Never Do This After SMILE Surgery!

3 Minor Habits That Impair Vision Recovery & Proper Care Tips

Hello! This is BGN Eye Clinic at Jamsil Lotte Tower.

When speaking with patients who have recently undergone SMILE surgery, we are often pleasantly surprised by how knowledgeable they are about post-operative care—sometimes even more than we expect! With various reviews and experiences shared online and across communities, many patients take the time to thoroughly research the procedure beforehand.

Most people are well aware of the essential rules, such as avoiding showers on the day of surgery and minimizing smartphone use. However, despite this preparation, we frequently hear similar questions in the consultation room after surgery:

"I have a habit of sleeping on my stomach. Is that okay?"

"I left my artificial tears in the car. Are they still fine to use?"

"I only looked at my phone for a second... that shouldn't be a problem, right?"

These seemingly harmless daily habits can significantly impact your recovery after SMILE surgery. Today, we will cover three crucial post-operative care tips you must not overlook for a successful vision correction outcome!

Can I Use My Phone After SMILE Surgery?

One patient, Ms. Kim (alias), was in high spirits immediately following her procedure. "I feel totally fine! It doesn't hurt at all~" she said cheerfully as she left. However, that evening, she contacted us expressing concern over dry, blurry vision: "My eyes feel extremely dry. Could I have developed dry eye syndrome?"

It turned out that using her smartphone on the day of her SMILE surgery was the culprit. Intending to check her phone just briefly, she found herself scrolling through Reels and Shorts while lying down, letting an hour or two slip by unnoticed.

To achieve optimal recovery, managing your screen time after SMILE surgery to prevent dry eye syndrome is paramount. Concentrating on close-range screens like smartphones drastically reduces your blink rate, worsening eye dryness. Viewing bright screens in dark environments causes strain and glare, which slows down vision recovery.

Caution! Avoid These Actions After SMILE Surgery!

• Watching videos on your phone for extended periods while lying in a dark room
• Binge-watching short-form content such as Reels and Shorts
• Watching TV or computer monitors for long stretches without breaks
• 
  

Refrain from using your smartphone on the day of your SMILE surgery! Complete Eye Rest If you use your smartphone for 10 minutes, close your eyes and rest for at least 20 minutes. Minimize Screen Exposure It is best to avoid screens entirely from the day of surgery through the following day to facilitate recovery. Immediate Hydration If your eyes feel fatigued or dry at any point, apply your prescribed artificial tears immediately.

Is It Okay to Sleep on My Stomach After SMILE Surgery?

A meticulous patient once shared a concern during a post-operative checkup: "I memorized all the instructions before surgery, but I accidentally ended up sleeping on my stomach. When I woke up, my eyes felt pressed. Could this have compromised my corneal protection?"

Although SMILE surgery involves a microscopic corneal incision leading to rapid recovery, the cornea remains temporarily delicate immediately after the procedure. Sleeping face down places direct pressure on the eyes from your arm or pillow, introducing unnecessary irritation. This can cause a foreign body sensation or delay the healing process.

To ensure a safe recovery period, we strongly recommend sleeping flat on your back to prevent any pressure on the cornea during sleep.

Avoid These Sleeping Positions Immediately After Surgery!

• Sleeping face down where eyes press directly against a pillow or mattress
• Sleeping on your side with pressure from an arm or hand against the eyes
• Unconsciously rubbing your eyes during sleep without protective goggles

Healthy Sleeping Habits to Protect Your Cornea Sleep Facing the Ceiling Practice sleeping flat on your back to avoid putting pressure on your eyes. Wear Protective Goggles Always wear the plastic protective eye shield provided by the clinic before sleeping to prevent accidental rubbing. Safe Sleeping Environment Avoid high pillows and clear away any objects near your face that you might bump into while sleeping.

Should Artificial Tears Be Kept Away from Extreme Temperatures?

As summer approaches, temperatures inside vehicles rise rapidly. A patient once asked, "My artificial tears feel too hot," and we discovered they had been stored on the car dashboard. Conversely, some patients store them in the refrigerator, believing cool drops feel more refreshing.

To put it simply: storing artificial tears in excessively hot or cold environments must be avoided!

Many eye drops prescribed after surgery are preservative-free, making them sensitive to temperature changes. Exposure to high heat or direct sunlight can alter their composition, while refrigeration can cause ocular irritation upon contact or increase contamination risks. Maintaining proper storage temperature is the first step toward safe eye drop use.

Safe Storage for Artificial Tears

• Store at cool room temperature (15–25°C / 59–77°F) away from direct sunlight.
• Single-use vials should be used immediately after opening, and any remaining solution must be discarded.
• Always wash your hands before applying drops, and ensure the tip of the container does not touch your eyelashes or cornea.

Do Not Store Artificial Tears in These Places! Avoid High Heat Exposure Hot areas exposed to direct sunlight, such as inside a car (dashboard, glove compartment) or near windows in summer. Avoid Low Heat Exposure Places with excessively low temperatures that can alter the solution, such as refrigerators or freezers.

A successful procedure is only the first step. Navigating your recovery period after SMILE surgery is just as vital as the surgery itself.

Our eyes are remarkably delicate organs. Minor habits such as prolonged smartphone use, sleeping on your stomach, or improperly storing artificial tears can noticeably affect your recovery speed and final visual outcome. Resting your eyes frequently, wearing your protective shield, and keeping your eyes hydrated with artificial tears will help ensure a much smoother recovery.

Above all, following the guidance provided by your medical team and attending all scheduled post-op checkups is essential. If you experience any discomfort or have questions during your recovery, please feel free to reach out to BGN Eye Clinic at Jamsil Lotte Tower at any time!