SMILE surgery is not only less painful post-surgery but also has a fast recovery time. If you rest sufficiently on the day of the surgery, you can enjoy most of your daily activities normally from the next day. This makes it a preferred choice for those who cannot afford long recovery times. However, despite the quick recovery associated with this vision correction surgery, it is essential to follow certain precautions. Here are some tips on how to care for your eyes after SMILE surgery.
Can you shower on the day of SMILE surgery?
SMILE surgery involves using a femtosecond laser to create a small incision and extract a piece of corneal tissue without creating a corneal flap. This results in minimal corneal damage and a fast recovery. Thus, most everyday activities are possible from the day after the surgery. However, on the day of the surgery, the cornea is still healing, and getting water in your eyes can lead to infection or inflammation at the incision site. Therefore, it is advisable to simply wipe your face and avoid washing your face or showering on the day of the surgery to prevent water, soap, or shampoo from entering your eyes.
Post-Surgery Care Tips for Different Stages
On the day after the surgery, you should visit the hospital for a follow-up check-up. After this check-up, you can wash your face, apply skin and eye makeup, visit public baths or saunas, and use electronic devices such as TVs, computers, and smartphones. However, since the ability to perform these activities may vary with the recovery rate, it’s crucial to confirm with your doctor.
One week after the surgery, light exercises like jogging or stretching are permitted. However, it is best to avoid weight training, which requires exerting significant force, as it may increase intraocular pressure. Similarly, avoid actions that involve bending your head down too much or sleeping face down.
From two weeks post-surgery, drinking alcohol and smoking are allowed. Nonetheless, as these activities can cause inflammation and dry eyes, it is better to limit them as much as possible.
After a month, you can resume most activities you did before the surgery. This includes high-energy sports and cosmetic treatments like perms or hair coloring. However, some individuals might still experience slight eye dryness, so regular use of artificial tears and frequent blinking are recommended.
Essential Precautions Post-SMILE surgery
Some people consciously avoid reading books or using electronic devices after SMILE surgery to protect their vision, especially if they experience discomfort focusing on nearby objects. This is often more common among those who had high or very high myopia before the surgery. These individuals typically did not need to use their accommodation function as much for near tasks, leading to weaker focusing ability compared to those with normal vision. Post-surgery, focusing on close objects like books or smartphones can help strengthen this function.
SMILE surgery causes less corneal damage, which not only results in a faster recovery but also minimizes the possibility of side effects. However, if postoperative care is not properly followed, you may experience discomfort due to side effects after SMILE surgery. Therefore, please make sure to adhere to the precautions we have provided today!