SMILE eye surgery is a cutting-edge laser eye surgery that can help people with severe myopia (near-sightedness) or astigmatism correct their vision. Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) is a minimally invasive, bladeless procedure.
Also, SMILE is a laser-only operation with stunning visual results. It is accurate, safe, and stable. Because there is no flap in SMILE surgery, the risk of flap issues such as epithelial ingrowth, flap displacement, and infections is reduced.
SMILE eye surgery is generally safe, quick, and effective; however, post-operative eye care and precaution are required for successful healing. If you follow the SMILE post-surgery care instructions in the article, you’ll be on your way to clearer, healthier eyes in no time.
Precautions to take following SMILE eye surgery
The first precaution following smile eye surgery is to avoid driving for the first 24 hours. You must ask your friend or relative to drive you home after your procedure. Everyone’s recovery time differs, but most patients can drive the following day.
Spend the rest of the day resting and avoiding activities like reading, watching television, or using the computer. It is advised that you take a long nap following the surgery. Your eyes will quickly recover following your SMILE procedure. It’s not uncommon to experience bouts of vision fluctuation while recovering. Your vision will improve as you follow your surgeon’s recovery recommendations.
After a few days, SMILE Eye Surgery is performed.
Even though SMILE eye surgery has a short recovery time, you should rest for a few days as your cornea heals. As a precaution, avoid water activities such as swimming in pools or bathing in hot tubs for the first few days after SMILE eye surgery.
Keep water out of your eyes, even when showering, until you completely recover. Keep your workouts light and low-impact for at least two to three days. Resume your normal daily workout routine with the approval of your eye doctor.
You will have a follow-up appointment with your eye surgeon the day after your surgery. Ensure to inform them of any side effects or changes in vision during these meetings.
The side effects of SMILE laser eye surgery are temporary, lasting about 3-6 months, and are easily managed.
Following surgery, there is a lower risk of chronic dry eye or corneal flap displacement. The surgery has a faster recovery time than LASIK regarding inflammation and dryness.
Suggestions for a speedy recovery after Smile
Follow these tips and precautions for a few weeks after SMILE Laser Eye Surgery to ensure a rapid and pain-free recovery.
- UV Excessive Exposure
Your doctor may recommend wearing sunglasses for the first week following SMILE eye surgery as a precaution. You will be light-sensitive; too much light can make you uneasy and slow the healing process. Sunglasses with 100% UV protection are strongly advised for daily use and are especially important following SMILE eye surgery.
Make sure to sleep with your provided eye protection on for at least the first three nights following SMILE eye surgery. Wear protective eyewear to avoid eye injury when participating in contact sports or other activities.
- Areas that are smokey and dusty
Foreign particles in your healing eye can cause infection or other complications during your recovery from SMILE surgery.
As a precaution, patients should avoid areas with airborne particles such as sand, smoke, or dust after SMILE eye surgery. These minor irritants can harm your eyes or cause significant discomfort while you’re healing.
To ensure proper recovery after SMILE surgery, avoid places with smoky and dusty environments, such as dirt roads and other places where smoke and dust could get into your eyes.
- Travelling
It would help if you made arrangements with your family to be driven to and from your SMILE surgery and initial follow-up appointment as a precaution following your SMILE eye surgery.
You should not drive for one day after your SMILE procedure.
According to the doctor, patients are normally considered safe to drive 24 hours after surgery. However, you should only drive after one week of operation to avoid mishaps.
- Makeup for the eyes
A patient who has had SMILE surgery or any other laser eye surgery should avoid wearing eye makeup or any other makeup on their face. Makeup brushes and applicators can harbour microbes that can cause serious eye infections. Wearing makeup or getting close to your eyes for at least one week after your SMILE eye surgery may cause harmful infections or cause you to rub your eyes, both of which can slow the healing process.
To protect your eyes after SMILE eye surgery, suggest switching your organic cosmetics and substituting them regularly.
- Screen Time & Reading
Avoid doing a lot of reading for a few days after SMILE eye surgery. Unnecessary pressure on your eyes can be painful and prolong your recovery time. Some eye doctors recommend avoiding using a screen for a week. If you want to read, avoid doing so for extended periods because it can cause eye strain.
- Use medications and eye drops as directed.
It would be best if you continued to use all of your prescribed eye drops and medications in the weeks following your SMILE eye surgery unless your eye surgeon instructs you otherwise.
Even if the negative effects begin to fade, you should always adhere to all post-treatment instructions. Do not use drops, pain relievers, or non-approved drugs while recovering from SMILE eye surgery.
- Gadget usage should be restricted.
You should avoid using devices such as your phone, computer, or television during the SMILE surgery recovery period until your eye doctor evaluates you following the treatment.
- Prevent having tap water in your eyes or while washing your hair.
To avoid getting tap water in your eyes during the first week after SMILE eye surgery, gently wash your face. Swimming and hot tubs should be avoided for one month. Tilt your head backwards to avoid water in your eyes while washing your hair. Pat your eyes gently to dry them.
