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How long to fully recover after Relex-Smile surgery?
21 October, 2023
ReLEx SMILE surgery is a breakthrough in refractive surgery, bringing freedom of vision to millions of patients.
This method applies the most advanced laser technology today, brings outstanding advantages such as small incisions, quick surgery, and recovery time, and limits complications after surgery. However, like any other surgical intervention, the patient’s eyes will need a certain amount of time to recover and regain sharp vision.
Prima Saigon: Post-operative eyes need recovery time to regain sharp vision
ReLEx SMILE surgery uses a Femtosecond Laser to create a small incision (2mm) on the edge of the cornea. Separate the cornea into 3 layers, and pull out the core of the middle layer to correct myopia and astigmatism.
Unlike traditional surgeries (Femtosecond Lasik, SBK Lasik), the ReLEx SMILE surgical procedure is less invasive due to the small incisions and no flaps, helps eyes recover quickly, and minimizes complications.
The first 24 hours after ReLEx SMILE surgery
The ReLEx SMILE surgery process takes place relatively quickly, only about 15 minutes for both eyes. After that, the patient will rest and be monitored at the hospital for about 1-2 hours before going home. During this time, the patient will have their eyes cleaned and their eye condition checked with a microscope. They will be given medicine (anti-inflammatory, antibiotics, artificial tears) and goggles for use immediately after surgery. When returning home, the patient should go with relatives, because vision at this time is not completely clear.
The minimum time the patient needs to wear protective eyewear is three days after surgery. However, to facilitate the healing process of the surgical wound, patients should use protective glasses regularly, especially when going out and having direct eye contact with wind and dust from the surrounding environment.
Prima Saigon: Patients should wear protective eyewear continuously for the first 3 days after surgery
After the anesthetic wears off, the patient may feel a bit scratchy, teary, or sensitive to light. This condition will gradually decrease and disappear after 4-6 hours. During this time, the patient can go to sleep to reduce discomfort or use pain relievers.
Most patients will have enough vision to return to daily activities and work within 1 day. The patient will see clearly at a distance and near blurry in the beginning because the eyes are brought back to normal vision. Near vision will gradually improve over time.
Eye recovery process after 1 week
After 1 week, many patients are ready to return to work and light exercise. However, doctors do not encourage patients to perform tasks that require high concentration or heavy exercise because their eyes are still in the process of recovering and adapting to their new condition.
During this time, the patient may experience blurred vision, dry eyes, and sensitivity to light. This is a normal phenomenon, not a cause for concern, and will gradually decrease over time.
In addition, patients still need to follow post-operative eye care instructions as prescribed by the doctor such as wearing protective glasses, using eye drops, limiting eye makeup, and not contacting animals.
Prima Saigon: Patients should wear protective eyewear continuously for the first 3 days after ReLEx SMILE surgery
Eye recovery process after 1 month
During this time, common post-operative symptoms gradually decrease and near vision also improves. However, eyes will be sensitive and easily affected by UV rays and bacteria. Accordingly, patients need to wear sunglasses every time they go out to protect their eyes from dust and UV rays from the sun.
After stopping prescription medications after surgery, patients should continue to use artificial tears to keep their eyes moist.
Eye recovery process after 3 months
During this time, the incision has completely recovered and the patient has enough vision to perform tasks requiring high concentration and heavy sports. Additionally, patients may experience obvious vision fluctuations. For example, on some days, a person can see better than on other days. Over time, the eyes will gradually stabilize and vision will improve more and more clearly. In some rare cases, vision recovery can take up to 6 months.
Prima Saigon: Vision usually recovers completely after 3 months
Note the regular follow-up schedule during the eye recovery period
To ensure the recovery process goes smoothly, patients need to follow the regular follow-up schedule 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. During the follow-up examination, the doctor will check the patient’s vision and cornea. This is an opportunity for patients to discuss with their doctor any problems they are experiencing to monitor and understand their eye health status.
Note, that each patient’s recovery process is different. Therefore, the re-examination schedule may be changed flexibly. If the patient has not yet scheduled a regular follow-up examination and detects unusual signs in the eye, proactively go see a doctor for a check-up and timely resolution.
The eye recovery process after ReLEx SMILE surgery requires patience and strict compliance with the doctor’s instructions. Depending on the body and eye condition, each patient will need a different recovery time. At the same time, strict compliance with post-operative eye care notes, a healthy lifestyle, and scientific eye usage habits play an important role in helping vision recover more quickly.
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