This guide focuses on the critical do’s and don’ts to keep in mind after your SMILE Pro surgery.
After undergoing SMILE Pro eye surgery, taking proper care of your eyes is essential to ensure a smooth recovery and achieve optimal results.
Following your doctor’s post-surgery instructions and adopting safe practices can make all the difference in maintaining the long-term success of your procedure.
Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) Pro is a minimally invasive and advanced form of laser eye surgery that helps correct refractive errors like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Though it offers a quicker recovery compared to some other laser eye surgery methods, proper post-operative care is still important for your eyes to heal effectively.
The Do’s After SMILE Pro Eye Surgery
Here are the recommended actions to ensure a smooth recovery following your surgery:
1. Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions
Your doctor will provide you with a set of guidelines tailored to your individual recovery needs. These instructions may include the proper use of prescribed eye drops for reducing inflammation, preventing dryness, and avoiding infections. Follow these instructions diligently to protect your healing eyes.
2. Use Prescribed Eye Drops Correctly
Eye drops prescribed after SMILE Pro surgery often serve multiple purposes, such as keeping the eyes lubricated and minimising the risk of infections. Use them exactly as directed—this typically means using them at regular intervals. Ensure you wash your hands thoroughly before using the drops to avoid introducing bacteria into your eyes.
3. Rest Your Eyes
Adequate rest is a key part of the healing process. Your eyes have undergone a surgical procedure and need time to recover. Take a break from screens, reading, and other visually demanding activities, especially within the first 24 hours post-surgery.
4. Wear Protective Eyewear
Light sensitivity is common during the initial days after SMILE Pro surgery. Wear the sunglasses provided by your clinic whenever you go outside to protect your eyes against harmful UV rays and to ensure comfort in bright environments. At night or while sleeping, you may need to wear protective goggles to prevent accidental rubbing of your eyes.
5. Stick to a Clean Environment
Keep your surroundings clean to reduce exposure to dust, dirt, and other potential irritants. These contaminants can cause discomfort or even infections in your eyes. Avoid locations like construction zones or areas with high pollen counts during the early recovery period.
6. Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Diet
Hydration plays a crucial role in overall recovery, including eye health. Drinking plenty of water can help reduce dryness in your eyes. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants (like leafy green vegetables, carrots, and citrus fruits) can also aid in the healing process.
7. Contact Your Surgeon for Any Concerns
If you experience unusual symptoms, such as severe pain, sudden vision changes, or persistent redness, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor. Timely intervention can prevent complications and ensure the best possible outcomes.
The Don’ts After SMILE Pro Eye Surgery
Equally important to your recovery are the practices you should avoid to protect your eyes. Here are the crucial “don’ts” to keep in mind:
1. Don’t Touch or Rub Your Eyes
While it’s common to feel an itch or irritation in your eyes after surgery, touching or rubbing them can interfere with the healing process or displace the corneal tissue. If you feel any discomfort, use the prescribed eye drops or get guidance from your doctor to manage the situation.
2. Avoid Water Contact with the Eyes
Ensure that your eyes remain dry for at least the first week following surgery. This means avoiding activities like swimming, bathing in hot tubs, or even washing your face in a way that exposes your eyes to direct water. Use a damp cloth to gently clean your face, steering clear of the eye area.
3. Don’t Use Makeup or Eye Cream
Refrain from applying eye makeup, such as eyeliner, mascara, or eyeshadow, for at least two weeks post-surgery. Cosmetic products can introduce bacteria into your eyes or cause irritation. Similarly, avoid using any creams or lotions near the eye area unless approved by your doctor.
4. Steer Clear of Strenuous Activities
During your initial recovery period, avoid engaging in intense physical activities such as heavy lifting, running, cycling, or gym workouts. Such activities can strain your eyes or increase the chances of accidental injury. Typically, this restriction lasts for one to two weeks, depending on your doctor’s advice.
5. Limit Screen Time
Avoid staring at screens for prolonged periods, especially in the first week after surgery. Continuous exposure can lead to eye strain and dryness. If your work requires screen usage, take regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule—look away from the screen every 20 minutes at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
6. Avoid Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol can contribute to dehydration, which worsens eye dryness and interrupts the healing process. Additionally, it may interact with certain prescribed medications or eye drops. Aim to avoid alcohol for at least a week following the procedure or as per your doctor’s guidance.
7. Don’t Drive Immediately After Surgery
Refrain from driving in the first 24–48 hours after your SMILE Pro surgery. Your initial vision may still be adjusting, and light sensitivity might make night-time or bright conditions unsafe. Wait for your doctor’s approval before resuming driving.
Ensuring a Smooth Recovery Journey
While healing time varies for everyone, most patients experience noticeable improvements in their vision within a few days to a week after SMILE Pro surgery. To ensure your recovery stays on track:
- Attend all follow-up appointments with your doctor to assess your healing progress and address any issues promptly.
- Be patient and trust the recovery process—your eyes need time to adjust and heal completely.
- If your daily routine includes activities that involve potential eye exposure to hazards (like cooking or gardening), take extra precautions, such as wearing safety goggles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about SMILE Pro Recovery
How soon can I return to work after SMILE Pro surgery?
Most patients can resume work within 1 day, as long as their job doesn’t involve physically strenuous activities or heavy screen usage. It is recommended to consult with your surgeon prior to resuming work.
When can I start exercising after SMILE Pro surgery?
You can return to light exercise like walking after one week, but it’s best to wait for two weeks or as instructed by your doctor before engaging in high-intensity activities or contact sports.
Will I need to wear glasses again in the future?
For most patients, SMILE Pro significantly reduces or eliminates their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. However, age-related vision changes may still necessitate the use of reading glasses later in life.
Final Thoughts
By following the key dos and don’ts after SMILE Pro eye surgery, you’re giving your eyes the best chance to heal and allowing the full benefits of the procedure to unfold. Always prioritise communication with your surgeon and trust their professional advice throughout this recovery period.
Remember, the success of your surgery doesn’t just depend on what happens in the operating room. It’s the care you take afterwards that truly sets the foundation for a long-lasting, clear vision.
