Let us start by making one thing clear – you do NOT need “bed rest” after SMILE Pro eye surgery. That’s right! Absolutely no need to lie in bed for days.
All you need when you undergo the advanced AI+robotic spaces removal laser surgery is to follow your prescribed eye drop routine, a few hours’ worth of rest for your eyes, no screens for the first 24 hours after surgery, and you can seamlessly transition back to a life without glasses!
Most of our patients have seen a complete return to routine activities & normal life (work & college, etc) the very next day!
In this blog, we are going to discuss what real rest after SMILE Pro surgery looks like. Read along to know when you can start using your phone, shower, exercise, and go back to work.
Recovery After SMILE Pro
If you picture healing after SMILE Pro as the typical ‘lying in a post-surgical bed after a major surgery’, then you’re wrong. That’s not what recovery after the world’s 1st-ever AI+robotic vision correction looks like.
For some context, let us explain just how advanced this procedure is. The surgery begins with numbing eye drops being administered so you do not feel any pain. Next, a femtosecond laser creates a lenticule, which is a lens-shaped disc, within the cornea. Then a tiny side incision of roughly 2-4 mm is created through which the lenticule is extracted. This results in corneal reshaping and, consequently, clear vision. No flap, no stitches, no big cuts – this is exactly why the procedure offers a seamless and quick return to normal life.
Because the collateral damage to the corneal tissue is so minimal, most individuals who undergo SMILE Pro notice a relatively faster visual recovery.
You must’ve often heard doctors saying you need to “rest” your eyes after specs removal surgery – but that doesn’t point to literal ‘bed rest’. What it really means is giving your eyes a break from digital screens as your cornea heals after the procedure. On the day of your surgery, you may be advised to go home and take a nap for a few hours – this isn’t because the doctor wants you to stay horizontal at all times; it’s just to promote a more comfortable healing process, as closed eyes and ample sleep will allow the cornea to start healing in an undisturbed environment.
Since the corneal flap has been replaced by just a small side incision in SMILE Pro, the eye’s surface remains (mostly) intact, resulting in a faster and smoother healing process.
1-4 Weeks After SMILE Pro
Let’s have a look at what your first week after laser eye surgery will look like:
| DAY | ACTIVITY LEVELS |
| Day of the surgery | Napping and resting your eyes (closed) for several hours. No screen use for the day of the surgery. |
| Day 1 | Significant visual clarity. Most people return to desk work/college. |
| Day 2-3 | Light daily tasks and showering, etc can resume (water precautions must be followed). |
| Day 4-7 | If you’re a fitness enthusiast, your doctor will likely clear you for some light exercise by now. Your screen tolerance will also improve. |
| Week 2 | Regular follow-ups; visual clarity continues to improve. |
| Week 3 | Your doctor will likely clear you for swimming and contact sports if your cornea is healing ideally. |
| Week 4 | No visual discomfort; complete clarity & vision stability. Can make a complete return to regular activities. |
| 👉 Note: Although recovery after SMILE Pro is generally quick, the healing pace varies from person to person. Your surgeon will provide personalised guidance regarding screen use, work, exercise, swimming, and other activities. |
So, bottom line, ‘rest’ after SMILE Pro is not in the literal ‘bed rest’ way that you may be imagining. Your eyes simply need a few hours’ break from screens, followed by some precautions in the following weeks.
If you or someone you know wishes to undergo specs removal surgery in Chandigarh, Sohana Hospital, Mohali, is the best destination for all your needs. From the right guidance and assistance to a smooth surgical experience and regular follow-ups, we strive to make your vision correction journey as hassle-free as possible. Once you’re at the hospital, one of the best LASIK surgeons will handle your entire case, ensuring a seamless pre-, during, and post-procedure experience.
For more detailed information on recovery after SMILE Pro, you can get in contact with our counsellors via 📧: info@sghshospitals.com or 📞: +91 87250-01333
