Patients use eye drops for several weeks or longer to allow the surface of the eye to heal. In some cases, heavy lifting is avoided for a few weeks. A gas bubble may be placed inside the eye to keep the retina in place. If a gas bubble is used, sometimes a secure head positioning has to be maintained, such as face down or sleeping on the right or left side. The gas bubble will dissolve over time, but this takes several weeks. Flying should be avoided while the gas bubble is still present. Problems such as a return of the original condition, bleeding, or infection from the surgery may require additional treatment or can result in blindness.