[learning focus]
  1. Maintaining a specific posture after injection helps keeping the gas bubble/silicone oil in place  to reattach the retina
  2. 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
  1. 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.
  2. Equipment:A U-shape pillow, several soft pillows, a table, and a chair.
  3. 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, patients with an 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.
323b961476d35f2df055fa63dcad5097.png 04373c04db340c89bdea486fe705f30c.png
picture 1. Face-down position (lying) picture 2. Face-down position (sitting)
照片來源:實際拍攝 
          B. Lying sideway: Lie on either right or left side on the bed and support your head with soft pillows
             (picture 3.).
7e648579db1c8be03955a3790fb849e0.png

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.).
9e11c2c0f02f6ab84428591e46bb2df9.png

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
  1. Maintain the instructed posture except for eating, showering, and going to the restroom.
  2. An incorrect posture will increase intraocular pressure and even leads to cataract, so it’s vital to maintain the instructed posture.
  3. You may put some soft pillows under your chest to support your body while lying face down on the bed .
  4. Wear the metal shield to protect the operated eye and avoid putting pressure on it while lying down .
  5. 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.
  6. If you feel uncomfortable during positioning, you may walk 5-10 minutes every 2 hours. Psychological support and appropriate activities should be provided.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.

V.References
  1. 周桂如、徐淑芬、陳麗華(2023).感覺功能失調疾病與護理.於王桂芸、劉雪娥、馮容芬總校訂,新編內外科護理學(第六版,17-56~17-60頁).永大。
  2. Blair, K., & Czyz, CN. (2024, Feb. 12). Retinal Detachment. StatPearls Publishing.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551502/
  3. Veena, R.R. (2025, Dec. 08). Positioning After Retinal Surgery. American Academy of Ophthalmology. 
    https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/face-down-recovery-after-retinal-surgery
  4. Mayo Clinic. (2024, Sept. 27). Retinal detachment. Mayo Clinic.
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/retinal-detachment/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351348

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    2024-01-30 09:47:43
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