[Health Column] The First Week After SMILE LASIK: Eye Care and Regular Check-up Schedule

 

Hello, I am Tae-hyung Lim, the Chief Director of Clear Seoul Ophthalmology. 😊

 

The most frequently asked question during vision correction surgery consultations is about the surgical method, but the timing that actually determines the results is After the surgery It is easy to feel that it is all over when your vision opens up the day after surgery, but at that point, the cornea is still in the recovery process.

 

In fact, it is not uncommon for discomfort to worsen during the days immediately following surgery by rubbing the eyes, prolonged exposure to strong sunlight, or arbitrarily stopping prescribed eye drops.

 

today Lifestyle rules to follow for the first week after SMILE LASIK And, I will summarize the reasons why you need to continue regular checkups even after that.

 

1️⃣ What changes occur immediately after surgery?

You may experience blurred vision, eye irritation, or a foreign body sensation, but these symptoms often gradually improve over time.

 

SMILE LASIK is known as a vision correction surgery with a relatively fast recovery time. Immediately after surgery, vision may be slightly blurry or you may experience eye irritation and a foreign body sensation, but in many cases, these symptoms gradually improve over time.

 

If there are no particular issues with the condition of your eyes, you may be able to resume light daily activities starting the day after surgery, and you can also wash your face or take a light walk under the guidance of the medical staff.

 

However, the speed of vision recovery may vary depending on the degree of myopia and astigmatism, corneal condition, and the presence of dry eye syndrome. Rather than judging the final result based solely on vision immediately after surgery It is recommended to monitor the recovery process through regular checkups.

 

Therefore, even if you undergo surgery on the same day using the same method, your vision the next day may differ. Rather than comparing your recovery speed to that of others, it is more reassuring and accurate to use your own progress confirmed by check-ups as your standard.

 

2️⃣ What precautions should I take for the first week after surgery?

Even if your vision recovers quickly, you must be careful to avoid strong irritation or impact to the eyes during the initial stages while the cornea is recovering.

especially You should avoid rubbing or scrubbing your eyes hard. It is recommended to get sufficient rest on the day of surgery. Since it is common to unconsciously touch your eyes, it is safer to wear a protective eye mask when going to bed if advised.

 

When going out, it can also be helpful to protect your eyes by using a hat or sunglasses to avoid prolonged exposure to strong sunlight.

 

In addition, the eye drops prescribed after surgery are Use as directed by medical staff Also, it is recommended to avoid environments where there is a high possibility of water or foreign substances getting into the eyes, such as swimming pools or saunas, for a certain period.

 

Rather than stopping the eye drops arbitrarily just because discomfort has subsided, it is best to follow the prescribed duration and frequency. If you are currently using other eye drops or eye supplements, please check in advance whether they can be used together.

 

Activities that need to be postponed, such as swimming or sauna, often have fixed schedules. If you have travel or exercise plans, please let us know when discussing the surgery schedule, and we will guide you to a suitable time.

 

 

3️⃣ Is it okay to use electronic devices for a long time?

Prolonged use can cause severe eye strain and dryness, so it is recommended to rest your eyes from time to time.

 

After surgery, prolonged use of electronic devices such as smartphones or computers can worsen eye strain and dryness. Since blinking decreases when focusing on a screen, it is easier to feel dryness more intensely than usual.

 

When using electronic devices After using it for a certain period of time, close your eyes for a moment or look into the distance. Using artificial tears as needed to reduce eye strain can also be helpful.

 

If you need to look at the screen for extended periods due to work or studies, it is advisable to discuss your return time and usage duration in advance during the consultation.

 

 

4️⃣ When and why should I get regular checkups?

You must check the condition of your cornea and changes in vision according to the schedule provided, such as 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month after surgery.

 

It is important to check the condition of your cornea and changes in your vision by receiving regular checkups according to the schedule guided by the medical team, such as on the first day, one week, and one month after surgery.

 

Even if recovery feels fast Rather than concluding that the condition of the eyes has completely stabilized It is recommended to monitor the recovery process through regular checkups. Since vision gradually stabilizes starting immediately after surgery, it is difficult to judge the results based solely on intermediate figures.

 

During the examination, we check not only your vision but also the recovery status of your cornea and the degree of dry eye. If you experience any uncomfortable symptoms, please do not wait until your next check-up; let us know in advance.

 

Checkups are not just for when a problem arises. Records must be kept even when the condition is progressing smoothly so that a standard of comparison can be established to determine what has changed should vision change in the future.

 

 

 

🗣️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. How long does it take to recover and return to daily life?

A. Normal vision can be restored starting the day after surgery, initial vision recovery takes about 2 to 3 days, and the period for vision to stabilize takes about 1 to 3 months.

 

Q2. How often do I need to come for follow-up appointments after surgery?

A. It is recommended to visit the day after surgery → 1 week → 1 month → 3 months → and about 6 months to 1 year later.

 

Q3. When can I start drinking and smoking after surgery?

A. It is recommended to refrain from drinking for two weeks and avoid excessive drinking for one month. It is best to avoid smoking as much as possible, as your eyes may be sensitive to the irritation of cigarette smoke.

 

Q4. Can I continue using artificial tears?

A. It can be helpful when you experience dryness due to the use of electronic devices, etc. We will provide guidance on usage frequency and products after checking your eye condition during an examination.

 

🎯 Conclusion

SMILE LASIK is a vision correction surgery that offers advantages distinct from LASIK or LASEK because it is performed through a small incision without creating a corneal flap. However, no matter how much surgical techniques advance, The same results do not appear for everyone.

 

It is important to check the condition of the cornea, vision, and the presence of dry eye syndrome through a thorough pre-operative examination, and to select a surgical method suitable for your eyes.

 

And after the surgery Observing basic precautions, such as not rubbing your eyes, and checking the condition of your eyes through regular checkups This can help maintain these results for a long time.

 

 

 

📚 The medical content of this column was written based on medical information from the Korean Ophthalmological Society.