Posted by: Manhattan LASIK Center
Do you want to stop relying on glasses and contact lenses to see the world around you? You may be a good candidate for a vision correction procedure called SMILE!
SMILE is a vision correction procedure that’s minimally invasive and can help you achieve the vision you’ve always wanted. It can give you 20/20 vision or better, eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Because it’s so minimally invasive, recovery after SMILE is a breeze. If you’re thinking about getting SMILE or have already scheduled the procedure, you can do a few things before and during your recovery to make it even easier. Keep reading for 10 tips for your easiest SMILE recovery!
1. Arrange a Ride
After having SMILE, you won’t be able to drive right away. SMILE is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day you have it.
However, you will need someone to drive you home. It’s best to have someone take you there and stay while you’re having the procedure. SMILE only takes a few minutes per eye to complete, after all! But you can also have them drop you off and come back.
You can also use a rideshare service if you don’t have a friend or family member to drive you. Having someone on hand to drive you is preferable, though, as you may need them to pick up prescriptions on your way home.
2. Pick Up Prescriptions
After your SMILE procedure, your eye doctor will call in prescriptions for you to pick up. These prescriptions will be antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops.
It’s best to have your ride take you to pick up these prescriptions since you won’t be able to drive yourself. These eye drops are essential to your recovery, as they reduce the chances of infection and inflammation while your eyes heal. Make sure you prioritize getting them after your procedure.
3. Use Eye Drops As Directed
When taking your eye drops, you should be sure you’re using them correctly. Your eye doctor will give you specific instructions, but here are the basics for taking both antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops:
Before you take them, shake the bottle. After shaking the bottle, deposit one drop in each eye.
Afterward, you should keep your eyes closed for five minutes so the drops can absorb. If you are taking another eye drop prescription, wait 5-10 minutes before repeating the same process.
4. Keep Track of Your Eye Drop Usage
Your eye doctor will give detailed instructions detailing how often you need to use your eye drops daily. You can also reference the chart on our website to keep track of your eye drop usage.
It’s helpful to note how many drops you’ve taken each day to ensure you’re using the right amount. It can also be beneficial to set an alarm to remind you when to take your eye drops.
You only need to take your prescription eye drops for five days following your vision correction procedure. After that, you may still use the over-the-counter artificial tears given to you in the kit you’re sent home with after the procedure.
5. Use Non-Prescription Medications as Needed
After SMILE, you’ll receive a kit with a few items for your recovery. The kit will include over-the-counter medication, specifically artificial tears and Tylenol PM.
We recommend using artificial tears at least four times a day, but you can also use them more as needed. Be sure to store your artificial tears in the fridge between uses.
You can use Tylenol for discomfort, as your eyes may feel irritated and sting a little for a day after you have SMILE.
6. Rest Your Eyes
The day you have SMILE, it’s essential to rest your eyes for the rest of the day. You can use them a little to do basic tasks, but it’s best to lie down with them closed for most of the day.
Take this time to catch up on sleep or listen to audiobooks and podcasts. Resting your eyes once you’ve had SMILE will help set you up for a successful recovery.
7. Don’t Stare at Screens or Phones For Too Long
On the day of and the day after your vision correction procedure, you should ensure you don’t use any electronic screens for an extended period. You can glance at your phone to check messages or make calls, but you shouldn’t use your phone, computer, or TV for more than a few minutes.
Again, audiobooks and podcasts can be a great way to pass the time. The day after SMILE, your eyes should start feeling better. Many people find they can go back to work.
8. Use Special UV Sunglasses Outdoors
We will provide you with special UV sunglasses in your kit that you should wear whenever you go outside, even if it isn’t sunny. They’ll protect your eyes from the sunlight and dust or wind, which can be harmful while your eyes heal.
As long as you wear them, you’ll be able to keep your eyes safe when you’re outdoors.
9. Resume Your Normal Activities
The day after SMILE, you can usually resume most of your everyday activities. A day or two after the vision correction procedure, you’ll be able to get back to using screens as well.
Be sure to limit your screen time for a few days by taking regular breaks, as your eyes may be a bit sensitive for a while.
10. Call With Any Concerns or Questions
Recovery from SMILE is simple as long as you follow these tips. Tearing, stinging, and irritation is typical right after, but your eyes should feel fine in a day or so if you take all your medication as directed.
If your discomfort is severe or lasts more than a few days, call our practice so we can make sure that your eyes are healing correctly. You should also feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have during your recovery.
We’re committed to making your SMILE surgery and recovery as comfortable and easy as possible. Find out if SMILE is how you’ll achieve visual freedom by scheduling a consultation at Manhattan LASIK Center in Westchester, NY, now!
