Preparing for Face-Down Recovery After Retinal Surgery
If you’ve been suffering from retinal detachment, a macular hole, or another retinal issue, you may eagerly anticipate the clearer vision that follows surgery to correct the problem. However, the procedure itself is just the first step toward improved eyesight.
Your ophthalmologist may recommend a face-down recovery period following your procedure. Your compliance in face-down positioning during this time will have a direct effect on the quality of vision after the eye has healed.
Face-down recovery requires keeping your head parallel with the ground for up to twenty-four hours a day. Many people experience physical and emotional stress during face-down recovery because this position feels so unnatural. Advanced preparation will make your face-down recovery as comfortable as possible.
Understanding Face-Down Recovery
Your ophthalmologist may prescribe a face-down recovery period of a few days up to several weeks. Remaining face-down allows the power of gravity to reinforce the corrections your ophthalmologist has made in your eye.
During many eye surgeries, a small amount of vitreous (a gel-like substance) is removed from the eye. The ophthalmologist replaces the vitreous with a gas bubble. This bubble holds the retina in place. If you move your face up, gravity will cause the bubble to bounce out of place. Holding your head face-down keeps the bubble in the correct position, allowing the eye to heal correctly. The longer you can stay in the face-down position each day, the more successfully your retina will heal, leading to clearer vision.
Preparing with Equipment and Supplies
Equipment designed to support your head in the face-down position is very important. Your ophthalmologist’s office or your health insurance company may recommend medical equipment retailers from which you can rent items such as:
- A sitting massage chair with a tray table for use during the day
- A cushion set to support your face while sleeping
- A mirror that allows you to read and watch television
- A table-top support that allows you to work at a desk or eat at a table
Many companies that supply equipment for face-down recovery will deliver the equipment to your home prior to your procedure. They’ll help you set up the equipment and instruct you on its use. A number of videos are available online that demonstrate the equipment’s use as well.
In addition to setting up the necessary equipment, collect and prepare other things that you’ll need. For example, many people find it useful to gather together frequently used items such as medications, cell phone and charger, and remote controls into one bag or basket for easy access.
Think about all of the things you do each day that require an upright posture. Make a list of these tasks and try to complete as many of them in advance of your surgery as possible. For instance:
- Cook and freeze meals in single servings for easy meal prep
- Wash laundry and set aside comfortable clothes to wear for the week
- Clean your kitchen, bathroom, and floors, and put clean linens on your bed
- Set plates, utensils, and glassware within easy reach
- Take care of personal grooming, such as washing your hair or shaving
- Download audiobooks, podcasts, and games for entertainment
- Engage a family member or friend to help you during your recovery
Preparing the Body and Mind
While gathering equipment and handling tasks prior to your surgery is important, don’t neglect your mental and physical preparation, too. Many patients are surprised by the stress caused by staying in the face-down position. This stress may be due to:
- Disorientation brought on from the initial loss of sight in the operated eye
- Pain in the shoulders, neck, and back from remaining in one position all-day
- Anxiety over the temporary loss of independence
- Boredom from lack of access to hobbies and activities
- Loneliness due to the inability to see friends and family face-to-face
- Insomnia and poor sleep quality brought on by awkward sleeping positions
In order to counter some of these common issues, you must prepare both your body and mind for the recovery process.
Daytime preparations
Depending on the type of surgery you have, you may find that your vision is initially worse in the first few days after your procedure. While some patients can use a mirror system to read and watch TV after their surgery, others will be limited to podcasts and audiobooks. With few activities to enjoy, boredom and anxiety quickly sets in unless an action plan is arranged in advance.
Some of the stress brought on by face-down recovery can be reduced with a daily routine. Schedule activities throughout the day so that you always have a change to look forward to. For instance, call friends for a chat on speakerphone in the morning, enjoy an audiobook in the afternoon, and invite family members over in the evening.
Exercise should be integrated into your daily schedule, too. Try to get up and move around once each hour, even if it’s just to stretch or use the bathroom. You do not need to be in your support equipment all the time to keep your face down; some people learn to walk with their faces parallel to the ground, allowing them to do simple chores around the house.
Nighttime preparations
Sleeplessness is another common problem encountered following retinal surgery. Anxiety brought on by limited vision and the stress of the surgery can build up and make it difficult for your brain to relax. Neck and back pain due to using the support equipment can interfere with sleep. Some patients find it difficult to get comfortable using the face-down support cushions designed for sleep as well.
Sleep problems can be addressed with over-the-counter muscle gel and sleeping medications. However, you can plan in advance for a medication-free, good night’s sleep before your surgery. Begin an evening routine of playing relaxing music; applying an essential oil, such as lavender, to your pulse points; burning a scented candle; or asking your spouse or partner to massage your neck and shoulders. These cues will tell your body it’s time to relax and sleep even though your face has been in the same position for most of the day.
After the Face-Down Period
In addition to preparing for the grueling face-down recovery period, be sure to prepare for the transition from face-down to face-up. You’re likely to encounter some challenges in your return to upright life as your body readjusts its depth-perception. Expect to feel a bit clumsy for a while, so keep in mind that it could take a few weeks before you can drive on your own.
Another thing to remember is that even with the most skillful surgeon and the most dedicated face-down period, you still may never have flawless vision. Today’s technology for repairing retinal issues is advanced, but it’s not perfect. Slight retinal distortion is common, even after a full recovery.
Conclusion
Holding the face parallel to the floor for days and nights at a time is awkward and painful. Feeling frustrated over the loss of independence that comes with face-down recovery is to be expected. When negative emotions arise, remind yourself that the more compliant you are with your ophthalmologist’s instructions for face-down recovery, the better your vision will be in the future. Preparing physically, mentally, and emotionally for face-down recovery will ensure a stress-free recovery period, leading to significantly improved eyesight.
