What to Know About Face Down Positioning After a Vitrectomy Surgery

It is common for patients to feel intimidated and scared when they hear they need to be facedown for several weeks, following a vitrectomy eye surgery. Dr. Richard Fish takes you step by step through the process so you know what to expect and can feel confident about the care you’ll receive.

[@mrbbqlvr4274]

I went through this 3 times. Ended up losing vision in one eye. Never again!

[@jeremyboughtono2]

Face down for a few weeks are you crazy how can I do that I live alone!

[@martinsmith1538]

Had three detachments totally. Had to face down. No problems. Just boring as the doctor said. However, i never watched TV or pads for fear of damaging the eye further. Doctor refused any type of viewing. So just listened to music and slept a lot!!!

[@mamawfrancy]

My husband has a retina wrinkle (macular pucker) & will be seeing a retina consultant tomorrow so we're watching instructional video's to know ahead what to expect if he has vitrectomy surgery... he's hyperactive & the face down positioning (for a few wks) worries me so much for him.

[@premalshah9799]

I had macular hole surgery and I passed by all procedures total two weeks I had bubble in my eye and I put face down but my vision is not back as expected. Hardly I can see and identify faces. More worse than before after two months.

[@pripri3404]

I only had to posture for 2 hours post op then 3 x 2 hours the next day and finally 2 x 2 hours the next day. That’s all. My fellow patients (everyone is hospitalised here) were all similar

[@AllenPinchloaf]

My doc said face down for 5 days after my vitrectomy

[@juliehock6059]

When it is said “face down” no one really says for how long and what is allowed. Lying face down on my bed for three days? Sounds very challenging.

[@thecastle09]

hello im desperate. seeking consult. ive had 2 faild suregeries facing a third vitrectomy. im speechless. is this common???? normal?? very little explanantion from surgeon..please help

[@barryanderson8365]

Thanks. But the background music.

[@maiwitto]

I went through this 3 times for retinal surgery, every single method : 1st by heavy oil, 2nd by gas, and 3rd by buckling & silicone oil. The last one was oil removal. I had to keep my face down for about 2 months. That was extremely awful and I will never want to experience any of this horrible surgery never ever again and again.

[@phildiamond7317]

Excellent and extremely helpful video. Thank you so much!!

[@santeemoontazdigpaul7495]

Thanks for sharing this information about the situation

[@heelerdadadventures]

Thanks so much for the very informative video. So many questions, me as a spouse, I didn't ask during post-op.

[@sigmiami]

I'm on the 11th day after surgery at Bascom palmer -

[@jimtheedcguy4313]

I love that young Frankenstein was on your list of recommend movies!

[@jamjarr8808]

I'm going through this right now fir the second time in my right eye.

[@zakbauman9319]

Thank you

[@HM2SGT]

1:48

[@callm6748]

More than the operation I'm frightened of keeping the head in place is there anywhere you could be monitored and helped for any activities i.e. eating and drinking etc. Also what does the surgery consist of.