Recovery after a vitrectomy plays a critical role in protecting your vision and supporting long-term healing. While the surgical procedure itself is important, what happens in the days and weeks afterward often has a significant impact on the final outcome.
During recovery, it is normal to experience temporary symptoms such as:
- Blurry or distorted vision
- Mild to moderate discomfort
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye fatigue or strain
Your retinal surgeon or ophthalmologist will provide specific post-operative instructions. These may include positioning requirements, prescribed eye drops, medications, and temporary activity restrictions. Following these instructions closely is an essential part of your treatment.
Important: Every eye and every recovery is different. Always follow the guidance provided by your retinal surgeon or ophthalmologist.
Face-Down Recovery After Vitrectomy: What Matters Most
Whether a vitrectomy is performed for a retinal detachment or a macular hole, many recovery principles are shared. Facedown positioning is commonly prescribed when a gas or silicone bubble is placed inside the eye.
This positioning allows the bubble to act as an internal support, gently holding the treated area of the retina in place while healing occurs.
Why Facedown Positioning Is Important
- Helps keep the gas or silicone bubble positioned correctly
- Supports retinal healing and repair
- Reduces stress and pressure inside the eye
- Improves the likelihood of a successful outcome
Across several thousand recoveries we have assisted with, one pattern is consistent: patients who closely follow positioning instructions tend to experience better outcomes.
Bottom line: When prescribed, the facedown positioning is not optional. It is part of the treatment.
Retinal Detachment Recovery After Vitrectomy
Recovery timelines and positioning requirements vary by surgeon and by the severity of the detachment. The information below reflects commonly observed patterns and should not replace your surgeon’s instructions.
- Face-Down Positioning: Often 7–14 days
- Daily Compliance: Approximately 80% of each day which equals 50 minutes facedown with the allowance of a 5 to 10 minute break
- Gas Bubble Absorption: Commonly 6–7 weeks, sometimes longer; due to the type of gas used
- Return to Normal Activities: Often 8–10 weeks; ophthalmologist makes this decision for you
Important: Strict adherence to your surgeon’s instructions is critical to reducing the risk of re-detachment.
Macular Hole Surgery Recovery After Vitrectomy
Macular hole recovery protocols have evolved over time. While longer facedown periods were once standard, many surgeons now recommend shorter durations based on individual factors.
- Face-Down Positioning: Commonly 3–7 days
- Daily Compliance: Approximately 80% of each day which equals 50 minutes facedown with the allowance of a 5 to 10 minute break
- Gas Bubble Absorption: Often 2–3 weeks
- Return to Normal Activities: Commonly 4–6 weeks
While some studies suggest facedown positioning may not be required in every case, many surgeons continue to recommend it because outcomes are more predictable.
Across years of observation, compliance remains the most consistent factor associated with successful macular hole closure.
Video Transcript
If you’re recovering from macular hole surgery, I want to remind you that your story is unique. Your starting position may well be different from the next person that you talk to. In other words, the hole in the eye and the lift of the hole may be much larger for the next person than it is for you.
With that said, be sure to follow the protocols that your ophthalmologist gives you in order for you to maximize your eyesight. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard, with a follow-up four weeks later, where I have one of our renters come back and share, “Dr. so and so looked at my eye and said, ‘It’s obvious you followed the protocol; you’ve healed incredibly well.’”
Remember, your journey's start may be different than the next person.
In your case, you may have wavy lines that you’re seeing, and by day seven, you may see progress; you may see straight lines, or you might not, because it’s going to take longer. It may be that you’ve lost all the color and that the vision is kind of distorted in the central vision. Again, you may begin to see colors; by day seven, you might not. It may take time.
Central vision is gone, but you can see everywhere around. Again, you may see some progress at day seven, but it may be a whole lot longer.
All right, I just want to encourage you to stick to the process, trust your ophthalmologist, follow the protocol, and you're going to maximize the potential here. We don't know what that potential is unless you actually do that.
Listen, if you have questions or comments or just wanted to bounce something off me, please do so in the comments. I'll do my best to respond to you as quickly as I can.
In the course of a year, I see close to 500 people, assisting them, supporting them, educating them, encouraging them post-surgery. So, I've walked this journey with a retinal detachment as well, and I encourage you to press on; it is so worth it.
Why Are My Eyes So Teary After Vitrectomy?
Many patients notice increased tearing or watery eyes after vitrectomy surgery. While this can be uncomfortable or concerning, it is often a normal part of the healing process and usually improves with time.
Excess tearing does not necessarily mean something is wrong with your surgery. In many cases, it is the eye’s natural response to irritation, dryness, or surface healing.
Common Reasons for Watery Eyes After Vitrectomy
- Surface irritation: Healing from small incisions or sutures can irritate the eye surface.
- Dry eye response: Dryness can trigger reflex tearing as the eye attempts to compensate.
- Eye drops: Some prescribed drops may temporarily increase tearing, especially early in recovery.
- Inflammation: Mild post-surgical inflammation can stimulate tear production.
- Light sensitivity: Dilating drops or healing tissues may increase watering.
Is This Normal?
For many patients, yes. Watery eyes are commonly reported during the days or weeks following vitrectomy and often decrease as healing progresses.
Recovery experiences vary. Some patients notice tearing briefly, while others experience it intermittently during recovery.
What Can Help Reduce Tearing?
- Use prescribed eye drops exactly as directed
- Avoid rubbing or touching the eye
- Wear sunglasses to reduce light sensitivity
- Rest your eyes and limit prolonged screen time early on
If dryness is contributing, your ophthalmologist may recommend artificial tears or adjustments to your drop schedule.
When Should I Contact My Eye Doctor?
Contact your eye care provider if watery eyes are accompanied by:
- Increasing pain
- Worsening redness
- Sudden changes in vision
- Thick, yellow, or green discharge
A Reassuring Reminder
Post-vitrectomy recovery can include a range of temporary symptoms as your eye heals. Increased tearing is often one of them. With time, proper care, and guidance from your surgical team, most patients find these symptoms gradually improve.
A Final Word on Vitrectomy Recovery
Vitrectomy recovery is a process, not a single event. While symptoms and timelines vary, preparation, patience, and close adherence to your surgeon’s instructions play a major role in long-term outcomes.
When questions or concerns arise, your ophthalmologist or retinal surgeon should always be your primary source of guidance.
Content Note: This page reflects over 10 years of hands-on experience supporting post-vitrectomy recovery and was developed with the help of modern educational tools. It is intended to complement — not replace — the personalized care provided by your surgical team.
