After suddenly losing vision in one eye, this Ontario renter wasted no time getting to Urgent Care. Within two days, they were in surgery for a near-total retinal detachment. The 10-day facedown recovery was grueling, but they stayed focused on one thing: regaining their eyesight. With solid support, smart planning, and expert guidance, they got through the toughest days and came out with their vision nearly fully restored.
Renter: G.T. ~ Stoney Creek, Ontario
1) Why did you have vitrectomy surgery? (macular hole, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, other)
My retina in the right eye began detaching without any warning. Over three days, the tear worsened significantly until the retina was mostly detached by the time I had surgery.
2) From the time of diagnosis until surgery, how long did you have to wait?
Just two days from diagnosis to surgery.
3) What symptoms led you to visit an eye specialist?
I didn’t wait to see a regular specialist—I went straight to the St. Joe’s Urgent Care Centre. I noticed a shadow creeping up from the bottom of my eye, like a curtain being drawn upward. My vision was disappearing fast. By the time I had surgery, I had lost about 80% of the vision in that eye.
4) What kind of hope did your Ophthalmologist give you about your situation?
Their response was clinical and realistic. No guarantees, but they explained the surgery is often successful. That gave me enough hope to trust the process.
5) How would you describe your level of anxiety (before surgery, during your facedown recovery)?
Before surgery: Surprisingly low. I just wanted the surgery done and over with.
Facedown recovery: Incredibly difficult. Ten days of being face down, with only 10-minute breaks every hour to stand, eat, shower—it felt like living unnaturally. What helped was knowing the discomfort had an endpoint. The mental game was intense, but I just kept reminding myself it was temporary.
6) How would you describe your eyesight (one week after surgery, one month after surgery, three months after surgery)?
- First two weeks: Vision was blurry due to the gas bubble.
- One month: Vision steadily improved and was mostly restored to how it was before the detachment.
7) Besides renting equipment, what one piece of advice would you give someone regarding the facedown recovery journey?
Follow the doctor’s orders, no exceptions. Also, bring someone with you to every appointment—this person becomes your co-pilot during recovery. Renting the face-down equipment and mirror setup made a massive difference for my comfort and mental health. It made the 10 days more tolerable and helped ensure I stayed in the right position for healing. That, and knowing the success rate was high, kept me motivated.
8) What is one thing you wish you knew before your vitrectomy?
I was lucky—hospital staff told me about equipment rentals, and everything was set up at my home the next day. I also had someone with me who could help during the hourly breaks and with administering eye drops. If anything, I wish more people were told how much proper setup and a solid support system make all the difference.
9) Is there anything else you’d like to share?
The surgery itself only took about 50 minutes—it was uncomfortable, but manageable. The 10-day facedown recovery was by far the hardest part. To get through it, I recommend staying connected with others—make phone calls, watch TV with a mirror, find ways to break up the monotony. After those 10 days, recovery got easier. I could walk around, rest as needed, and wait for the bubble to dissolve.
Also, read through everything Retina Recovery sends you. It helped me prepare, track my medications, and understand the process. Write down questions for your doctor so you’re ready for follow-up visits. Stay focused on your goal—saving your vision. That mindset carried me through the darkest (and blurriest) days.
Thank you for all the support you gave me during recovery. It made a world of difference.
