ReLEx SMILE Recovery Time – When Can We Go Swimming, Gym, Drive and more
It is understandable that most of us wonder when we can go back to work after the ReLEx SMILE treatment.
Hence, we want to know the recovery time. In general, it takes about 3 days for the vision to be restored to a functional state. Hence, we usually will be giving 3 days of MC.
Going on in-depth, when we talk about ReLEx SMILE recovery time, we should not just look at the clarity of our vision as a gauge. The vision may still be blurry right after ReLEx SMILE eye surgery. This is perfectly normal as the eyes are adjusting and recovering. When visual acuity gets better overtime, it does not necessarily mean the eyes are completely healed. There are certain activities that still needs to be restrained.
So, when can I go to gym? Is it okay to take flights? Can I go swimming after my SMILE surgery? When can I drive? This post is going to answer all of that and more! Also, check our our FAQ for more info that you might be interested to know about SMILE.
How long is vision blurry after SMILE Eye Surgery?
ReLEx SMILE vision recovery time will normally takes a few hours for some patients. Don’t worry if the vision is blurry through the day. Most of the patients will take 24 hours before they can see much better without the slight haziness. For vision to fully stabilize, it may take two to four weeks.
Hence, it is most advisable for the patient to ensure that their vision is clear enough to proceed with their day job. This is especially important for people who work as a driver or pilot.
When can I drive?
You can drive after 24 to 48 hours after the SMILE eye surgery. The vision is usually blurry right after the operation and it’s strictly not allowed to be driving.
So, get someone to drive you home and enjoy the chaperone! It is advised to not drive still if you feel that your eyes are irritated.
How long after SMILE can I swim?
It is recommended to refrain from swimming up to a month after the surgery. That’s because the eyes need the time to fully heal. Water in the swimming pool have chlorine and possibly other substances that may be harsh to the sensitive eyes and slow down recovery or worse, cause infection.
Chlorine is usually added into the swimming pool to kill germs and bacteria. It generally keeps the water safe for some good fun time. However, it does have side effect such as removing the tear film on your eyes which makes them vulnerable to infection.
So, take extra caution if you’re a swimming instructor or diving instructor. Maybe it’s best to sit at the admin side of the job temporarily instead of hopping into the pool!
If you’re travelling, don’t get too excited to jump into the waterfall, lake or ocean. Water from places like lakes and ponds have tons of bacteria and microorganisms. They may cause infection that could prove to be very detrimental towards your eyes and prolong the recovery time.
Can I wear makeup after ReLEx SMILE?
Wait about a week before putting on makeup. Make up could possibly get into the eyes and cause irritation. Plus, the makeup brush too may host certain bacteria that can cause harm to the eyes. Removing the eye makeup will also apply some pressure to the eyes which is not something that we would want to do when they’re still healing.
So, embrace your natural appearance. Refrain from wearing makeup before meeting clients or hosting shows. Give your eyes the proper care!
When can I go for contact sports?
It is best to avoid contact sports up to a month. Give the eyes the necessary time to heal properly. The sweat and dirt that often comes along with contact sports such as basketball, soccer and rugby will increase the risk of infection. Not forgetting to mention the eye injury that the sport may possibly cause.
So, this is the time to go for slow-paced sports like golf, darts or snooker. Take all the time you need to make your shot without breaking a sweat. You can still enjoy loads of other sports while giving the necessary time for your eyes to recover.
Can I go to gym?
Any form of exercises should not be done for 3 to 4 days after surgery. This includes those activities that you can do in the gym. Lifting weights can put strain to the eye and cause eye fatigue. Having this said, other sports that involve carrying weight such as bowling should be avoided as well.
The eyes are sensitive after the SMILE eye surgery. Hence, it’s best to avoid any sweat from getting into the eyes which could complicate things. So, don’t worry about working out at the moment. Take it as a guilt-free cheat day from your workout routine!
Can I take flights after SMILE eye surgery?
Yes, you can after 24 hours. Sometimes, our job may require us to take flights to another place for business purposes. It may raise a concern if the difference in the air pressure could potentially harm the eyes. But, worry not. There’s nothing to fear.
The first thing you would probably notice when taking a flight is the dry eyes. The air inside the aircraft cabin is noticeably low in humidity and dry. Because of that, it tends to draw out moisture from our body surface such as the skin and eyes.
As a result, our eyes may feel irritated and we will have the urge to rub it. It is very important to not rub the eyes. Consult our eye doctor at Sunway Eye Centre, Selangor, Malaysia prior to your flight. You may be given eye drops that could help your eyes feel better throughout the flight. The eye drops can lubricate the eyes and keep them moist. That should ward off the discomfort caused by the in-flight air. Also, keep your eyes closed through the flight so your eyes can rest.
Can I smoke after SMILE?
Smoking or vaping can affect the recovery rate negatively. It is best to avoid smoking for a few weeks. Smoking harms the eyes. Studies have shown that smokers are more prone to a lot of different eye diseases as well as vulnerability to infection and slows down the healing process. This leads to prolonged recovery time in patients.
Can I go sauna?
Don’t go for sauna for the first month. Sauna is actually an ideal habitat for bacteria. The warm and moist environment helps them to thrive very well there. When you enter the sauna, you may risk coming into contact with these harmful bacteria. It can cause severe complications to the eyes that are still healing.
How long does it take for the eyes to fully heal?
While visual recovery takes days and weeks to stabilize, the full healing time for the cornea after ReLEx SMILE will take approximately 3 to 6 months. That’s when you can do all the activities that you have before the surgery without worries.
Note that the recovery timeline may vary according to the healing capability of each individual. It is recommended to follow the eye doctor’s advice on letting your eyes rest so that you can enjoy a smooth recovery.
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