What to Expect Before and After SMILE Eye Surgery

Clearer vision without glasses or contact lenses is now a reality for millions, thanks to advancements in eye surgery. You’re in good company if you’re considering SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) eye surgery. This transformative procedure raises many questions about what to expect before and after surgery. Understanding the entire process will help you feel prepared and confident in your decision. Let’s walk through the process so you can feel prepared and confident in your decision.

1. What is SMILE Eye Surgery?

SMILE eye surgery is a procedure for treating myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, which requires the creation of a corneal flap, SMILE is less invasive. It involves a small incision (2-4 mm) through which a thin, disc-shaped layer of tissue (lenticule) is removed, reshaping the cornea to correct vision.

Since its introduction, with a high patient satisfaction rate, over 3 million SMILE procedures have been performed globally. The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and can produce lasting results with fewer risks of complications such as dry eyes.

2. Before SMILE Surgery: Preparing for the Procedure

Preparation is key to ensuring a smooth surgery and a successful outcome. Here’s what you need to know.

A. Eligibility Criteria

Not everyone qualifies for SMILE surgery. Candidates must be at least 18 years old with stable vision and no prescription changes for a year. It’s ideal for those with mild to moderate myopia and astigmatism. Your eye doctor will evaluate your eye health, corneal thickness, and prescription stability to make a decision.

B. Pre-Operative Consultation

Your journey starts with a detailed consultation where the surgeon performs tests like corneal mapping and measures your refractive error. It’s the ideal time to ask questions and understand the process. Your doctor will explain the expected SMILE eye surgery results based on your specific eye condition.

C. Pre-Surgery Instructions

A few days before surgery, your doctor will provide instructions, including avoiding contact lenses for at least a week to prevent corneal reshaping. You’ll also be advised to skip makeup, lotions, or perfumes on the surgery day to avoid introducing particles or bacteria near your eyes.

3. The Day of Surgery: What Happens During the SMILE Procedure?

On the day of your SMILE eye surgery, the process is straightforward and quick. Here’s what you can expect:

Numbing the Eyes: Before the surgery begins, numbing eye drops will be administered to ensure you don’t feel any discomfort during the procedure.
Laser Reshaping: A femtosecond laser creates the lenticule and a tiny incision in the cornea. The surgeon removes this lenticule through the small incision, reshaping the cornea and improving your vision.
Quick and Painless: The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes per eye, and you can go home shortly after with a friend or family member.

4. After SMILE Surgery: Immediate Post-Operative Care

Post-SMILE surgery care is crucial for optimal results. Here’s what you need to know immediately after your procedure.

A. The First 24 Hours

You’ll likely experience mild discomfort, such as a gritty feeling in your eyes, light sensitivity, or tearing. Rest is crucial on the first day, and you’ll receive lubricating eye drops to help alleviate any dryness. Vision improvements can begin as early as the next day, but you’ll need to avoid rubbing your eyes or exposing them to water.

B. Common Post-Surgery Sensations

It’s normal to experience slight blurriness or fluctuations in vision during the first few days, with many patients stabilising within a week. Some may notice glare or halos around lights at night, but these symptoms usually subside within one to two months.

5. Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week Guide

The recovery process is gradual but rewarding. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect before and after SMILE eye surgery.

A. First Week After Surgery

In the long-term recovery phase, your vision will sharpen, with most patients reaching stable vision within 3-6 months. Remaining issues, such as slight dryness or night glare, will likely improve. SMILE eye surgery results are typically long-lasting and highly successful.

B. First Month

By the end of the first month, most patients achieve clearer and more stable vision. You should be able to resume most of your usual activities, but it’s still a good idea to wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your healing eyes from UV light.

C. Long-Term Recovery (Months 2-6)

During long-term recovery, your vision will sharpen, with most patients achieving stable vision within 3-6 months. Any remaining issues, like slight dryness or night glare, should improve. The SMILE eye surgery results are generally long-lasting, with a high success rate.

6. Long-Term Results and Life After SMILE

The best part of SMILE surgery is the freedom from glasses or contacts. Studies show that 95% of patients achieve 20/40 vision or better, with many reaching 20/20. It’s life-changing for many to wake up daily with clear vision and no corrective eyewear.

After SMILE, routine eye exams will monitor your eye health, but for most patients, the need for glasses or contacts becomes a thing of the past.

7. Potential Complications and How to Address Them

Although SMILE is a safe procedure, potential complications, while rare, can occur. Some patients may experience dry eyes, night glare, or under-correction, which might require additional treatment. It’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s advice and report any unusual symptoms right away to avoid long-term issues.

Conclusion

SMILE eye surgery offers a minimally invasive solution for those wanting to eliminate glasses or contacts. Knowing what to expect before and after surgery is key to a smooth process. At Maxivision Eye Hospitals, we provide advanced vision correction with expert care, guiding you through every step, from consultation to recovery. Trust our experienced team to help you achieve crystal-clear vision with personalised treatment tailored to your needs.