Comparing face-down positioning durations after macular hole surgery

Duration of Face Down Positioning Following Full-Thickness Macular Hole Repair: a Randomized Feasibility Study

Not applicable Interventional St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton · NCT06000111

This study is testing whether sitting face-down for 3 days or 7 days after macular hole surgery helps people heal better and see clearly.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSt. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton Academic / other
Locations1 site (Stoney Creek, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT06000111 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the optimal duration of face-down positioning required after surgical repair of full-thickness macular holes. It randomly assigns participants to either 3 days or 7 days of face-down positioning following pars plana vitrectomy. The study aims to assess key outcomes such as macular hole closure rates, visual acuity, quality of life, patient compliance, and complication rates. This feasibility study will provide valuable insights for a future larger clinical trial.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with an idiopathic full-thickness macular hole and symptom duration of less than 6 months.

Not a fit: Patients with a macular hole diameter greater than 1000 μm or those with a history of high myopia or other specified eye conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help determine the minimum required recovery time for patients, potentially improving comfort and compliance.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in its specific comparison of positioning durations, similar studies on post-surgical positioning have shown varying success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Consecutive patients with an idiopathic full-thickness macular hole
* Symptom duration of less than 6 months
* Patient must agree to participate in this investigation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Macular hole minimum diameter \>1000 μm
* A history of high myopia (\> -6)
* Traumatic macular hole
* Amblyopia
* Retinal vein occlusion
* Inflammatory eye diseases
* Patients found to have a retinal tear during either the pre-operative assessment or intraoperatively

Where this trial is running

Stoney Creek, Ontario

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Macular Holes
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.