Maintaining a specific posture after injection helps keeping the gas bubble/silicone oil in place
to reattach the retina
Incorrect positioning could lead to elevated
intraocular pressure and potential cataract development.
I.What is Retinal Detachment ?
Retinal detachment is
a serious eye disease. Prompt treatment for retinal detachment is
vital to prevent permanent vision loss. Your doctor will choose the
appropriate treatment for you according
to your condition. A gas bubble or silicone oil might be injected into the cavity of the eye, it would press
the retina back in place. You will need to maintain a certain position to keep the gas bubble/silicone oil in place
so that the retina could reattach.
II.Postoperative Positioning
Purpose:With the correct position, the gas bubble/silicone oil can be kept in place and help the retina reattach to the back of the eye so that it can heal.
Equipment:A U-shape pillow, several soft pillows, a table, and a chair.
Position: Usually,
you will be asked to sit with
your face down or to lie on your side. Posture in the position as advised. In general, patientswithan inflated gas injection should remain in the instructed
position for 14-21 days; 3-5days for silicone oil injection.
A.Face down positon: Keep your face down either lying on the bed or sitting on a chair. Put your forehead
on the U-shape pillow, and your hands on the side (picture1.& 2.). Make sure the back of your head is parallel to the
ceiling.
picture 1.
Face-down position (lying)
picture 2. Face-down position (sitting)
照片來源:實際拍攝
B.
Lyingsideway: Lie on either right or left side on the bed and support your head with soft pillows
(picture 3.).
picture 3. lying
sideway
照片來源:實際拍攝
C.Sitting with your head tilted 45 degrees: Sit on a chair or a bed and tilt your head 45 degrees. You may
use a U-shaped pillow to support your head and maintain the correct position (picture 4.).
picture 4. sitting with your head tilted 45
degrees
照片來源:實際拍攝
D.Sitting position: You may sit on a bed or a chair to keep your neck straight. For more comfort, put some
pillows behind your back.
III.Precautions
Maintain the instructed posture except for eating, showering, and going to the restroom.
An incorrect posture will increase intraocular pressure and even leads to cataract, so
it’s vital to maintain the instructed posture.
You may put some soft pillows under your chest to support your body
while lying face down on the bed.
Wear the metal shield
to protect the operated eye and avoid putting pressure on it while lying down.
Take a short break once in a while to move your body to maintain muscle
strength. Massage your shoulder, neck, waist, and arms to avoid muscle stiffness.
If you feel uncomfortable during positioning, you may walk 5-10 minutes every 2 hours. Psychological support and appropriate activities should be provided.
Patients with intraocular gas bubble injection should avoid taking flights or
high-altitude travelling because the gas bubble would expand if
the altitude is greater than 4000 meters.
Avoid activities that
might lead
to increased abdominal pressure, such as severe coughing, bending down, lifting
heavy objects, or suddenly moving the head etc.
IV.Conclusion
After the injection of silicone oil or inflated gas, maintaining the posture recommended by your doctor or nurse is
essential for vision recovery. Take nutrients that are
beneficial to the retina, such as carrots, pumpkins, and nuts, these can effectively prevent aging as well.