SMILE eye surgery: recovery and aftercare

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ZEISS SMILE^® Surgery: Recovery & Aftercare

Recover within a few weeks after the ZEISS SMILE laser eye surgery

With ZEISS SMILE, the vision of most patients should stabilize within a few weeks, and they may be able to resume normal activities per doctor’s recommendation. Your doctor will advise you on what’s best for your recovery. No flap is required with ZEISS SMILE laser eye surgery. As a result, there is minimal disruption to the surface of the eye and visual recovery can be as quick as the next day. Because ZEISS SMILE laser eye surgery is minimally invasive, patients may experience less dry eye symptoms after the procedure.

ZEISS SMILE offers vision correction without creating a flap in the cornea.
In most cases, with ZEISS SMILE, your vision should stabilize within a few weeks. Your surgeon can advise you when it is appropriate to resume any specific activities.
Because ZEISS SMILE laser eye surgery is minimally invasive, patients may experience less dry eye symptoms after the procedure.

Healing and recovery

What to expect during the first few days
As with all medical procedures, try not to overexert yourself when recovering from ZEISS SMILE laser eye surgery. It is important you take time to rest and let your eyes heal. Your doctor can advise you when it is appropriate to resume any specific activities.

What to avoid after surgery
Following your procedure, you will want to avoid rubbing or touching your eyes. Some doctors will recommend wearing eye shields while sleeping for a day or so following your treatment.

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What else to expect after surgery

Immediately after surgery, your doctor will put some medicated drops into your eye. Use all medication eye drops and lubricants as directed. These are necessary for the proper healing of your eye. You will also be instructed on when to return to your doctor for a checkup.

Because ZEISS SMILE laser eye surgery is minimally invasive, patients may experience less dry eye symptoms after the procedure. Still, please continue to use lubricating drops as prescribed by your doctor and limit your exposure to dry and dusty environments in the days following your surgery.

Post-surgery, you may experience fluctuating vision, light sensitivity, or see halos around lights.

Click here for more information on side effects ZEISS SMILE may have.

9 tips for a speedy recovery

ZEISS SMILE post-surgery checklist
Every patient is unique and recovery times vary slightly from individual to individual. However, there are things that you as a patient can do to help with the healing process, so you can get back to day-to-day life as quickly as possible.

1.) Follow your doctor’s instructions

Always follow all the instructions given to you by your doctor. This might include using eye drops, other medication, or even wearing an eye shield in specific cases.

2.) Medication and eye drops

Always use any medications or eye drops as directed by your doctor. These will help in a quick and safe recovery of your eye.

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3.) Follow-up appointments

Always attend all follow-up appointments at your eye clinic to make sure the healing and recovery process is doing fine.

4.) Don’t drive after the surgery

Have someone drive you home after surgery, as your vision may be slightly blurry in the first few hours. When you get home after the surgery, rest your eyes.

5.) Resuming daily activities

Even though recovery with ZEISS SMILE tends to be quick, ask your doctor when you can resume any specific activity or sports and carefully follow the instructions given.

6.) Don’t rub your eye

Do not rub your eyes as this might cause damage, lead to a possible infection or other complications.

7.) Avoid water getting into your eye

Although it is fine to take a shower, you should avoid getting water directly in your eyes. Wear an eye shield if instructed to do so.

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8.) Wear UV protection

Always protect your eyes from UV exposure by proactively wearing sunglasses when outside.

ZEISS sunglasses

9.) Avoid smoky or dusty environments

Avoid smoky or dusty environments during the recovery phase—airborne particles can irritate your eye and interfere with the healing process.

Smiling ZEISS SMILE Patients

Millions of people around the globe have had a ZEISS SMILE laser eye correction. Hear from them directly, what they thought and how they experienced the procedure.

Read more Testimonials

“After having the expected blurry vision post surgery, I woke the next day with my vision better than ever and was ready to get back to life as normal. I even played in my professional soccer match the next day post surgery, without any problems feeling better than before!”

Cordt Flaetgen
Professional Soccer Player from New York

Find a ZEISS SMILE clinic near you!

Eye clinics offering the ZEISS SMILE procedure

The ZEISS SMILE procedure offers a lot of benefits over other laser eye surgery procedures for people with myopia with or without astigmatism. To find a clinic offering ZEISS SMILE near you and to learn more about the surgery as well as the recovery, have a look at our clinic finder.

ZEISS SMILE^® Surgery: Recovery & Aftercare

Recover within a few weeks after the ZEISS SMILE laser eye surgery

Good to know about ZEISS SMILE