Pre & Post-Op Care
Essential guidelines for a safe procedure
Pre-Operative Guidelines
Please follow these instructions carefully to ensure accurate testing and a safe procedure.
Soft contact lenses must be removed at least 1 week before surgery. Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses must be removed at least 2-3 weeks prior. The cornea needs time to return to its natural shape after lens-induced deformation for accurate examination and surgery.
Do not wear eye makeup, eye cream, or perfume on the day of surgery. Microscopic cosmetic particles may interfere with the procedure. Please arrive with minimal basic skincare only.
Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, including prescriptions, supplements, and herbal remedies. Hormonal medications, immunosuppressants, and isotretinoin (acne medication) may affect the procedure.
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and strenuous exercise the day before surgery. Get adequate rest and arrive in a comfortable state.
You will not be able to drive after the procedure. Please use public transportation or have a companion accompany you. Wear comfortable clothing; a hoodie can help protect your eyes afterward.
Post-Operative Recovery
Recovery timeline and guidelines for each stage after SMILE surgery.
Day of Surgery
- You may experience mild foreign body sensation and tearing after surgery; this typically improves within 2-3 hours.
- Rest at home with your eyes closed for 2-3 hours.
- Use the prescribed artificial tears and eye drops as directed.
- Do not rub or touch your eyes.
- Avoid getting water in your eyes when washing your face.
Day 1
- Return the next day for your follow-up examination.
- Most routine tasks (desk work) can be resumed.
- Vision begins to recover to approximately 20/30 to 20/20.
- Some dryness or halos may occur; this is normal.
1 Week
- Light exercise (walking, stretching) may be resumed.
- Eye makeup can be worn after 1 week.
- Still avoid saunas, steam rooms, and swimming pools.
- Continue using artificial tears.
1 Month
- Most sports may be resumed (swimming, ball sports, etc.).
- Vision enters the stabilization phase.
- Saunas and steam rooms are now permitted.
- Please attend your scheduled follow-up appointment.
3 Months
- Vision reaches final stability.
- Eye drop usage may be adjusted per your doctor's instructions after follow-up examination.
- Halos and dry eye symptoms are mostly resolved.
- Regular check-ups every 6 months to 1 year are recommended thereafter.
Important Reminders
Frequently Asked Questions
On the day of surgery, avoid getting water near your eyes. Starting the next day, you may gently wash your face with your eyes closed, being careful not to let water enter your eyes directly. Normal face washing is permitted after 1 week.
You may drive after your follow-up examination the next day confirms sufficient vision recovery. However, nighttime driving may cause halos initially, so avoid long nighttime drives early on. Halos typically improve within 1-3 months.
SMILE surgery involves significantly less pain than LASIK or LASEK. You may feel mild foreign body sensation or stinging, but this usually subsides within 2-3 hours. There is no severe pain, and any discomfort can be managed with prescribed eye drops.
The retreatment rate for SMILE is very low (approximately 1-2%). If target vision has not been achieved after 3-6 months, an enhancement procedure may be considered. The best approach will be determined through thorough examination and discussion with your surgeon.