Are you tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses to see clearly? Thanks to modern advancements in ophthalmology, you now have the option of Smile Laser Eye Surgery to correct your vision and free yourself from the hassles of corrective eyewear.

If you’re considering undergoing Smile Laser Eye Surgery at Vision Clinic Sydney, you’re probably curious about the recovery process and how long it takes.

Let’s delve into the details of Smile Laser Eye Surgery recovery time and what you can expect during this period.

Understanding Smile Laser Eye Surgery

Smile Laser Eye Surgery, also known as Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, is a cutting-edge refractive procedure designed to correct vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism.

Unlike traditional LASIK surgery, Smile Laser Eye Surgery involves creating a small incision in the cornea to remove a precise amount of corneal tissue, resulting in improved vision. This minimally invasive technique often appeals to individuals seeking a quicker recovery time.

Immediate Post-Surgery Period

Following your Smile Laser Eye Surgery at Vision Clinic Sydney, you might experience some discomfort, sensitivity to light, and slightly hazy or blurry vision. These are normal reactions as your eyes begin to heal. You’ll be provided with protective goggles to wear for the initial few days to prevent any inadvertent rubbing of the eyes.

The Initial 24 to 48 Hours

During this period, it’s recommended to rest your eyes as much as possible. Your ophthalmologist will likely suggest using lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist and comfortable. You might experience fluctuations in your vision during these initial hours, but this is a common occurrence as your eyes adjust to their new shape.

The First Few Weeks

Within the first week post-surgery, most patients notice a significant improvement in their vision. However, it’s important to note that your vision might still be slightly unstable, and you might experience some halos or glare around lights during nighttime driving. This is a temporary effect that typically subsides as your eyes continue to heal.

smile laser eye surgery recovery time
SMILE Surgery recovery only takes about a month for a full recovery.

The First Month

By the end of the first month, your vision should continue to stabilise, and any discomfort or dryness you experienced in the earlier stages of recovery should diminish. Many patients find that they no longer need to rely on glasses or contacts for their daily activities.

However, it’s crucial to attend your follow-up appointments at Vision Clinic Sydney to ensure that your healing is progressing as expected.

Long-Term Visual Recovery

The majority of patients achieve their optimal visual results within the first few months after Smile Laser Eye Surgery. Nevertheless, your eyes will continue to heal and adjust over the course of several months. It’s important to adhere to your ophthalmologist’s instructions regarding eye protection, post-operative care, and the use of prescribed eye drops to ensure a smooth recovery process.

Factors Affecting Recovery Time

Recovery time can vary from person to person and may be influenced by factors such as your overall health, the extent of your laser vision correction, and how well you adhere to the post-operative care instructions provided by Vision Clinic Sydney.

The recovery time for Smile Laser Eye Surgery at Vision Clinic Sydney is relatively short, with most patients experiencing noticeable improvements in their vision within the first few days to weeks. As with any surgical procedure, patience and adherence to post-operative care guidelines are key to achieving the best results.

If you’re considering Smile Laser Eye Surgery, consult with our experienced eye surgeon at Vision Clinic Sydney to determine if this procedure is the right choice for you and to get a personalised estimate of your expected recovery timeline. Remember, the road to clearer, glasses-free vision is just a smile away!

Vision Clinic Sydney

Choose Vision Clinic Sydney for your SMILE surgery and experience top-tier expertise and technology in vision correction. With a team of experienced ophthalmologists at the forefront of SMILE surgery, the clinic ensures safe and precise procedures. Their cutting-edge femtosecond laser technology enables minimal discomfort and swift recovery.

Each patient benefits from a personalized treatment plan, backed by comprehensive care and a compassionate approach. Vision Clinic Sydney’s outstanding reputation in ophthalmology reflects its commitment to excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you can find our most frequently asked questions:

How long does it take to recover from SMILE refractive surgery?

Most patients experience noticeable improvement within days to weeks after SMILE surgery, with optimal results often achieved within a few months.

What are the dos and don’ts after SMILE laser eye surgery?

Dos: Follow post-op instructions, rest your eyes, use lubricating drops, wear protective eyewear, and maintain hygiene. Don’ts: Avoid rubbing your eyes, exposure to irritants, using eye makeup, swimming or hot tubs, and skipping follow-up appointments.

What not to do after SMILE eye surgery?

Avoid driving immediately post-surgery, engage in strenuous exercise, expose your eyes to sunlight without UV protection, neglect post-op care and prescribed medications, and skip protective eyewear provided by your ophthalmologist.

This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.

Meet Dr Kumar

Dr Nikhil Kumar is a highly qualified ophthalmologist with a degree in Medicine from the University of Newcastle, which he obtained in 1998. Following his graduation, he completed his ophthalmology specialty training at the Sydney Eye Hospital in 2008.

His expertise in the field of ophthalmology includes cataract surgery, refractive surgery, corneal transplantation, and laser vision correction. His passion for the eye and its intricacies inspired him to pursue Ophthalmology as a specialty.

How to book an appointment

For your first appointment, you must have a referral letter from your General Practitioner or Optometrist in order to be eligible for a Medicare rebate for the consultation and any tests/procedures you may have performed at the clinic.

If you don't have a referral letter, you can still be seen at the practice, but you won't be able to claim a Medicare rebate.

You can download the referral PDF form or submit it online.

Please bring:

  • Any prescription glasses that you wear
  • Sunglasses or a hat as your eyes may be dilated during the consultation, resulting in possible sensitivity to light and blurred vision. You may not be able to read or drive for 4 hours after your appointment.
  • A list of current medications and details of your medical history
  • Your Medicare card, private health fund card and pension card if you have them.

Our location in Sydney

We are located in the central business district of Sydney in New South Wales. Our physical address is Level 6, Suite 605, 229 Macquarie St., Sydney NSW 2000, Australia.