Wondering How to Properly Apply Eye Drops After SMILE Surgery?

Essential tips directly from BGN Eye Clinic Jamsil Lotte Tower

Hello! This is BGN Eye Clinic's flagship branch at Jamsil Lotte Tower.

There is a phrase I share most frequently with our post-SMILE patients:

“Your surgery is complete, but applying your eye drops correctly is where the real journey begins!”

For vision correction procedures like SMILE, post-operative care is just as critical as the surgery itself. Recovery is heavily influenced by daily habits at home, specifically, consistently administering drops and adhering to safety instructions. Because these medications are applied directly to your eyes, maintaining strict hygiene and proper techniques is vital.

Let’s dive into the most common questions our patients ask and explore how to administer your eye drops effectively.

Is It Harmful if the Eye Drop Tip Touches My Eye?

A few days ago, a patient visited us for an outpatient checkup and asked, “I’ve been applying my drops like this... but I’m not sure if I’m doing it right.” Upon asking for details, I learned they found it difficult to keep their eyes open during application.

As a result, they pressed the bottle tip directly against their eye, squeezing a large amount of solution, yet felt it wasn't being absorbed properly. On occasion, the tip even accidentally poked their eye.

Many SMILE patients realize only later that they have been administering their medication incorrectly. Touching the tip directly to the eye, often due to fear of missing or difficulty holding the eyelid open, is one of the most frequent mistakes. Doing so significantly increases the risk of bacterial contamination.

To prevent this, hold the bottle approximately 1 cm away from your eye and gently release a single drop.

Applying Eye Drops Directly onto the Cornea

Another common mistake is dropping the liquid directly onto the center of the eye, the cornea. Many patients do this believing it ensures accurate delivery. However, applying drops directly to the cornea causes stronger irritation and triggers a severe blink reflex. Consequently, the liquid washes out before it can be absorbed, leaving behind unnecessary discomfort.

Instead, use your finger to gently pull down your lower eyelid and place the drop inside the lower conjunctival sac. This approach is both comfortable and effective.

Another patient shared that they habitually rubbed their eyes immediately after applying drops because of a mild stinging sensation. Following surgery, your cornea is extremely sensitive. You must never rub your eyes. After applying your drops, simply close your eyes and rest briefly.

The Risks of Using Too Much or Too Little

Dosage imbalance is another frequent issue. One patient applied drops numerous times a day, thinking, “Since my eyes feel dry and uncomfortable, using more must be better.” Conversely, another patient admitted, “My eyes felt cold, so I only used them once a day...”

Both extremes can be detrimental to your recovery. Overusing drops destabilizes your natural tear film, while underusing them can delay the healing process. Always adhere strictly to the daily frequency prescribed by your doctor.

Hygiene is equally paramount. Because eye drop administration involves proximity to the eyes, applying them without thoroughly washing your hands poses a risk. Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face or medication to prevent bacterial infections.

Try This Posture for Easy Application

Patients often express surprise at how effortless drop administration appears during clinic visits. The secret lies entirely in posture. Administering drops while sitting straight up or looking directly forward is challenging for anyone, especially when trying to see what you are doing.

Here is the recommended posture for effortless application:

• Sit comfortably and gently tilt your head backward.
• Use one hand to lightly pull down your lower eyelid.
• Instill exactly one drop into the pocket formed by the lower eyelid (conjunctival sac).
• Close your eye and gently press the inner corner near your nose (punctal occlusion to prevent a bitter taste from the medication draining down your throat).

Following these steps will make your routine much easier. One patient mentioned after learning this technique, “Wow, what a difference! The medication used to just spill down my cheek before.” Moments like that are deeply rewarding, as our core mission is supporting your complete post-operative recovery alongside a successful surgery.

Adapting to a new post-op regimen can feel overwhelming with multiple medications and guidelines to remember. However, consistent and proper care each day builds the foundation for a smooth recovery.

If you experience any discomfort or have questions, please reach out to BGN Eye Clinic Jamsil Lotte Tower. Our nursing team is dedicated to supporting your recovery every step of the way!