Exercise After SMILE Surgery

Explore the safe and effective exercises one can perform post-SMILE surgery to enhance recovery and maintain good vision health.

Recovery from SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) surgery, a cutting-edge procedure for vision correction, is a critical phase where specific exercises can enhance healing and maintain eye health. This section provides a comprehensive guide on safe and effective exercises that patients can engage in after SMILE surgery. The focus is not on strenuous workouts but on gentle exercises aimed at relaxing the eye muscles, improving focus, and boosting overall eye health. It’s important to remember that each person’s recovery journey is unique, and the exercises should be performed in consultation with your eye care specialist to prevent complications. We aim to aid your recovery journey and ensure optimal, long-term results from your SMILE surgery.

While exercise itself cannot directly speed up healing after SMILE surgery, staying active can contribute to your overall well-being and aid in the recovery process. Here are some exercises you can consider, keeping in mind the general timeline for resuming activity after SMILE:

First 1–2 days:

• Light walking: Gentle strolls in nature or around your neighborhood can promote circulation and improve mood.
• Yoga: Focus on gentle stretches and poses that avoid straining your eyes or putting pressure on your head. Seated and supported postures are ideal.

Days 3–7:

• Cardio: Gradually increase the intensity of your walks, jogs, or bike rides. Remember to listen to your body and avoid anything that feels uncomfortable.
• Bodyweight exercises: Squats, lunges, planks, and pushups can help maintain muscle tone without putting excessive strain on your eyes.
• Gym with low intensity: Use lighter weights and machines in lower settings to maintain strength and flexibility.

Week 2–4:

• Increased intensity: As you feel stronger, you can gradually increase the weight, speed, or duration of your workouts.
• A wider range of exercises: You can start incorporating exercises for different muscle groups, but avoid anything high-impact or with sudden movements.

Week 4–6:

• Swimming: Once your doctor gives you the green light, swimming can be a great way to exercise without putting stress on your eyes. Wear goggles to protect them from chlorine.
• Contact sports: With proper protective eyewear like a sports visor, you can slowly ease back into contact sports.

Here are some general tips for exercising after SMILE surgery:

• Listen to your body: This is the most important tip. Don’t push yourself too hard, and stop if you experience any pain or discomfort.
• Gradually increase your intensity: Start with light activity and gradually increase the duration, intensity, and complexity of your workouts as you feel stronger.
• Warm-up and cool down: Always warm up before your workout to prepare your muscles and joints, and cool down afterward to avoid injury.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workouts to stay hydrated and prevent fatigue.
• Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses outdoors and protective eyewear during contact sports to shield your eyes from the sun, wind, and debris.
• Avoid getting sweat or dirt in your eyes: Use a headband or sweatband to keep sweat out of your eyes, and avoid exercising in dusty or dirty environments.
• Don’t rub your eyes: This can irritate and damage your eyes during the healing process.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions: Your doctor will give you specific advice on when and how you can resume exercise after surgery. Be sure to follow their instructions carefully.

Additional tips:

• Choose low-impact exercises that are gentle on your eyes, such as walking, swimming, yoga, or pilates.
• Avoid high-impact exercises that could put a strain on your eyes, such as running, jumping, or weightlifting.
• Avoid swimming and water sports until your doctor gives you the go-ahead.
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid activities that could put your eyes at risk, such as playing contact sports without protective eyewear.
• If you experience any vision problems, pain, or discomfort, stop exercising and contact your doctor right away.

There are several reasons why exercise should be avoided, or at least restricted, after LASIK surgery:

• Corneal flap healing: LASIK involves creating a thin flap in the cornea, the outermost layer of your eye. This flap is then lifted to reshape the underlying cornea and correct vision. After surgery, the flap needs time to heal properly and reattach to the underlying cornea. Strenuous exercise can increase blood pressure and intraocular pressure (IOP), which can put stress on the healing flap and increase the risk of it dislodging or becoming wrinkled.
• Eye irritation: Sweat, dust, and dirt can irritate your eyes after LASIK surgery, especially if you rub your eyes, which is more likely to happen during exercise. This irritation can delay healing and increase the risk of infection.
• Vision fluctuations: Your vision may fluctuate for a few weeks after LASIK surgery as your eyes adjust to the new shape of the cornea. Strenuous exercise can worsen these fluctuations and make it more difficult to focus your eyes.

Remember, everyone heals at their own pace. It’s crucial to consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially after SMILE surgery. They can give you personalized recommendations based on your individual recovery progress.