With either gas or oil in the eye it may be necessary for you to posture. This involves putting your head in a specific position in order to use the gas or oil bubble as a splint for the retina. This posturing usually goes on for a week after surgery but is sometimes longer and sometimes shorter. In most cases it is enough to have your head in a normal upright position after surgery as the holes in the retina that have to be splinted are at the top of the eye and a normal sitting position very effectively uses the bubble as a splint. You may however be asked to have your face pointing at the floor and this may be achieved either with pillows on a desk or table or by lying on your front or side with your nose facing down. You will be advised following surgery as to whether any posturing is required.