SMILE Pro or LASIK offers the chance to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses. However, for the best results and a smooth recovery, certain precautions must be followed. Here’s what to avoid after your surgery:
- Rubbing or Pressing on Your Eyes Your eyes are still healing, and rubbing or pressing them can disrupt recovery and increase the risk of complications. If your eyes feel itchy or uncomfortable, use the prescribed eye drops.
- Exposure to Water and Dirt Avoid getting water in your eyes—especially from pools, oceans, or even tap water—for at least 4 weeks. Water can carry bacteria that might cause infection. Be cautious while showering to keep water out of your eyes.
- Heavy Exercise or Contact Sports For the first 1–3 months, avoid high-risk activities like football, basketball, boxing, or martial arts. These could lead to eye injuries and hinder recovery.
- Using Eye Makeup Too Soon Refrain from using mascara, eyeliner, or eyeshadow for at least one week after the procedure. These products may contain small particles that can irritate or infect the eyes.
- Exposure to Dust and Smoke Dust, cigarette smoke, and pollution can irritate and dry the eyes. If you must be in such environments, wear protective glasses to shield your eyes.
- Direct Sunlight Without UV Protection Post-surgery eyes are more sensitive to bright light. Always wear UV-protective sunglasses when outdoors to stay comfortable and protect your healing eyes.
- Wearing Contact Lenses Contact lenses are no longer necessary after the procedure and could irritate or introduce bacteria to healing eyes. Follow your doctor’s instructions for post-op eye care.
Reviewed by: Dr. Helda Puspitasari, Sp.M, FICS