When can I go back to work after retinal detachment surgery?

General information about typical recovery, not medical advice. Every eye and every surgery is different, and your surgeon's instructions override anything on this page. Read our full disclaimer.

Short answer

Usually after positioning ends and the eye settles. AAO advises limited activity for several weeks, and physical jobs typically wait longer than desk jobs.

Positioning drives the timeline for anyone who got gas. AAO says gas-bubble patients keep a very specific head position for a few days as recommended, and elsewhere describes head positioning for a period such as 1 to 2 weeks, applying while you stand, sit, eat, walk, and sleep. Very few jobs fit around that.

For scleral buckle patients without gas, soreness and swelling are usually the limiting factor. StatPearls lists lid, conjunctival, and corneal swelling with inflammation among the early effects of buckle surgery.

AAO advises limiting activity for several weeks after retinal detachment surgery and says your ophthalmologist provides guidance on returning to normal activities. Neither AAO nor ASRS publishes a specific return-to-work day count, so ask your surgeon and get it in writing if your employer needs documentation.

One absolute: if your job involves flying, working at altitude, or diving, you cannot return while any gas remains in the eye. AAO states you cannot fly or travel to high altitudes with an air or gas bubble.

When	Typical guidance
During positioning	Most people are off work entirely.
Desk work	Many return once positioning ends and comfort improves, with surgeon clearance.
Physical, dusty, or dirty work	AAO advises limited activity for several weeks. Get a specific date from your surgeon.
Flight crew, altitude, or diving work	Not permitted while any gas remains in the eye.

Call your surgeon now if you notice any of these

A sudden burst of many new floaters, new flashing lights, or a dark shadow or gray curtain in your field of vision. NEI calls these signs of a medical emergency and AAO lists them as reasons to seek immediate care
A sudden decrease or loss of vision, or vision that was improving and then clearly gets worse
Pain that keeps increasing rather than settling, or pain not relieved by your prescribed drops
Signs of very high eye pressure: a deep hard ache with nausea or vomiting, halos around lights, or severe pain. StatPearls lists raised intraocular pressure as a known complication of gas tamponade
Signs of infection or buckle trouble: worsening redness, thick discharge, and increasing pain. StatPearls notes buckle extrusion or infection presents with pain, redness, and discharge
New or worsening double vision, which StatPearls attributes to mechanical muscle restriction or ischemia after buckling and which has treatment options
Any planned anesthesia while you still have a gas bubble. Tell the anesthesia team you have intraocular gas and that nitrous oxide must not be used. ASRS states nitrous gas anesthesia should be strictly avoided when a gas bubble has been used
Any planned flight, high-altitude trip, or dive before your surgeon confirms the gas bubble is gone. AAO warns this can cause severe pain, permanent vision loss, or even blindness

These warning signs after retinal detachment surgery can point to problems that need same-day care. Do not wait for your next scheduled visit. If you cannot reach your surgeon's office, use their on-call line, or go to an emergency room.

Sources: National Eye Institute (NIH); American Academy of Ophthalmology; StatPearls Publishing / NCBI Bookshelf; American Society of Retina Specialists

Sources

Detached Retina Treatment American Academy of Ophthalmology. Accessed 2026-08-25.
Positioning After Retinal Surgery American Academy of Ophthalmology. Accessed 2026-08-25.
Scleral Buckling (StatPearls) StatPearls Publishing / NCBI Bookshelf. Accessed 2026-08-25.

When can I go back to work after retinal detachment surgery?

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