surgery.
It is very important not to rub, bump, or put any pressure on the eye.
During the day, you should either wear a pair of glasses (sunglasses, reading glasses, distance glasses are all fine) or wear the hard plastic shield.
After the surgery, your eye may be swollen, red, or tender for several weeks.
You might have some pain in your eye and your vision may be blurry for a few days after the surgery.
You will need 2 to 4 weeks to recover before you can do your normal activities again.
A vitrectomy is a type of eye surgery to treat various problems with the retina and vitreous.
During the surgery, your surgeon removes the vitreous and replaces it with another solution.
The vitreous is a gel-like substance that fills the middle portion of your eye.
As with most medical conditions, the healthier the eye is before surgery, the more likely the eye will heal quickly and the vision will improve.
Some patients will note a decrease in vision for a few days following the procedure.