What is SMILE surgery?
SMILE is a vision correction surgery for astigmatism and nearsightedness. It is a laser procedure like LASIK, but it has some differences.
SMILE, unlike other procedures, does not create a flap in your epithelium, which means there is less risk of complications and infection. And thus, it gives SMILE surgery a shorter recovery period than others.
It is less invasive as a process than LASIK and has a quicker recovery. Keep reading on to learn more about SMILE and the recovery process after SMILE.
How does SMILE surgery work?
By reshaping your cornea, SMILE corrects your vision like that of LASIK. However, the two undergo separate reshaping processes.
What is recovery after SMILE like?
Recovery from LASIK is simple, but recovery from SMILE is even easier. This simple recovery is because SMILE does not produce a corneal flap.
Since SMILE has no flap, you can resume your normal activities sooner. Because of this, SMILE is a great choice for anyone active, especially in sports.
Before returning to exercise, waiting for the flap to heal is no longer necessary. After SMILE, you should be able to return to your normal schedule in a few days.
Your vision may improve right away after your surgery. However, for the following few weeks, your vision will improve.
Immediately after SMILE surgery
You won’t be able to drive for the first 24 hours after your SMILE eye surgery. Although everyone’s recovery process differs, most patients can drive the next day again.
Avoid engaging in activities like reading, watching television, or using the computer while you relax for the balance of the day. After surgery, taking a long nap is advised. Immediately following your SMILE operation, your eyes will start to recuperate. As you recuperate, it’s usual to encounter periods of fluctuating vision.
Following your surgeon’s recovery recommendations will improve your eyesight over the coming weeks.
Days after SMILE surgery
Although recovery from SMILE eye surgery is quick, you should prepare to take it easy for a few days as your cornea is repairing. During the initial days following your surgery, refrain from participating in water activities like swimming in pools or relaxing in hot tubs. Keep water out of your eyes until you completely recover, especially when showering. Keep your workout brief and low-impact for at least two to three days. If your eye doctor gives you the all-clear, you should be able to resume your regular daily exercise routine.
You will have a follow-up appointment with your eye surgeon the day after your surgery. During these sessions, inform them of any adverse effects or changes in your eyesight.
On average, SMILE laser eye surgery’s temporary and readily manageable side effects last no longer than three to six months. Patients typically describe the following symptoms:
So initial SMILE surgery side effects include:
- Fluctuating eyesight.
- Dryness,
- Dryness,
- Light sensitivity
In contrast to other laser eye operations, there is a lesser chance that people with SMILE eye surgery may experience persistent dry eye or corneal flap displacement. One of the many benefits of SMILE is quicker recovery from inflammation and dryness than with LASIK. Regular follow-up sessions and administering the medicated and lubricating eye drops as directed are crucial to ensuring that you are on track to a quick and comfortable recovery.
Weeks following SMILE surgery
In the weeks following your refractive surgery, remember the following advice to ensure a speedy and simple recovery from SMILE eye surgery:
- Do not use makeup
Makeup brushes and applicators may be brimming with bacteria that can cause serious eye infections. After your SMILE eye surgery, avoid wearing makeup for at least one week to ensure a smooth recovery.
- Maintain the recommended dosages for all medications and eye drops.
It would help if you continued to use all of your prescribed eye drops and medications in the weeks that follow your SMILE eye surgery unless your eye surgeon instructs you otherwise.
You should always adhere to all aftercare instructions, even after the side effects start to disappear.
While healing from SMILE eye surgery, avoid using drops, painkillers, or unapproved drugs.
- Wear Safety Glasses
For at least the first three nights following SMILE eye surgery, use the eye shield provided to you while you sleep. Polarized sunglasses are necessary to shield your eyes from damaging UV radiation whenever you are outside. Wear protective eyewear when engaging in contact sports or other similar activities to prevent potential eye harm.
- Avoid places where there is airborne smoke or dust.
It would be better to stay away from regions with airborne particles like sand, smoke, or dust in the weeks following your SMILE operation. Small irritations like these can harm your eyes or make you uncomfortable as you heal.
