What to Expect During SMILE Recovery

woman smiling

When it comes to vision correction procedures, you may have only heard of LASIK. Actually, laser eye surgery has made great improvements over the years. Newer and more advanced options are regularly being developed around the world. Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center can offer SMILE eye surgery for patients experiencing nearsightedness and mild cases of astigmatism.

Are you ready to reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses? Now you can see clearly without the help of visual aids. Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Young H. Choi can determine whether SMILE in Birmingham, AL is beneficial for you during an eye evaluation. Learn about the process and what to expect during SMILE eye surgery recovery time by reading below.

Issues SMILE treats

Are you interested in SMILE near me? As we mentioned, SMILE treats common refractive conditions, like nearsightedness and astigmatism. These conditions cause objects to appear blurry or distorted, making tasks like driving dangerous and challenging. This state-of-the-art procedure reshapes the cornea so light is refracted on the retina correctly. The safety and excellent outcomes make SMILE a clear front-runner when it comes to laser eye treatments.

Immediately after SMILE surgery

The first 24 hours after SMILE in Birmingham is crucial. The great news is your eyes will begin healing right away. Even though treatment is minimally invasive, you will need to arrange to have someone drive you home afterward. Dr. Choi can provide prescriptions to avoid complications, like infection. Plan on spending the rest of your day resting at home. It is very important to avoid scratching or rubbing your eyes during this time.

Days after SMILE surgery

While SMILE eye surgery recovery time is short, you should continue to follow our guidelines as instructed. Avoid any activities like swimming in pools or in hot tubs and do your best to keep water out of your eyes. Keep exercises light and low-impact for at least several days. Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center may schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress. Patients may experience temporary side effects, like:

  • Fluctuating vision

  • Halos around lights

  • Dry eyes

  • Light sensitivity

Weeks following SMILE eye surgery

To ensure SMILE recovery is quick and easy, follow these pointers in the weeks following surgery:

  • Don’t wear eye makeup: Cosmetics and makeup brushes contain harmful bacteria that could lead to an eye infection

  • Wear protective eyewear: Whenever you go outside, shield your eyes from harmful UV rays with sunglasses

  • Use medications as prescribed: Even as the side effects begin to subside, patients should still continue to administer their medications and eye drops as described

Learn more about SMILE near me

Still interested in SMILE near me? The experienced professionals at Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center have personally seen how this laser eye treatment improves your vision and overall quality of life. When it comes to SMILE eye surgery recovery time, Dr. Young H. Choi places your comfort and safety as our first priority. When you want to begin your journey and schedule SMILE in Birmingham, AL, call us for an appointment. Our trusted team is here to help out every step of the way.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.