After undergoing SMILE Pro eye surgery, it’s crucial to avoid certain habits and activities that could hinder your recovery and compromise your results.
While vision recovery typically occurs within 24 hours, adhering to post-operative care guidelines is vital for ensuring long-term success and maintaining optimal eye health.
SMILE Pro (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) surgery is a minimally invasive laser procedure for correcting vision issues like myopia (nearsightedness). Its shorter recovery time and lack of a visible flap make it attractive to many. Nevertheless, a smooth recovery depends on how seriously you take post-procedure care. Here’s a closer look at things you need to avoid to maximise your healing and protect your investment in better vision.
1. Rubbing Your Eyes
One of the most critical things to avoid after SMILE Pro surgery is rubbing your eyes. Your cornea is sensitive in the first few days after the procedure, and vigorous rubbing can disrupt the delicate healing process or cause complications such as infection or irritation. Even if your eyes feel itchy or uncomfortable, resist the urge to touch them.
What to Do Instead
- Use the prescribed lubricating eye drops to relieve dryness or irritation.
- If your eyes feel very itchy, consult with your eye doctor before taking any action.
2. Exposing Your Eyes to Dirty Environments
Your eyes are more vulnerable to infections during the recovery period. Dirty or dusty environments, like construction sites or crowded urban spaces, could expose them to harmful particles and bacteria.
What to Avoid
- Avoid dusty areas, gardening, cleaning, or any activities that could stir up dirt.
- Stay away from smoke-heavy environments, like kitchens or areas with tobacco smoke.
What to Do Instead
- Protect your eyes with sunglasses or protective glasses if you must be in such places.
- Opt for clean, indoor environments wherever possible during your initial recovery phase.
3. Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs
Chlorinated swimming pools or hot tubs are a no-go for at least a week after your surgery. Chlorine and other chemicals can irritate your eyes and increase the risk of infection. Natural bodies of water like rivers and lakes are equally harmful due to the bacteria and microorganisms they may contain.
How Long Should You Avoid Swimming?
While every case may vary, most surgeons recommend avoiding swimming entirely for 1-2 weeks post-surgery. Double-check with your doctor for specific advice tailored to your condition.
Alternatives
- If you need water-based exercise, stick to dry land-based activities during recovery.
4. Applying Makeup or Creams Around Your Eyes
Eye makeup, such as mascara, eyeliner, or eyeshadow, poses a threat to your newly operated eyes. Residual makeup particles can enter your eyes and irritate or cause infections. Similarly, face or eye creams can seep into your eyes and disturb the recovery process.
How Long Should You Avoid It?
Avoid makeup and creams for at least one to two weeks after the procedure unless your doctor suggests otherwise.
Post-Recovery Tips
- Once you resume makeup use, ensure that you’re using fresh, clean products and brushes to avoid contamination.
- Replace old makeup, particularly mascara and eyeliner, which could harbour bacteria.
5. Strenuous Physical Activities
Engaging in strenuous physical activities — such as heavy lifting, high-intensity workouts, or contact sports — can increase pressure on your eyes, which may slow down healing. Sports that involve physical contact (like football or basketball) pose additional risks of accidental eye trauma.
How Long Should You Wait?
- Light exercise can often resume within a few days if there’s no discomfort.
- Avoid strenuous workouts and contact sports for at least 2-3 weeks, or as recommended by your doctor.
Safer Options
- Opt for gentle movement, such as walking or stretching, during the recovery process.
6. Digital Device Overuse
While SMILE Pro surgery allows many patients to return to work and screen-centric tasks quickly, excessive use of phones, tablets, and computers can strain your eyes. Prolonged screen time may lead to dryness, discomfort, or fatigue.
What You Can Do Instead
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Use artificial tears to combat dryness frequently, especially if you work long hours in front of screens.
7. Driving Immediately After Surgery
Your vision might return to normal within 24 hours, but depth perception, light sensitivity, or slight blurriness can take a day or two to resolve completely. Driving too soon can be dangerous for both you and others on the road.
When is it Safe to Drive Again?
Most patients can resume driving the day after surgery but only after receiving clearance from their doctor.
Pro Tip
- Communicate your needs with friends or family who can assist you with transportation on the day of your procedure and potentially the day after.
8. Skipping Follow-Up Appointments
Failing to attend your follow-up appointments is a significant mistake. These visits allow your doctor to monitor your healing, address concerns, and ensure there are no complications such as infection, inflammation, or residual vision issues.
Why is This Important?
Some complications or issues may not present immediate symptoms, making regular check-ups essential.
What to Expect During Follow-Ups
- Your first follow-up is typically one day after surgery.
- Additional visits may be scheduled over the following weeks and months to track your progress.
9. Not Wearing Protective Sunglasses
Your eyes will be more sensitive to sunlight and artificial light in the first few days following surgery. Not wearing sunglasses can increase discomfort and even damage your eyes. UV exposure can also slow the healing process of the corneal tissue.
What Kind of Sunglasses Should You Use?
- Opt for sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection.
- Avoid cheap or non-certified lenses that do not effectively block harmful rays.
When to Wear Them
- Wear sunglasses whenever you’re outdoors, especially during daylight hours.
10. Overlooking Your Eye Drops Regimen
Your surgeon will prescribe specific eye drops, such as antibiotic or anti-inflammatory drops, to aid healing and alleviate dryness. Forgetting or skipping doses can lead to complications or infections.
What to Keep in Mind
- Set reminders on your phone if you struggle to remember doses.
- Always follow your doctor’s instructions on usage.
Summing Up
Recovering from SMILE Pro surgery is relatively quick and straightforward, especially compared to traditional surgical methods. Most patients see results within 24 hours, but you must take the right precautions to protect your vision in the long run. By avoiding these common pitfalls and following your doctor’s advice, you’ll not only preserve the success of your procedure but also enjoy the visual clarity you’ve always desired.
If you have any doubts or concerns, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor. Each step you take toward protecting your eyes ensures that your vision remains sharp and healthy for years to come.
Take care—and enjoy your newfound clarity!
