The First Day After SMILE
At the end of your SMILE procedure, medicated drops are placed in your eyes. It is normal to have:
Normal symptoms
- Watery eyes and a runny nose.
- Light sensitivity and glare.
- Redness and mild swelling of the eyes.
- Foreign body sensation or the feeling that something is in your eye.
- Vision that is foggy, hazy, or like seeing under water.
Plan to go home and rest for the remainder of the day. Your eyes will feel most comfortable when closed. You may shower or bathe, but avoid getting water or soap directly into your eyes.
Pain & Comfort After SMILE
Most SMILE patients have only mild discomfort, but you may feel burning, tearing, or a scratchy sensation for the first day or two.
Pain medication
- You may take Tylenol, Advil, or another non-aspirin analgesic, as long as your other doctors have not restricted these.
Positioning & protection
- Do not rub or touch your eyes.
- Wear the provided sunglasses whenever you are outdoors for at least the first 3 months.
- Wear your eye shield taped down at bedtime for 3 nights after surgery to prevent accidental rubbing while sleeping.
If your eyes feel stuck when you wake up, do not force them open. Apply a warm compress for a few minutes and gently try again. If it is still difficult, wait until you see the doctor.
Eye Drop Schedule After SMILE
Using your drops correctly is critical for comfort, healing, and infection prevention. The yellow-cap bottle you receive may be:
- A single 3-in-1 combination drop (antibiotic + steroid + NSAID), or
- A matched pair of yellow-capped bottles (for example, Moxifloxacin and Prednisolone).
Treat these as your main medicated drops after SMILE and follow the schedule printed on your instruction sheet. Always wash your hands before instilling drops and avoid touching the bottle tip to your eye or lashes.
| Medication | Purpose | Typical Schedule* |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow-capped combo drop (antibiotic + steroid + NSAID) or moxi/pred bottles | Infection prevention & inflammation control | Continue 1 drop in each eye 4×/day for 7 days, then 2×/day for 7 days, unless your surgeon gives you a different taper. |
| Additional antibiotic (if prescribed separately) | Extra infection prevention | Often 1 drop 4×/day for 5–7 days after surgery, then stop as instructed. |
| Additional steroid (if prescribed separately) | Extra inflammation control | Typical taper: 1 drop 4×/day for 7 days, then 2×/day for 7 days, or as specifically directed by your surgeon. |
| Preservative-free artificial tears | Lubrication & comfort | Use as often as needed for dryness, grittiness, or fluctuating vision. Many patients use them every 1–2 hours in the first few weeks, then taper based on comfort. |
*Always follow the exact instructions printed on your SMILE drop sheet; that is your final authority.
Drop tips
- Wait at least 5 minutes between different drops so each one is absorbed properly.
- Do not stop or change drops early unless your surgeon tells you to.
- Preservative-free artificial tears are your go-to for comfort and visual stability.
Activity Timeline After SMILE (Built Around a 3–7 Day Return)
Because SMILE does not create a large corneal flap, most patients return to normal routines faster than with LASIK. Below is a realistic, conservative schedule that still reflects this faster healing.
| Activity | Typical Timing* | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rest, eyes closed, minimal screens | Day 0 (surgery day) | Go home, nap, keep eyes closed as much as possible. |
| Short phone / TV use | Day 1 | Keep sessions brief, take frequent breaks, use artificial tears. |
| Driving | Day 1–2 | Usually cleared at your 1-day exam if vision meets legal standards and you feel safe. |
| Desk work / school | Day 1–2 | Most patients can return within 24–48 hours. Plan extra breaks for dryness and glare. |
| Shower / wash face normally | Day 1 | Keep eyes closed; avoid direct water, soap, or shampoo in the eyes for about 1 week. |
| Light exercise (walking, easy indoor bike, gentle yoga) | Day 1–2 | Avoid sweat running into eyes; no eye rubbing. |
| Regular gym workouts (running, weights, classes) | Days 3–7 | Most non-contact workouts are fine by this window. Use a headband, avoid sweat in the eyes. |
| Non-contact sports (tennis, pickleball, non-contact basketball) | Days 3–7 | Start cautiously and stop if you feel discomfort, glare, or unstable vision. |
| Eye makeup (mascara, eyeliner, shadow) | After Day 3–7 | Many surgeons allow by day 3–5; a one-week wait is the safest. Use new products and remove gently. |
| Non-eye makeup (foundation, lipstick, blush) | Day 1–2 | Avoid loose powders around the eyes for the first few days. |
| Swimming (pools, ocean, lakes), hot tubs, sauna | After 1–2 weeks | Minimum 1 week; closer to 2 weeks is safer. Wear goggles and avoid opening eyes underwater early on. |
| High-impact / heavy weightlifting | Around 1–2 weeks | Once you are comfortable and your doctor has not found any complications. |
| Contact sports (soccer, martial arts, competitive basketball) | Around 1–2 weeks | SMILE allows earlier return than flap-based procedures, but use proper eye protection and get explicit clearance at follow-up. |
| Hair coloring, lash extensions, tints, facials close to eyes | 2–4 weeks | Avoid harsh chemicals, vapors, and manipulation around the eyes until the surface is fully quiet. |
*Your surgeon may tighten or loosen this schedule based on your corneas, prescription, and healing.
General “do’s”
- Wear sunglasses outdoors for at least 3 months.
- Use preservative-free artificial tears frequently.
- Keep away from dusty, smoky, or dirty environments in the first week.
General “don’ts”
- Do not rub, poke, or press on your eyes.
- Do not let shower or pool water get directly into your eyes until cleared.
- Do not skip drops, even if your eyes feel “normal.”
When to Call the Doctor After SMILE
Call immediately if you notice:
- Sudden decrease in vision or a dark curtain in your vision.
- Severe pain not relieved by recommended pain medication.
- Increasing redness, swelling, or thick discharge from the eye.
- New flashes of light or a sudden shower of floaters.
- A feeling that something has “shifted” or is very wrong with the eye.
For questions or concerns about your recovery, you can reach:
- Khanna Vision Institute (Office): (805) 230-2126
- Counselor Cell: (818) 857-1735
Frequently Asked Questions About SMILE Recovery
How soon will my vision be clear after SMILE?
Many patients see well enough to drive and work the next day, with vision continuing to sharpen over the next few days to weeks. Some fluctuation, halos at night, or dryness are common early on.
Will I still need glasses after SMILE?
Most patients treated for myopia and astigmatism significantly reduce or eliminate their need for distance glasses or contacts. A mild prescription or reading glasses may still be needed in some cases, especially later in life as the lens ages.
Can SMILE be enhanced later if needed?
If there is residual prescription after healing, an enhancement option may be considered. The timing and approach depend on your corneal thickness, shape, and overall eye health.
What if my job is very physical or outdoors?
You may need a slightly longer timeline and stronger eye protection. Discuss your exact job duties with your surgeon so they can tailor recommendations for you.