What does dependent position for detached retina mean???

[snowyeyes2]

Does this mean lay on the unaffected side??

[lmccrn62, MSN, RN]

You should check with the physician but my understanding is if the detachment is on the left outer portion of the eye you would have them lay on their left side.

[DragonRN]

Did they have surgery where they put in "oil" or "gas"? If so we usually have them lay opposite of the retinal detachment, which unfortunately for the patient means face down sometimes.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

The medical plan of care ought to say exactly what the surgeon's preference is-- left side down, left side up, no turning, flat on back, face down, whatever.

Never hesitate to clarify something like this with the surgeon, not for a minute, because if a retinal detachment goes bad, that can mean the end of the sight in that eye, a very serious loss.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

The detached retina is being held in place by a gas bubble or maybe lasered tissue. Put the bubble on the trouble. Gas rises, so for the bubble to be against the tissue the OPPOSITE side has to be down.

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

... unfortunately for the patient means face down sometimes.[/QU

This is the most common position I've encountered.

[keftirific]

Nurselabs says: Detached retina - area of detachment should be in the dependent position.

Googled "dependent position detached retina" and a textbook says, "After surgery for a detached retina, the client is positioned so that the detachment is dependent or inferior. For example, if the outer portion of the left retina is detached, the client is positioned on the left side. Positioning so that the detachment is inferior maintains pressure on that area of the retina, improving its contact with the choroid."