Final answer:
After a pneumoretinopexy, patients are positioned in the prone position to help a gas bubble press against the retinal tear, allowing scar tissue to form and secure the retina.
Step-by-step explanation:
After undergoing a pneumoretinopexy procedure to repair a tear in the retina near the macula, the patient is typically positioned in the prone position. This means they lie face down. This specific position allows the gas bubble, used in pneumoretinopexy, to press against the retinal tear and hold it in place against the back wall of the eye. This allows for the scar tissue to form in response to the laser treatment, which helps to permanently secure the retina and prevent future detachments.
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