Connect
Macular Hole Surgery without Face Down Recovery Period
I have a macular hole which my ophthamologist tells me will require a 7-day "face down" recovery period after the surgery. In researching the subject, I came across an article published in 2012 by Mayo Clinic's Dr. Raymond Iezzi Jr. where he describes a method that is highly successful without the face down ordeal. His article, and a video describing the process, is on the Mayo Clinic website. My ophthamologist knows of Dr. Iezzi's study, but is not aware of any wide-spread acceptance of this method throughout the field.
Is anyone familiar with the method developed by Dr. Iezzi, and whether it has been adopted as a "preferred practice" by the Mayo Clinic?
Or, if you have actually had a macular hole repaired without the face down recovery period, I would love to discuss your experience with you!
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Eye Conditions Support Group.
Connect
I recently had a vitrectomy after a retinal detachment. My first surgery was scary, but this one wasn’t as bad. I was instructed to stay face down for three weeks, which has been very challenging. I did my best to maintain the face-down position, especially in the first week, but it became more difficult by the end of the second week. Despite the difficulty, I’ve noticed some improvement. I can see my phone up close, though the central vision is still distorted. I believe I’m seeing some progress, as it seems better than before. I still have the gas bubble in my eye, and I’m hopeful that as it shrinks, my vision will continue to improve. My next check-up is on January 2, where I’ll get a better assessment of how things are healing.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsMy wife has requested Dr. Lezzi.’ve recently been diagnosed with a macular hole and am pursuing surgical treatment. However, due to her history of fibromyalgia and chronic pain from an unsuccessful knee surgery, I am deeply concerned about the physical burden of the traditional face-down recovery required after most macular hole surgeries. Great to hear yhis!
I'm in day 3 after a detached retina and macular hole repair. So far, I can make my hand out barely but that is far better then what it was with the detached retina.
I was told one week in face down for 90% of the time. The other surgeon said 4 days (big difference). However, facedown is also looking at your phone or laptop. I was also told to sleep on my right side (left eye was operated on). I should have bought a message chair as I think that would have been something I could tolerate far better then leaning forward and looking down in a chair or sofa.
While I definitely am trying to do facedown, it is hard on my lower back. The first surgeon said 90% of the first week. I'll be lucky to do 70%.
There is more current research on this at https://retinatoday.com/articles/2020-oct/facedown-or-not-facedown
Seems to me facedown only improves the success rates slightly. Well worth the read if interested.