ReLEx Smile Post-Surgery Care focused on smooth healing, vision stabilization, and protecting long term clarity after minimally invasive laser correction

Ensure a smooth recovery after ReLEx SMILE. Learn about essential eye drop schedules, activity restrictions, and the long-term support provided by Liv Hospital.

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Post-Surgery Care

Immediate Expectations After Surgery

The first 24 to 48 hours after relex smile eye surgery are a period of rapid visual adjustment. Immediately following the procedure, it is normal for your vision to feel slightly blurry, similar to looking through a cloud or underwater. You may also experience a mild “gritty” sensation, as if a small eyelash is in your eye. Some tearing and light sensitivity are also common. Most patients find that these minor discomforts subside within 4 to 6 hours. We recommend going home and napping with your eyes closed to allow the initial healing to happen undisturbed.

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Managing Your Eye Drop Schedule

Intralase Treatment and Procedures

Medication is the most critical part of your post-operative care. You will be prescribed two main types of drops to support your healing.

  • Antibiotic drops to prevent infection while the microscopic incision seals.
  • Anti-inflammatory drops to reduce swelling and ensure comfort.
  • Lubricating “artificial tears” to keep the eye surface moist.

It is vital to follow the schedule provided by your specialist exactly. Do not skip doses, even if your eyes feel perfect. Always wash your hands thoroughly before applying any drops and ensure the tip of the bottle never touches your eye or any other surface.

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Activity Restrictions And Safety

Intralase Treatment and Procedures

To protect the structural changes made to your eye, you must follow specific safety guidelines for the first few weeks.

  • Avoid rubbing your eyes under any circumstances for at least one week.
  • Do not get tap water directly in your eyes while showering for 3 days.
  • No swimming in pools, hot tubs, or the ocean for one month.
  • Avoid dusty or smoky environments for at least one week.
  • Wait at least one week before applying eye makeup.

Most patients can return to non-physical work and light exercise within 48 hours, but “high-risk” activities like contact sports should be avoided for 4 weeks until your doctor gives the all-clear.

Protecting Your Eyes From Light

Sensitivity to light is common during the first few days of recovery. You will likely be given a pair of dark sunglasses to wear immediately after your procedure.

  • Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect against UV rays and wind.
  • Wear them indoors if the lighting feels too bright or uncomfortable.
  • Use the protective eye shield provided when sleeping for the first week to prevent accidental rubbing.

Consistent use of high-quality sunglasses during the first month provides significant comfort and helps the internal structures of the eye settle more quickly.

The Importance Of Follow-Up Visits

Your follow-up appointments are a vital part of your care at Liv Hospital. Typically, you will have checkups at the following intervals:

  • 1 day post-surgery: To check the initial healing and visual clarity.
  • 1 week post-surgery: To monitor the progress of the corneal incision.
  • 1 month post-surgery: To assess the final stabilization of your vision.

These visits allow the specialist to catch any minor issues early and ensure that your recovery is proceeding exactly as planned. Skipping these visits increases the risk of undetected inflammation or complications.

Long-Term Vision Stabilization

While many patients see 20/20 the very next day, your vision may fluctuate for several weeks. You might notice that your sight is sharp in the morning but blurs slightly in the evening when your eyes are tired. This is a normal part of the healing process as the cornea settles into its new shape.

  • Avoid intense reading or prolonged screen use for the first 3 days.
  • Take frequent “eye breaks” if you work on a computer.

Most patients achieve their final, stable visual result between 1 and 3 months after the procedure.

Strabismus Disorders

Dealing With Temporary Dry Eye

One of the reasons patients choose relex smile is its superior record for maintaining tear film stability. However, nearly everyone experiences some degree of temporary dryness during the healing phase.

  • Use preservative-free artificial tears frequently (every 1-2 hours) for the first month.
  • Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
  • Use a humidifier at home if the air is particularly dry.

For the vast majority of patients, this dryness is mild and improves significantly over the first 3 months. If dryness persists, our specialists can provide advanced management options.

Recognizing Warning Signs

While serious complications are extremely rare, you must be the first line of defense. Contact Liv Hospital immediately if you experience:

  • A sudden or significant decrease in vision that does not improve.
  • Intense pain that is not relieved by standard over-the-counter medication.
  • Significant discharge or pus from the eye.
  • Signs of infection, such as fever or extreme redness and swelling.

Early intervention for a post-procedure issue is the key to protecting your surgical result and ensuring a perfect outcome.

Why Choose Liv Hospital?

Choosing the right facility for your vision correction is the most important decision you can make for your sight. Liv Hospital is a center of excellence in ophthalmology, combining world-class surgical talent with a compassionate, patient-centered approach.

  • We utilize the most advanced diagnostic and surgical technology available globally.
  • Our surgeons are international leaders in minimally invasive refractive care.
  • We provide a seamless journey from the initial evaluation through long-term follow-up.
  • Our facility adheres to the highest international safety and sterilization protocols.

Your vision is our priority, and we are dedicated to providing the best possible results in a supportive and professional environment.

Your path to visual freedom is unique, and we are here to support you every step of the way. If you have been considering a vision correction procedure or have questions about your eligibility, do not navigate the journey alone. We encourage you to get in reach to the hospital to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. Our team is ready to provide you with a personalized care plan and answer all your questions about the latest technology. Contact Liv Hospital today to start your journey toward a life with clearer sight.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When can I drive after surgery?

Most patients are cleared to drive at their one-day follow-up appointment, once the doctor confirms their vision meets the legal requirement.

It is best to rest your eyes for the first 24 hours; after that, you can use devices in moderation, but take frequent breaks to avoid strain.

Some patients develop small red spots on the white of the eye (bruising); these are harmless and usually disappear within two weeks.

If you rub your eye firmly in the first week, call us immediately; we will perform a quick check to ensure the corneal incision is still closed and healing correctly.

You can call our main clinic line or visit our website to reach our international patient coordination center and schedule your evaluation.

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