You expect to resume virtually all physical activity just after having an FOV (Floater Only Vitrectomy). This is true for almost all of my patients undergoing a vitrectomy for whatever reasons.
Bathing after Vitrectomy
Bathing is encouraged! There are usually concerns about shower or bath water entering the eye. My usual answer is to point out that your eyes, nose and mouth are all interconnected. This means your eye is naturally exposed to bacteria and may be no cleaner than your nose/mouth.
Tap water from the shower or bath is safe. Please keep clean!
FaceDown after FOV?
Vitrectomy to remove your floaters does not require gas or air at the end of the operation. I have heard from many of you about your concerns regarding face down positioning following your FOV, but I don’t routinely use gas at the end of routine vitrectomy.
Remember that vitrectomy is also performed for repair of retinal detachments and macular holes. These are situations where gas may be used. Again, no gas is required after FOV.
Therefore, head positioning is not required.
Physical Activity
You should be able to resume full activity withing 2-3 days following your vitrectomy. This would include exercising, yard work, picking up the kids/grandkids/pets and even running – as long as you are comfortable.
Weight lifting and general workouts are most likely okay, too. In my experience, most of my patients like to remain active after surgery.
Pushing and Rubbing Your Eye
My biggest concern following your FOV is that you not push directly on your eye. This could possibly cause hypotony. This is usually no longer a concern within about 48 hours after the operation.
Airline Travel
There is no concern with boarding an airplane after surgery. There questions about changes in altitude and the affects on the eye – these are only concerns if intraocular gas is used during the operation (see above).
Again, intraocular gas is not used following FOV so airline travel is quite safe.