Post-Surgery Care for Retinal Detachment: Tips for Proper Positioning

Postoperative Care After Retinal Detachment Surgery

A few days ago, my mother underwent a vitrectomy surgery due to retinal detachment.
Postoperatively, she is supposed to maintain a prone position for four to six weeks.
However, just in the past two days, she has experienced significant neck pain whenever she lowers her head, whether she is lying prone or sitting.
I would like to know if an improper prone position could lead to tendonitis or similar issues in her neck.
Is the principle of being prone simply to have her face facing downward? (Because my mother tends to sit on the bed with her knees bent and her forehead resting on her knees.) If she is lying with her right cheek down (her affected side is the left), would that be less effective than being directly face down?

hu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/03/02

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology

The reason for the face-down position is due to the presence of gas in the eye after surgery, which helps the retina adhere.
Generally, it is sufficient to keep the face down (with the gas pushing against the retina from above).
However, some individuals may have cervical spine issues that prevent them from maintaining a standard prone position.
It is advisable to inform the physician of this condition, as adjustments can be made to accommodate the patient's comfort (for example, lying on the left or right side depending on the location of the retinal tear).

Reply Date: 2013/03/02

More Info

Post-surgery care following retinal detachment surgery, particularly after a vitrectomy, is crucial for optimal recovery. Your mother's situation, where she is experiencing neck pain from maintaining a prone position, raises important considerations regarding both her comfort and the effectiveness of her positioning.

Importance of Positioning
The primary reason for maintaining a prone position (lying face down) after retinal detachment surgery is to ensure that the gas or silicone oil used during the procedure remains in contact with the retina. This contact is essential for the healing process and helps to reattach the retina effectively. The recommended duration for this positioning can vary, but it is often suggested to maintain it for four to six weeks, depending on the specific circumstances of the surgery and the surgeon's recommendations.

Neck Pain and Positioning
1. Neck Pain Concerns: It is not uncommon for patients to experience discomfort or pain in the neck and shoulders when maintaining a prone position for extended periods. This discomfort can arise from muscle strain, especially if the position is not ergonomically supportive. If your mother is experiencing significant neck pain, it could potentially lead to muscle strain or even tendonitis if the position is maintained improperly for too long.

2. Proper Positioning: The goal of the prone position is to keep the face down, which allows the gas or oil to exert pressure on the retina. However, the way in which this position is achieved can greatly affect comfort and effectiveness.
- Correct Positioning: Ideally, your mother should lie flat on her stomach with her head turned to the side, ensuring that her face is directly down. If she is bending at the waist and resting her forehead on her knees, this may not provide the optimal positioning for the retina and could lead to additional strain on her neck and back.

- Side Positioning: If your mother is lying with her right cheek down (the unaffected side), while it may provide some comfort, it might not be as effective as lying face down. The effectiveness of the positioning can be compromised if the affected eye is not receiving the necessary pressure from the gas or oil.

Recommendations for Comfort and Effectiveness
1. Adjusting Position: Encourage your mother to find a more comfortable position that still adheres to the guidelines provided by her surgeon. She might consider using pillows to support her body and head while maintaining the appropriate orientation. For example, a pillow under her abdomen can help relieve some pressure from her neck while still allowing her to lie face down.

2. Frequent Breaks: If the prone position is causing significant discomfort, it may be beneficial for her to take short breaks to relieve neck tension. However, these breaks should be brief to ensure that she is still maintaining the necessary positioning for her recovery.

3. Consulting with Healthcare Providers: It is essential to communicate any discomfort or pain to her healthcare provider. They may offer alternative positioning strategies or suggest physical therapy to address the neck pain. Additionally, they can confirm whether the current positioning is adequate for her recovery.

4. Neck Care: To alleviate neck pain, gentle stretching exercises or heat therapy may help. However, these should be discussed with her healthcare provider to ensure they do not interfere with her recovery.

5. Monitoring Recovery: Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor the healing process. If there are any concerns about her vision or the effectiveness of the positioning, these should be addressed promptly with her surgeon.

Conclusion
In summary, while maintaining a prone position is vital for the success of retinal detachment surgery, comfort should not be overlooked. It is important to find a balance between effective positioning and minimizing discomfort. If neck pain persists, it is advisable to consult with her healthcare provider for tailored advice and potential adjustments to her recovery plan.

Similar Q&A

Post-Retinal Detachment Surgery: Importance of Positioning and Follow-Up

Doctor, I apologize for asking another question. My father had silicone oil surgery in early December, and he is worried because he didn't maintain the proper position. Is it still beneficial for him to continue positioning himself correctly? When he goes for follow-up appoi...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Mr. Hsu: It should be almost recovered, and the doctor would only consider removing the oil at this point, so you likely don't need to lie face down anymore. The doctor should be able to assess this during your visit. In Taiwan, the ophthalmology department at Puzi Hos...

Post-Retinal Detachment Surgery: Concerns and Recovery Tips

Hello, since September, I have undergone two surgeries on my left eye and I am very concerned about my vision after healing. Here is my medical history: I have been taking medications to control my blood sugar and hypertension (including BOKEY) for a long time. In late August, I ...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Mr. Zhang: Currently, there is a dark area in your left eye with some imaging, but it is not very clear. The lower third appears slightly brighter with some imaging, but again, it is quite unclear. Overall, it presents as a patchy appearance. May I ask if there is damage to...

Post-Retinal Detachment Surgery: Understanding Vision Changes and Recovery

I underwent cataract surgery on my left eye in February 2022, and one month later, I had cataract surgery on my right eye. Unfortunately, a week later, I experienced an accident resulting in a retinal tear and retinal detachment (with half of the retina detached). On March 31, I ...

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology
Hello: Visual changes after retinal detachment surgery are quite common, and there is no ideal method for improvement. The best approach is to allow the body to recover and adjust on its own. Dr. He Jianxian, Department of Ophthalmology, Nantou Hospital.

Post-Vitreous Surgery Care for Retinal Detachment Recovery: Key Considerations

Hello Dr. Tsai, I am currently living overseas in Poland. In May, I unexpectedly discovered that my left eye had blurred vision. After undergoing an examination at a local ophthalmology clinic, I was diagnosed with retinal detachment in both eyes. The right eye was mildly affect...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Mr. Wang: 1. If the attending physician believes that you no longer need to be in a prone position, it indicates good recovery, and since silicone oil has been injected, the duration of being prone can sometimes be shortened. 2. If the attending physician determines that...