The need to lie down for a week to six months after macular cleft surgery varies, and the specific lying time is related to the severity of the condition and the surgical filling substance. If the macular tear is mild, after peeling and cutting and stripping the membrane during the operation, sterile air can be used for intraocular filling, which is usually absorbed in a week or so, and the postoperative lying time is relatively shorter, which may take a week or so. If the macular laceration is more severe and inert gas is used for intraocular filling during surgery, the absorption time for this filler is about a month or so. Individuals undergoing this type of surgery will need to lie on their backs for a relatively longer period of time, up to about a month, in order to promote healing of the macular tear. If the macular tear is large or if there is a problem such as retinal detachment, intraocular filling with silicone oil may be required. With this type of filling, the recovery time after surgery is relatively long and may require lying down for anywhere from three to six months. After filling with silicone oil, regular checkups are needed to see how the macular tear is healing, and the silicone oil will need to be surgically removed when the tear has healed. After macular surgery, you should follow your doctor’s instructions for good aftercare, keep the area clean and hygienic, and have regular checkups to see how the cleft is healing.