Following pars plana vitrectomy with SF6 gas tamponade for a macular hole, the patient is instructed to maintain face-down positioning. The primary purpose of this positioning is to:
- A Prevent gas from entering the anterior chamber
- B Reduce intraocular pressure by gravitational drainage
- C Keep the gas bubble in contact with the macular hole to allow glial seal formation ✓
- D Prevent anterior migration of perfluorocarbon liquid residue
Correct answer: C. Keep the gas bubble in contact with the macular hole to allow glial seal formation
Explanation
Face-down positioning after macular hole surgery ensures that the intraocular gas bubble maintains direct tamponade contact with the macular hole. This mechanical support allows Muller cell proliferation and glial bridging to seal the hole edges. The IOP is determined by the gas volume and eye wall compliance, not positioning. PFCL is exchanged at the end of surgery and is not a concern postoperatively in standard cases.
Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.