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Instructions for Patients
who have had Surgery of the Retina or Vitreous
Special Face-Down orders
1. Certain retinal detachments require the placement of a
bubble of sterile gas in the interior of the eyeball. When
you observe a face-down position this gas rises toward the
ceiling and pushes the retina back into place. The gas will
be absorbed by the eye within a few weeks.
2. You will be asked to lie on your side while in the
recovery room.
3. After moving to your ward bed, you will be placed in
position (A) or (B).
(A) Place a pillow under the chest and a rolled-up towel (or
small blanket) under the forehead.
(B) Lie on your side with your face turned toward the
mattress.
NOTE: The long axis of the head should always be parallel to
the floor.
4. You may lie on your back for 3 - 4 minutes for changing
of the eye bandage, putting eye drops or for the doctor's
examination.
5. For the first 10 days after surgery, you have a choice of
five positions:
(A) Prone (as illustrated)
(B) On side (as illustrated)
(C) Sitting with elbows on knees.
(D) Sitting with forehead on table edge, with small pillow
(as illustrated).
(E) Walking in the house with the long axis of head parallel
to the floor.
6. Eat facing down, drink beverages with a straw.
7. IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS, CONCERNS OR QUESTIONS
You can ask the doctor about your concerns at the time of
your examination at the L V Prasad Eye Institute. If you
feel you cannot wait until the next appointment, you may
call us at (040) 2354 8267/2360 8262. If you have an
emergency during the night, a weekend or on a holiday, come
for emergency care at the front door of the Institute.
You can also send us a fax at (040) 2354 8271 or an email at
retina@lvpei.org.
While sending a fax or email always mention the patient's ID
number, name and the doctor's name. Generally, we will
respond in 24 hours.
The Kanuri Santhamma Retina-Vitreous Service
L V Prasad Eye Institute
Hyderabad, INDIA
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