Retinal surgery whether for detachment, macular hole, or epiretinal membrane requires a strict recovery regimen to prevent re-detachment or pressure-related complications. Observing the correct activity restrictions is vital to preserve your vision.
The most critical aspect of recovery is head positioning. If your surgeon has placed a gas bubble in your eye, you may need to maintain a facedown position for several days or weeks. This helps the bubble apply pressure to the retinal area for proper reattachment.
Other activity restrictions include:
- No air travel until the gas bubble has resolved—air pressure changes can be dangerous
- Avoid bending, lifting, or straining, especially in the first 2–4 weeks
- No rubbing of the eye or swimming
- Sleep in a prescribed position, depending on the surgery
Your surgeon will guide you regarding when you can resume screen time, reading, or returning to work. Vision may remain blurry during healing, especially with gas bubble presence.
At The Eye Center – Dr. Mahnaz Naveed Shah & Associates, our retina specialists provide detailed, one-on-one instructions to optimize your surgical outcome. We track progress with post-op scans and are always available to manage concerns promptly.
Call us at 03041119544 to schedule your retinal follow-up or consult our retina team for customized post-surgery care.