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Educational content only
This page is general patient education, not medical advice. It does not diagnose conditions, recommend specific treatments for you, or replace a conversation with your eye care provider. Always consult a qualified clinician before making decisions about your eye health.
SMILE recovery is the fastest of the three laser procedures. Most patients can drive the next day and return to work within 1-2 days. Here's what to expect.
What's happening
A tiny keyhole. A big advantage.
SMILE used a keyhole incision — about 2-3 mm compared to the ~20 mm 'flap' edge created during LASIK. A small lenticule of corneal tissue was removed through that opening to reshape your cornea.
Because the incision is so small and no flap was made, your cornea heals quickly and stays structurally strong. Dry eye tends to be less pronounced than with LASIK.
What helps
Here's the plan — and why it works.
Day 0 (today)
Rest
Nap for a few hours with eyes closed. Start drops when you wake. Mild blurriness and light sensitivity are normal.
Day 1
Follow-up
We check vision and the incision. Most patients feel remarkably good. Cleared for most activities.
Days 1-7
Drops + shields
Antibiotic + steroid drops on schedule. Shields at night. Artificial tears as needed.
Week 2+
Normal life
Vision stable, incision fully healed. Resume all activities including swimming.
Call us right away if
Severe pain develops, vision suddenly worsens, you notice significant discharge, or anything feels dramatically different from how we said it would go.
Common questions
Honest answers to common questions.
When will I see clearly?+
Most patients see 20/20 or close to it within 24 hours. Mild haziness or a 'smoky' feel the first day is common and clears quickly.
How does dry eye compare to LASIK?+
Usually less. SMILE preserves more corneal nerves than LASIK, which means less disruption to tear signaling. You'll still use artificial tears, but often for a shorter period.
Do I need shields at night?+
Yes, for 1 week — same as LASIK. The incision is small but still healing.
When can I shower / wash my hair?+
Shower same day; keep water out of eyes for 1 week. No swimming or hot tubs for 2 weeks.
When can I exercise?+
Light exercise after 2-3 days. Avoid anything that causes eye strain or sweat in the eyes for a week. Contact sports wait 2 weeks.
Can I fly?+
Yes, usually fine after 24-48 hours. Dry cabin air may make your eyes feel drier — carry artificial tears.