SMILE Eye Surgery Recovery: What to Expect after Your Procedure

If you’re considering SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) surgery for vision correction, understanding the recovery process is an important part of preparing for your procedure. While the thought of eye surgery can seem daunting, knowing what to expect can help you feel confident and prepared for your SMILE vision correction journey.

What Happens Right After SMILE Eye Surgery

Most patients notice clearer vision right away. Some initial blurriness is also to be expected, which should improve over the next few days. This is completely normal as everyone’s eyes heal at their own pace.

You will need someone to drive you home from your procedure. During your SMILE eye surgery, your surgeon put several types of medicated eye drops in your eyes to keep you comfortable, to prevent infection, and promote healing. You will be given prescription eye drops to use at home to support your eyes during the initial SMILE recovery phase.

When you get home, your eyes will feel irritated for several hours, but will feel much better later that evening.  You will need to avoid any strenuous activities for the first few days after your procedure. Give your eyes the break they need during this time to begin the healing process.

Your surgeon may recommend wearing eye shields for a day or two following the procedure to protect your eyes as they heal. It is important to resist the urge to rub or touch your eyes, and the eye shields can help prevent you from accidentally doing so in your sleep.

The First Few Days: Kickstarting SMILE Recovery

Within 2-3 days, most patients find their vision is clear enough to drive, return to work, and resume many of their normal daily activities. This includes personal care routines, such as showering or applying makeup. During these initial days, it’s important to:

Take regular screen breaks: Your eyes need frequent rest from computer work and phone use to prevent strain and dryness. Give your eyes time to adjust and heal by avoiding overexertion.

Follow your medicated eye drop regimen: You’ll need to use prescribed eye drops as directed. Generally, this involves applying different types of eye drops multiple times daily for at least the first week. After that, the frequency will decrease based on your healing progress, though you may continue using drops for up to a month or longer.

Stay hydrated: Proper hydration supports the healing process and helps keep your eyes comfortable.

Protect from UV exposure: Wear sunglasses with UV protection whenever you’re outdoors. UV exposure can harm the healing process, so protective eyewear is essential for the first month.

Maintain eye hygiene: Keep your eyes free from dust, smoke, and dirt. Avoid rubbing them, especially during this initial recovery phase.

SMILE Recovery: Weeks 2 – 4

In the weeks following your SMILE procedure, your vision will gradually improve and stabilize. However, during this time, you may notice that your vision clarity fluctuates from day to day. This is a normal part of the recovery and healing process. Remember that clear vision doesn’t necessarily mean you’re completely healed. Be sure to continue to follow the care instructions provided to you.

Your eye doctor will guide you on when it’s safe to resume specific activities like swimming or outdoor sports based on your individual recovery.

When Can You Resume Normal Activities After SMILE?

Understandably, patients want to know when they can return to their regular activities. While it is important to ask your eye doctor about when you can resume specific activities, here’s a general timeline:

Day After Surgery (with doctor’s clearance)

• Work
• Showering (avoid getting water in your eyes or direct spray onto your eyes)

2 – 3 Days After Surgery

• Driving
• Reading and computer work (longer sessions)
• Eye makeup
• Showering normally (without worrying about water in your eyes)

1 Week After Surgery

• Light exercise
• Noncontact sports

4 – 6 Weeks After Surgery

• Swimming and water activities
• Contact sports

SMILE Recovery: Follow-Up Care

For most patients, full recovery can take up to two months. If you have high myopia, this timeline may extend to 3 months. Patience and trust in the healing process are essential during this time.

Your surgeon will want to monitor your healing progress through regular follow-up visits. Make time for these scheduled appointments to discuss your progress, address any symptoms, and ask questions. Typically, follow-up visits occur at:

• 1-2 days post-surgery (depending on your surgery day)
• 1 week post-surgery
• 1 month post-surgery
• 2 months post-surgery

Additional appointments may be scheduled based on your individual healing progress.

When to Contact Your Eye Surgeon

Your diligence during the recovery process plays a significant role in achieving your desired visual outcome. Complications are rare; however, you should contact your surgeon immediately if you experience:

• Extreme eye pain
• Sudden vision loss
• Signs of infection (swelling, skin color changes, fever)
• Discharge from your eye

SMILE eye surgery recovery requires patience, commitment, and proper care. However, you’re not alone in this process. You should be confident that your surgical team is there to support you every step of the way, from your initial consultation through your final follow-up appointment. By understanding what to expect and committing to your recovery routine and working closely with your eye care team, you’re setting yourself up for the best possible outcome for your vision correction with SMILE eye surgery.

Learn more on our SMILE page. If you are ready to take the next step, find a qualified refractive surgeon in your area for a thorough evaluation and consultation to determine if you are a good candidate.

This post reviewed by RSC’s Editorial Advisory Board, which is comprised of some of the world’s leading refractive surgeons.