How long do I need to lie prone after macular hole surgery?

Macular hole surgery is a way to treat macular hole disease in the eye. It uses surgery to improve retinal lesions and achieve a healing effect. After macular hole surgery, the patient needs to lie prone for recuperation due to gas. Generally, the disease can be cured after 1-2 months of recuperation. The patient can get out of bed for a small amount of activities or change posture for recuperation.

How long do I need to lie prone after macular hole surgery?

After macular hole surgery, patients are often required to cooperate with special body positions to promote the fusion and healing of the hole. In the early postoperative period, body positions are often strictly restricted and patients should try to get out of bed as little as possible. Since gas and silicone oil are lighter than water and have buoyancy and surface tension, these properties can be used to press and seal the macular hole. Therefore, a face-down position is required after surgery. There are two commonly used face-down positions in clinical practice:

(1) Lying face down: The patient lies prone on the bed with the face parallel to the ground.

(2) Sitting face-down position: The patient sits on the edge of the bed with the head lowered and the forehead resting on the bed.

If inflatable gas is injected, the eye should generally remain face down for 2 weeks, while the eye injected with silicone oil should generally maintain this position for 1 month. After 1 month, the wound will have healed and the macular hole will have been sealed firmly, and you can change to another position appropriately. However, the supine position should also be avoided to prevent silicone oil or gas from entering the anterior chamber.

What should I pay attention to after macular hole surgery?

1. After the operation, you should rest, avoid excessive fatigue, and don’t stay up late.

2. Avoid rubbing your eyes or overusing your eyes after macular hole surgery

3. Avoid weight bearing or lifting heavy objects after macular hole surgery. Do not carry water or move heavy objects.

4. After macular hole surgery, pay attention to actively treat underlying diseases, such as hypertension.

Macular holes are usually closed by vitrectomy or laser photocoagulation. In the early postoperative period, you must use anti-inflammatory drugs regularly as required by your doctor to prevent infection; at the same time, you must pay attention to eye hygiene, wash your hands frequently, and do not rub your eyes with your hands. And have regular follow-up visits to observe the recovery of the eyes and vision.

In terms of diet, be careful to avoid spicy and irritating foods; eat more fresh vegetables and fruits to keep bowel movements smooth and prevent constipation. Avoid coughing violently, bending over for a long time, etc.