You might be surprised at how easily you will recover and how good you feel a day after ReLEx SMILE surgery. Some patients are also able to go back to their normal activities. However, you still have to observe a few precautions during the initial week or so, to avoid complications, having an eye wound, or having an eye injury as it heals.
Eye surgeons usually recommend antibiotic eye drops to help avoid infection. They will also prescribe you anti-inflammatory eye drops and pain medications to lessen risks of any internal inflammation. Apply the eye drops as recommended by your doctor and follow the suggested schedule during your recovery. You may also be given some oral pain relievers such as acetaminophen, if necessary, by doctors in the hospital.
After the surgery, doctors at the hospital will conduct a post-operative exam to see to it that the surgery has been successful. He or she, doctors will advise you to take necessary precautions and medications for pain control to help your eyes heal quickly. Majority of patient’s vision recovery and improvement are attained during the first week post-surgery and will still improve in the coming weeks. Depending on the eye’s condition and the kind of procedure done, it may take up to six months before your eyes have completely attained the results of the surgery.
Make sure you follow the tips below for faster recovery:
Face washing: Avoid getting water into the eyes to stop risks of infection. As for the rest of your face, it can be cleaned using a wet as well as clean cloth.
Bathing: You can bathe below neck from the 1st postoperative day itself. As for your hair, you may go to a salon for a hair wash and to avoid getting soap or water into the eyes for a period of three to four weeks.
Eye shield: Always wear an eye shield for your protection, especially when you need sleep to avoid accidentally putting pressure on the eyes. During daytime, you may use shades to protect the eyes from excessive ultraviolet rays. Make sure to wash the eye shield or the sunglasses with soap and water on a regular basis or before using them. This is to ensure that they are free from any germs that could infect your eyes.
Facial cosmetics: For about four weeks, patients are advised to avoid cosmetics such as eye shadow, mascara, or eyeliners. Lotions, fragrances, creams, medication, pain, and surgery are to be avoided until your doctor allows you to do so.
Physical activity: You can resume to your regular activities such as watching TV, reading a book, or walking right after surgery. However, strenuous activities like weight lifting, jogging, swimming, or contact sports have to be avoided for about 4 weeks or so after surgery.
Driving: You are not allowed to drive until your eye doctor gives you consent to do so. Many patients are advised to arrange mode of transport and medication after the surgery for their convenience.
Back to work: You may have to check with your eye doctor with regards to when you can go back to work. This will still depend on the type of work you do.
Most patients are able to return back to work three days after surgery despite pain.
If you are searching for an eye care center that has ReLEx SMILE surgery, you may visit Atlas Eye. They have top of the line eye care service using advanced medical technology as well as surgical techniques. Each staff of Atlas Eye extensive medical experience so you can expect quality care at all times.
