Face down head support

How important is it that a patient stay face down following vitrectomy to repair a macular hole?  There is equipment available for rental or purchase to provide face down head support.  Is it mandatory, highly recommended or just an option for comfort?

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear annmariecica,

Most doctors do recommend face down position following repair of a macular hole. I would recommend that you speak with your eyeMD about whether this is indicated for you.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[berrywoo]

Staying face down after macular hole surgery is very important and is a must. This positioning allows the gas bubble to push against the retina and help seal the hole. If the positioning is not done the patient risks not having the hole sealed completely.

The positioning equipment that is available to rent/purchase is just for the patient's comfort in dealing with the positioning which can become quite cumbersome. It is possible to maintain a face-down position without the equipment, but depending on age, health, etc. of the patient it may be better to rent the equipment.