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Disclaimer

This website is only for basic information. It is not to be considered medical advice or a substitute for obtaining your own medical consultation, during which you will be informed also about possible risks, side effects and restrictions of refractive & cataract surgery. Not all treatment options are approved or offered in every country and approved labeling and instructions may vary from one country to another. This site is also not intended for patients and healthcare providers residing in the United States of America and Japan.

Recovery & Aftercare

Resume your daily activities as soon as the day following treatment

With lenticule extraction using SMILE® from ZEISS, patients can usually resume their daily activities as soon as the day following the procedure – depending on their doctor’s advice. They will also advise you on what’s best for your recovery.

Laser vision correction with ZEISS SMILE is a minimally invasive, flapless and bladeless treatment. Visual recovery can be as soon as the next day. Compared to LASIK, fewer corneal nerves are disrupted with ZEISS SMILE, which may lead to fewer post-operative dry eye symptoms.4

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Recovery after ZEISS SMILE treatment

The phases of recovery after laser vision correction
POV of hand pulling suitcase, indicating travel freedom and restored vision after laser eye treatment.

Right after treatment with ZEISS SMILE

You may see a difference in your vision immediately after your procedure. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for post-surgery care, including using the prescribed eye drops and any activity restrictions. Avoid rubbing your eyes during the healing process. Many patients can return to daily activities like working and care routines like putting on makeup, shortly after surgery. Your eye doctor will let you know when it’s safe to resume specific activities based on your recovery.

Woman in sunglasses enjoying sunlight by the water after recovering from ZEISS SMILE treatment.

The first few days after

In the first few days after your procedure, you’ll be advised to take regular breaks from screens to prevent eye strain and dryness. It’s important to rest your eyes frequently, especially if you’re working on a computer or using your phone, to help with the healing process. Additionally, follow your doctor’s recommendations for hydration and eye drop usage to keep your eyes comfortable and support healing. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors is also helpful to protect your eyes from bright light and promote a smooth recovery.

Woman jogging outdoors after laser eye surgery with ZEISS SMILE, symbolizing visual freedom and recovery.

The first weeks after

In the weeks after your treatment with ZEISS SMILE, your vision should gradually stabilise. Your eye doctor will provide guidance on when it is safe to resume specific activities like swimming or outdoor sports.

Woman working at her desk, representing fast recovery and restored vision following laser vision correction with ZEISS SMILE.

Aftercare: Important precautions to follow

What to expect in the first few days

After any medical procedure, it’s important to avoid overexerting yourself during the recovery process. Take time to rest and allow your eyes to heal. Your eye doctor will advise you on when it’s safe to resume specific activities.

Immediately after surgery, your surgeon will apply medicated drops to your eyes. Be sure to use all prescribed eye drops and ointments as directed to aid in your recovery. Also, make time for scheduled follow-up appointments with your eye doctor to monitor your progress and discuss any symptoms or questions you may have.

To support your healing, avoid rubbing or touching your eyes. Your surgeon may recommend wearing eye shields while sleeping for a day or two following the procedure.

8 tips for a smooth recovery

Every eye is unique and recovery times vary slightly from individual to individual. As a patient, there are simple steps you can take to support the healing process and return to your daily routine as quickly as possible.
  • Eye doctor providing guidance on ZEISS SMILE vision correction using a visual eye model.
    #1 Follow your eye doctor’s instructions

    Always follow the instructions provided by your eye doctor. This may include using eye drops or in some cases, wearing a temporary eye patch.

  • Doctor and patient in discussion about laser vision correction with ZEISS SMILE before treatment.
    #2 Follow-up appointments

    Keep all follow-up appointments with your eye doctor to make sure they can monitor your healing and recovery and provide any support that might be required.

  • Blurry view of car dashboard while someone drives at night, symbolizing need for assistance after eye surgery.
    #3 Rest your eyes

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

  • Woman jogging outdoors after laser eye surgery with ZEISS SMILE, symbolizing visual freedom and recovery.
    #4 Resuming daily activities

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

  • Woman in sunglasses enjoying sunlight by the water after recovering from ZEISS SMILE treatment.

    #5 Wear UV protection

    Protect your eyes from UV exposure by wearing sunglasses when outdoors during the first few weeks after surgery.

  • Woman resting in a chair, touching her face carefully—representing the importance of not rubbing the eyes post-surgery.

    #6 Don’t rub your eye

    Do not rub your eye, as this might cause damage to your cornea, eye infections or other complications.

  • Waves crashing on rocks by the ocean, reminding patients to avoid water in the eyes after vision correction surgery.

    #7 Avoid getting water in your eye

    Although showering is fine, you should avoid getting water in your eyes. Wear an eye shield if instructed to do so.

  • Eye close-up with sharp focus, representing improved vision and optical precision after ZEISS SMILE laser eye surgery.

    #8 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.

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Your eye doctor can help you find the best treatment option for your specific eye condition.
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    Lenticule extraction with SMILE® pro from ZEISS is an advanced laser vision correction treatment. Using ZEISS SMILE pro, your surgeon can treat nearsightedness and farsightedness¹ with or without astigmatism in a minimally invasive procedure – with less than 10 seconds of laser exposure when treating nearsightedness2 and less than 13 seconds when treating farsightedness3.

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    Lenticule extraction with SMILE® from ZEISS is an advanced laser vision correction. Using ZEISS SMILE, your surgeon can correct nearsightedness with or without astigmatism in a minimally invasive procedure.

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    PRK

    PRK, developed in the 1980s, was the first laser vision correction procedure and is still used today for certain patients. It can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. While newer techniques like ZEISS SMILE, ZEISS SMILE pro and LASIK are available, PRK remains a trusted option for patients with specific eye conditions.

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    As you age, your vision becomes increasingly blurry up close. This condition is called presbyopia and refers to the natural decline in our eyesight over time. If you are seeking an alternative to glasses or contacts, laser vision correction like ZEISS PRESBYOND may help.

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    Astigmatism

    If you experience blurry vision, halos, or glare, especially at night, you may have astigmatism. This common condition occurs alongside nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). While glasses or contact lenses can correct it, laser vision correction offers an alternative solution for treating astigmatism.

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    Treatment comparison

    Explore other options of laser vision correction and how they differ in technique, treatment approach or recovery time. Your eye doctor can help determine the best option for you.

  • 1

    Approved and available in selected markets.
  • 2

    Data on file (unpublished). Myopia with optical zone of 6.5 mm.
  • 3

    Data on file (unpublished). The whole procedure including extracting the lenticule lasts about 5 to 10 minutes per eye.
  • 4

    Hidenaga Kobashi, MD, PhD,† Kazutaka Kamiya, MD, PhD, and Kimiya Shimizu, MD, PhD (2023), Dry Eye After Small Incision Lenticule Extraction and Femtosecond Laser-Assisted LASIK: Meta-Analysis