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Vitrectomy recovery guide

Face-Down Recovery Tips After Vitrectomy Surgery

Practical tips to help you prepare your home, sleep more comfortably, eat and drink face-down, and choose recovery equipment after vitrectomy, macular hole, or retinal detachment surgery.

Vitrectomy.com has served face-down recovery patients since 1989.
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Make recovery easier by planning before surgery.

Face-down recovery is much easier when your space, meals, sleep setup, and equipment are ready before you come home. Use this guide as a simple preparation checklist.

Before surgery Home setup Sleeping Equipment help
1
Prepare early Order or arrange recovery equipment before surgery whenever possible.
2
Create a recovery station Keep water, medications, tissues, phone charger, and snacks within reach.
3
Plan simple meals Choose foods that are easy to eat while positioned face-down.
4
Follow your surgeon Always follow your doctor’s exact positioning instructions.
Before surgery

Get the important things ready before recovery begins.

The best time to prepare is before surgery day. A little planning can reduce stress for both the patient and the family member helping during recovery.

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Confirm positioning instructions Ask your surgeon how long you need to position and whether you need to be face-down during sleep, meals, or rest.
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Arrange equipment Set up your face-down support, chair, mirror, or cushion before you return home.
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Pick up essentials Prepare medications, eye drops, tissues, snacks, drinks, and anything else you may need close by.
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Ask for help If possible, arrange for someone to help with meals, errands, drops, and transportation.
Home setup

Build a simple face-down recovery station.

You do not need to redesign your entire home. Focus on one or two comfortable areas where you can rest, eat, watch something, and keep important items nearby.

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Keep items within reach Place water, snacks, tissues, drops, phone charger, and remote controls nearby.
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Use a mirror when helpful A two-way mirror can help you see forward while staying in a face-down position.
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Reduce clutter Clear walkways and remove anything that could create a trip hazard.
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Make comfort repeatable Once you find a comfortable position, keep your setup consistent so you are not adjusting everything all day.
Sleeping face-down

A better sleep setup can make recovery feel more manageable.

Sleeping face-down may feel unfamiliar at first. The goal is to support the head and body in a way that helps you follow your surgeon’s positioning instructions as comfortably as possible.

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Practice before bedtime Try the setup while awake so you are not figuring it out for the first time when you are tired.
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Support your body Use pillows or supports as directed to reduce pressure on your neck, shoulders, and back.
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Keep essentials nearby Keep water, tissues, phone, and any approved nighttime items close enough to reach safely.
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Ask your doctor about breaks Every patient’s instructions are different. Ask your surgeon what is allowed for breaks or position changes.
Recovery equipment

The right setup can make face-down recovery easier.

Vitrectomy.com provides face-down recovery equipment rentals and purchases, including support frames, chairs, cushions, mirrors, and disposable covers.

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Face-down support
Recovery chair
Two-way mirror
Disposable covers
Common face-down recovery questions +
How long do I need to stay face-down after vitrectomy surgery? +
The length of face-down positioning depends on your surgery and your surgeon’s instructions. Always follow the exact positioning schedule provided by your medical team.
What equipment helps with face-down recovery? +
Many patients use a face-down support, recovery chair, cushion, two-way mirror, and disposable face covers to make positioning more manageable.
Can I sleep face-down after vitrectomy surgery? +
Many patients are instructed to sleep in a face-down position, but instructions vary. Ask your surgeon exactly how you should sleep and for how long.
Should I rent or buy recovery equipment? +
Renting may make sense for short-term recovery, while buying may make sense if you want to keep the equipment or expect a longer recovery period.
Does Vitrectomy.com provide medical advice? +
No. Vitrectomy.com provides recovery equipment and equipment-related support. Medical positioning instructions should always come from your surgeon or medical team.

Need help choosing recovery equipment?

Our team can help explain rental and purchase options so you can choose a setup that fits your recovery needs and timing.

Call 1-877-VITRECTOMY Contact us
Medical note: This guide is for general equipment and comfort information only. Vitrectomy.com does not provide medical advice or determine whether face-down positioning is required. Always follow the positioning instructions provided by your surgeon or medical team.