LASIK and SMILE recovery: vision, dry eye and follow-up

Different procedures, some shared aftercare

LASIK creates a corneal flap before laser reshaping. SMILE removes a lenticule, a small piece of corneal tissue, through an incision. This difference affects wound care, but it does not let a calendar predict your exact recovery.

Both procedures need postoperative instructions, prescribed drops and review. Ask the surgeon what to expect for your eyes and correction. Avoid arranging a demanding workday around someone else's account of being comfortable immediately after treatment.

Sources and references: [1] [2]

The first evening and early review

Stinging, watering, a gritty sensation and blurred vision can occur early. Rest as instructed and arrange help getting home. Use the eye protection supplied by the clinic, especially if there is a risk of rubbing the eye while asleep.

An early examination checks healing and helps identify problems that should not be watched at home. Keep that appointment even if vision seems good. Severe pain, worsening vision or a sudden loss of vision warrants prompt contact with the treating team rather than waiting for the routine review.

Sources and references: [1] [2]

Why sharpness can fluctuate

A healing cornea and an unsettled tear film can make vision vary. You may notice changes with prolonged reading or screen use, or find that one eye feels different from the other. Night glare and halos deserve discussion if driving or work depends on low-light vision.

Tell the clinic when the problem occurs and whether it is improving. An examination can distinguish expected recovery from a condition needing treatment. Do not book an additional laser correction simply because the first weeks have not matched your hoped-for clarity; the surgeon needs stable measurements and an explanation for the remaining blur.

Sources and references: [1] [2]

Drops, lubrication and avoiding eye rubbing

Follow the prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory schedule and ask which lubricating drops to use. Drops with similar packaging can have different purposes. Keep the written instructions where you can check them, and ask before adding an over-the-counter redness treatment.

Avoid rubbing the eyes. This is particularly important while the LASIK flap is healing, but SMILE also leaves a healing incision. Ask about showering, face washing, eye makeup and swimming. If a drop causes an unexpected reaction, contact the clinic for advice rather than silently abandoning the whole schedule.

Sources and references: [1] [2]

Work, exercise and driving

Return to work depends partly on the job. A short period at a screen is different from working in dust, driving professionally or taking part in contact sports. Explain those demands before the operation so restrictions can be planned.

Start with the activities your surgeon allows and take breaks when the eyes feel dry or tired. Driving requires adequate vision and confidence in the actual conditions you face. Being able to read a daytime chart does not automatically mean night glare is comfortable. Confirm the relevant clinical and legal requirements before driving again.

Sources and references: [1] [2]

Keep the longer follow-up in view

Later examinations assess vision, refraction and the corneal surface after the initial wound check. Bring a short record of dryness, glare or situations where vision still limits you. Mention every drop you are using.

If follow-up will move to your home country, request the preoperative measurements, treatment report and current medication instructions. Ask the Shanghai team which findings should prompt an earlier return and whether a local ophthalmologist can provide the planned checks. Resolve that arrangement before booking a short stay around surgery alone.

Sources and references: [1] [2]

Planning LASIK or SMILE care in Shanghai

Fudan University's Eye and ENT Hospital has documented refractive-surgery work, including SMILE. For a prospective visit, current assessment, treatment suitability and aftercare arrangements need to be confirmed with the receiving service.

Send EastMedGo your prescription history, previous scans if available, and a description of work or travel commitments after the proposed operation. We can help organize an assessment enquiry and a practical visit schedule. If you have already had treatment, tell us the date, procedure and current symptoms so the enquiry reaches the appropriate eye-care team.

Sources and references: [3]

Common questions