SMILE Eye Surgery Post-Op Care & Precautions

Proper preparation before the SMILE LASIK examination is essential for accurate diagnosis and safe surgical planning.
Patients should follow the guidelines below to ensure reliable test results and determine the most suitable treatment.

Stop Wearing Contact Lenses Before the Examination

Contact lenses can temporarily alter the shape of the cornea, which may affect corneal topography and overall SMILE LASIK examination accuracy.
To ensure precise diagnosis and proper surgical planning, patients should stop wearing lenses in advance according to their lens type.

Avoid Driving Yourself on the Day of the Examination

Certain SMILE LASIK examination procedures, such as pupil dilation, may temporarily cause blurred vision or light sensitivity.
For safety, patients are advised not to drive to or from the clinic. Using public transportation or visiting with a companion is recommended.

Eye Examination May Not Be Possible With Active Eye Conditions

If a patient has an active eye condition such as infection, inflammation, or other eye disease, the SMILE LASIK examination may need to be postponed.
Accurate diagnosis and safe surgery planning require the eyes to be in a stable and healthy condition.

Pregnancy Restrictions

SMILE LASIK examination and surgery are generally not recommended during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that may temporarily affect vision stability.
Evaluation and treatment may be considered after childbirth and once breastfeeding has ended, or approximately three months postpartum depending on medical guidance.

Proper SMILE LASIK preparation the day before the examination helps ensure accurate test results and stable surgical planning.
Maintaining a well-balanced physical condition is an important part of SMILE LASIK pre-surgery preparation.

Get Enough Rest and Avoid Alcohol

Patients are advised to get sufficient rest the night before the examination and avoid alcohol consumption.
Fatigue and alcohol may affect overall body condition and could interfere with accurate examination results.

Avoid Oily or Heavy Foods

It is recommended to avoid oily or heavy foods the day before the examination.
A light and balanced diet can help maintain a stable condition for both the eye examination and SMILE LASIK surgery preparation.

Following proper SMILE LASIK surgery day guidelines is important for a safe procedure and smooth recovery.
Patients should carefully follow these precautions to minimize risks and ensure optimal surgical conditions.

Avoid Makeup (Basic Skincare Is Allowed)

Patients should avoid wearing makeup on the day of surgery.
Basic skincare products such as toner or lotion may be used lightly, but eye makeup and cosmetic products around the eyes should be avoided.

Avoid Products With Strong Fragrance

Products with strong fragrances, such as perfume, hair spray, or alcohol-based cosmetics, should be avoided.
These substances may interfere with the sensitive sensors of laser equipment (such as the VisuMax system).
Patients are advised to arrive with a clean, natural face.

Avoid Driving Yourself on the Day of Surgery

After SMILE LASIK surgery, temporary symptoms such as eye irritation or light sensitivity may occur.
For safety, patients should avoid driving and are encouraged to use public transportation with a companion.
If traveling alone, a taxi or ride service is recommended.

Wear Comfortable Clothing

Patients should wear comfortable clothing on the day of surgery.
Clothing such as hooded tops, skirts, or boots that may cause inconvenience during preparation should be avoided.
Simple and comfortable outfits are recommended.

Bring Non-Prescription Sunglasses and a Hat

Patients are advised to bring non-prescription sunglasses and a hat.
These can help protect the eyes from bright light and wind when leaving the clinic after surgery.

Immediately after SMILE LASIK surgery, mild symptoms may occur as part of the natural healing process.
Proper SMILE LASIK aftercare on the day of surgery is essential to protect the cornea and support early recovery.

Avoid Rubbing or Touching Your Eyes

Patients must avoid rubbing or touching their eyes after surgery.
This helps protect the cornea and allows the eye surface to stabilize during the early recovery period.

Wear Protective Eye Shields While Sleeping for 3 Days

Protective plastic eye shields should be worn during sleep for the first three days after surgery.
These shields help prevent accidental eye rubbing and protect the cornea while it is healing.

Foreign Body Sensation, Irritation, or Difficulty Opening the Eyes

Some patients may experience a foreign body sensation, mild stinging, or difficulty opening the eyes on the day of surgery.
These symptoms are part of the early recovery process and usually improve as the eyes heal.

If Tears Flow, Gently Wipe Around the Eyes

If tears occur, avoid pressing or rubbing the eyes.
Instead, gently wipe around the eyes to keep the area clean while protecting the healing cornea.

Get Plenty of Rest

Patients should rest their eyes as much as possible after surgery.
Limiting screen time and getting adequate rest helps reduce eye strain and supports recovery.

Avoid Positions That Tilt the Head Forward

Avoid positions where the head is tilted forward for extended periods, such as bending down.
Keeping the head stable helps reduce pressure on the eyes during the early recovery stage.

Recovery Timeline & Allowed Activities	Details
The Day After Surgery (D+1)	Light face washing, basic makeup, reading, TV, computer use, and light exercise are possible
One Week After Surgery (D+7)	Showering and most daily activities are possible
Two Weeks After Surgery (D+14)	Eye makeup (mascara, eyeliner), alcohol, and smoking may be possible
One Month After Surgery (D+30)	Swimming, sauna, perm, hair coloring, and intense exercise are possible

The Day After Surgery (D+1)

The day after SMILE LASIK surgery, patients can resume light daily activities such as gentle face washing (avoiding the eye area), basic makeup, reading, watching TV, and using a computer.
Light exercise may also be possible. However, patients must continue to avoid rubbing or touching the eyes during this early recovery stage.

One Week After Surgery (D+7)

After one week, most daily activities become more comfortable. Showering and routine activities are generally allowed, and eye makeup such as mascara or eyeliner may be possible.
Patients should still avoid excessive strain and use artificial tears regularly if dryness occurs.

Two Weeks After Surgery (D+14)

At around two weeks, activities such as drinking alcohol and smoking may be possible depending on individual recovery.
However, excessive physical activity or environments that may irritate the eyes should still be approached with caution.

One Month After Surgery (D+30)

After one month, most daily and recreational activities—including swimming, sauna visits, public bathhouses, perming, hair coloring, eyebrow procedures, and intense exercise—may be resumed.
These activities are typically recommended only after this stage to reduce the risk of infection or irritation.

Proper use of SMILE LASIK eye drops is essential for safe recovery and stable vision.
Using the prescribed medications correctly helps prevent infection, control inflammation, and support the natural healing process after surgery.

Artificial Tears (Dry Eye Relief)

Artificial tears are recommended for approximately 3 months after SMILE LASIK surgery to help relieve dryness.
Patients should use artificial tears whenever their eyes feel dry to keep the eye surface properly hydrated during the recovery period.

Prescribed Eye Drops (Infection Prevention and Inflammation Control)

Prescribed eye drops—such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drops, or autologous serum eye drops—must be used according to the schedule provided by the ophthalmologist.
The dosage and frequency may vary depending on each patient’s recovery condition, so it is important to strictly follow medical instructions.