Post-Vitrectomy Care: Common Concerns and Questions Answered - Ophthalmology

Post-vitrectomy

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Hello, Doctor.
A few days ago, I suddenly experienced a foggy vision in one eye along with some black spots and floaters.
The doctor at the major hospital said that the only option was a vitrectomy and that the procedure needed to be done immediately, as the scleral buckle method was not suitable.
They also performed laser treatment on the other eye the same day, but missed a small area that will need to be treated later.
I have several questions I would like to ask you:
1.
After the surgery, the attending physician said that I do not need to sleep on my stomach and can sleep on my side instead.
However, I have heard that sleeping on the stomach is better for the positioning.
Is that true?
2.
Can I wash my hair at a barbershop after the surgery, sitting with my head tilted back? Will this affect the positioning?
3.
On the third day post-surgery, I noticed a strange phenomenon in the operated eye, where it appeared as if I was looking through a small circular fishbowl filled about 70% with water, with a visible waterline.
When I tilt my head, lie on my side, or sleep on my stomach, the water level and horizontal line appear different, resembling a real small circular fishbowl.
However, during both follow-up visits, the doctors said that seeing the water is normal and that the positioning looks good.
The second follow-up visit revealed that what I was seeing was a water ripple effect caused by different interfaces, and that the vitreous was filled with gas, not silicone oil.
Despite the doctors' reassurances, I am concerned about whether there is fluid leaking in, as the visual appearance is quite distinct.

4.
Why was vitrectomy the only option for my situation, and why was the scleral buckle method not considered?
5.
Currently, for the operated eye, I am required to use "eye pressure-lowering drops" and "post-cataract surgery drops" three times a day, along with "dilating drops" in the morning and evening, which means I am using three types of drops in the morning and evening.
Additionally, I apply a steroid anti-inflammatory ointment before bed.
Will this regimen place a burden on my eyes post-surgery?
6.
During the second follow-up, I was supposed to have laser reinforcement on the other eye, but the nurse administered the dilating drops twice in a row, causing significant pain for over 20 minutes.
The doctor then advised to postpone the laser treatment for two weeks.
It has been two days since then, and the eye that was supposed to receive the laser treatment has become slightly blurrier at close distances.
Shouldn't the effects of the dilating drops have worn off by now? Could it be that the nurse administered too much, or that the medication was too strong? Or could the medications used in the operated eye affect the normal eye that was supposed to receive the laser treatment?
7.
The doctor mentioned that the gas would be absorbed in about 4 to 6 weeks and that I might see a dark mass.
They also said that it would be better if the gas remained for four weeks.
However, I am seeing a small circular fishbowl filled about 70% with water, with a visible waterline.
The bottom 70% of the water level appears somewhat blurry, while the area above the waterline shows a slightly clearer but still somewhat blurry image.
I am concerned that this is not just the black gas.
8.
The normal eye had laser treatment before the vitrectomy on the other eye.
However, the next day, I discovered that there were still some holes that needed to be treated.
What impact does intensive laser treatment have on the normal eye, and what should I be aware of moving forward?
Could you please help provide guidance on these questions? Thank you.

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Wang Fangfang, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/01/16