Again, this varies. Patients with a gas bubble in the eye have to maintain a certain position in order to use the gas bubble to hold the retina in place or help to close the macular hole. Wherever possible this is a normal upright position during the day, and sleeping on one or other ear depending on the side of the problem within the eye.

Very occasionally it is necessary to ask people to position face down as much as possible up to a week after the operation.

It may be unsafe to drive after the operation particularly if you have a gas bubble in the eye. Please discuss this with Mr Laidlaw.

Patients with a gas bubble in the eye must not fly until such time as the gas bubble has fully absorbed.

The eye will be more sensitive to irritation than usual after the operation. As a result of this, smoky rooms or chlorine from swimming pools should be expected to hurt more than usual.
Allowing for the exceptions above a general rule is ‘If you can see to safely do it then it is probably fine.

You should not drive with a gas bubble in your eye !