Eye Pain After Smile Surgery

Explore causes and remedies for eye pain experienced post-SMILE surgery, a modern, minimally invasive vision correction procedure.

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a laser vision correction procedure known for its minimal invasiveness and quicker recovery compared to traditional methods like LASIK. However, some discomfort is still expected during the healing process, including potential eye pain. Experiencing eye pain after SMILE surgery can be worrisome, but it’s important to remember that some discomfort is normal during the healing process.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Normal Discomfort:

• Stinging or burning sensation: This is usually caused by the nerves in your cornea healing and can feel like there’s something in your eye. It typically subsides within a few hours.
• Light sensitivity: Your eyes may be sensitive to light for the first few days after surgery. Wearing sunglasses indoors and outdoors can help.
• Blurry vision: Your vision may be blurry or hazy for the first few days or weeks after surgery as your eyes adjust to the new shape of your cornea.
• Dry eyes: The surgery can temporarily disrupt your tear production, leading to dry eyes. Using artificial tears as prescribed by your doctor can help.

Concerning Eye Pain:

• Severe Pain: Excruciating and unbearable pain that is not alleviated by any form of medication, causing immense discomfort and distress.
• Sudden Vision Loss: An abrupt and significant decline in visual ability, resulting in a drastic and immediate decrease in one’s ability to see clearly.
• Redness, Swelling, Discharge: Visible signs of infection, inflammation, or corneal abrasion, including redness, swelling, and abnormal discharge from the affected area.
• Double Vision: Persistent double vision that persists beyond the initial phase, where a person sees two images instead of one, making it difficult to focus and causing visual confusion.
• Increased Light Sensitivity: A worsening sensitivity to light that does not improve even after several days, causing discomfort and difficulty in tolerating normal levels of brightness.

When to Call Your Doctor:

Suppose you’re experiencing any eye pain after SMILE surgery. In that case, it’s crucial to understand which types of pain warrant immediate medical attention and which fall within the expected range of post-operative discomfort. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide when to call your doctor:

Call your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with medication: This could be a sign of a serious complication like infection or corneal abrasion.
• Sudden loss of vision: This is a rare but critical symptom requiring immediate evaluation.
• Redness, swelling, or discharge from your eyes: These are signs of infection or inflammation that need prompt treatment.
• Double vision that persists: While some double vision may initially occur, persistent cases should be checked by your doctor.
• Increased light sensitivity that worsens beyond initial discomfort: This could indicate inflammation or other issues requiring attention.

While less concerning, these symptoms still warrant a call to your doctor:

• Moderate pain that persists for more than a few days: Although some discomfort is expected, prolonged pain could indicate a problem.
• Blurry vision that doesn’t improve significantly within a few weeks: While vision gradually improves after SMILE, delayed progress might require further evaluation.
• Excessive dry eyes or irritation: Although dryness is common, severe cases that don’t respond to artificial tears need to be addressed.

Remember:

• If you’re unsure about the severity of your symptoms, always err on the side of caution and call your doctor. Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure a smoother recovery.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. This includes using prescribed medications, avoiding certain activities, and attending scheduled follow-up appointments.
• Listen to your body. If you feel something needs to be corrected, feel free to reach out for professional help.

Tips for Recovering from SMILE Surgery:

• Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. This includes using any prescribed medications and avoiding certain activities that could irritate your eyes.
• Get plenty of rest. Your eyes need time to heal, so make sure you’re getting enough sleep.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes. This can irritate your eyes and slow down the healing process.
• Wear sunglasses when you’re outdoors. This will help protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
• Use artificial tears as needed. This will help keep your eyes lubricated and prevent dryness.

Here are some tips to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery:

Rest:

• Prioritize sleep: Your eyes need time to heal, so aim for at least 7–8 hours of sleep each night.
• Take breaks: Avoid straining your eyes for long periods. If you work on a computer, take regular breaks to look away and relax your eyes.
• Elevate your head: Sleeping with your head slightly elevated can help reduce swelling and discomfort.

Protect Your Eyes:

• Wear sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays, even on cloudy days. Choose sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes: This can irritate your eyes and slow down the healing process.
• Avoid swimming and hot tubs: Wait for your doctor’s clearance before getting your eyes wet.
• Avoid dusty and smoky environments: These can irritate your eyes and increase the risk of infection.

Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions:

• Use prescribed medications: Take your eye drops and any other medications exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Attend follow-up appointments: These are important for monitoring your progress and ensuring your eyes are healing properly.
• Don’t wear eye makeup: Wait until your doctor tells you it’s safe to wear makeup again. Avoid using mascara or eyeliner, as these can introduce bacteria into your eyes.