Post-operative Care

Post-operative Care Instructions After Femto LASIK or ReLEx SMILE Surgery

Possible Postoperative Symptoms

1. Eye Irritation (Common in the first 2–3 hours after surgery) Once the anesthetic wears off, patients may experience irritation, as if there is a foreign body or a dirty contact lens in the eye. Some may also have watery eyes—ranging from mild to excessive—along with stinging, heaviness, or difficulty opening the eyes. These are normal early postoperative reactions and vary from person to person. Some patients may also notice itchiness or light sensitivity. Sleeping or resting with eyes closed for 4–6 hours significantly reduces discomfort.
2. Eye Pain is uncommon but may occur in some individuals.
3. Recovery Timeline. Most symptoms improve by 80% by the next morning. Mild irritation, stinging, or light sensitivity—whether in one eye or both—may still persist for several days and gradually resolve within 1–2 weeks

Postoperative Care Recommendations

1. Rest is essential, especially on the night of surgery. Take one sleeping pill as provided
   If you normally use your own sleep medication, you may continue using it instead.
   If you cannot sleep, keep your eyes closed to support healing.
2. If pain occurs, take Paracetamol 500 mg (1–2 tablets) every 4–6 hours as needed.
3. Do not remove the protective eye shield. “Its purpose is to prevent eye rubbing, which could interfere with healing.” If tearing occurs, gently dab tears outside the shield only. If the shield becomes loose, reinforce it with medical tape.
4. Avoid getting water in your eyes. Showering and brushing your teeth are allowed with caution.

The Next Day : Please return for your scheduled follow-up appointment. LASIK center staff will remove the protective eye shield, clean the eyes, and begin your prescribed eye drop regimen. Remember to bring your medication bag provided on the day of surgery.

Post-operative Care After PRK Surgery

Patients undergoing PRK typically experience slower visual recovery compared with LASIK, because the procedure requires removal of the corneal epithelium. Postoperative care is therefore divided into two stages:
Stage 1: From immediately after surgery until the bandage contact lens is removed.
Stage 2: From the time the epithelial layer has healed completely until approximately 3–4 months post-surgery.

Stage 1: From Leaving the Operating Room to Removal of the Bandage Contact Lens

1. Immediate Symptoms After Surgery After leaving the operating room, some patients may see reasonably well, while others may have blurred vision. About 1 hour post-surgery, the anesthetic wears off and patients may feel irritation or a foreign-body sensation. Symptoms such as tearing, light sensitivity, eye burning, or difficulty opening the eyes are normal and may last 12–24 hours. Once home, rest with eyes closed as much as possible. If unable to sleep, a sleeping pill may be taken.
   • Patients who routinely use sleep medication may continue their usual medication.
   • Eye pain** is common during the first 2 days. Take Paracetamol 500 mg (2 tablets) every 4–6 hours for pain relief.
   • By Day 3, pain usually decreases significantly. If discomfort persists, continue Paracetamol 500 mg (1–2 tablets) every 4–6 hours
2. Using Eye Drops Use eye drops strictly as prescribed. Instill one drop at a time, spacing different medications 5 minutes apart.ี
3. Activity and Hygiene Keep eyes closed and rest frequently, but daily activities are permitted. Avoid water entering the eyes for 1 week. Showering and brushing teeth are allowed with caution.
4. Avoid Eye Rubbing Do not rub your eyes for at least 1 week.
5. Follow-Up Appointments The first follow-up is the day after surgery. The doctor will schedule additional visits as appropriate.
6. Bandage Contact Lens A bandage contact lens is placed to reduce discomfort and facilitate healing. It is usually removed 3–5 days after surgery, depending on epithelial healing. If the lens falls out, do not reinsert it yourself, even if you are experienced. Return to the LASIK center as soon as possible. If irritation or pain occurs, use the provided eye patch and secure it vertically from top to bottom. A cold pack wrapped in cloth may be applied intermittently (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) to reduce discomfort.
7. Vision Fluctuations กSignificant fluctuations are common during the first week. Some days vision may be clearer; other days more blurred. It is advisable to take 1 week off work, especially if your work requires extensive visual effort.

Stage 2: From Removal of the Contact Lens to 3–4 Months After Surgery

1. Eye Drop Instructions
   • Post-Removal Medication The doctor will adjust the type and frequency of eye drops to prevent haze formation and ensure optimal healing. Duration of treatment varies by individual healing response. Do not stop or adjust medications without medical approval.
   • Artificial tears are essential to relieve dryness and irritation. Preservative-free artificial tears (single-use vials) must be used within 24 hours after opening. They may be used frequently as needed. If artificial tears feel too thick or cause prolonged blurring, inform your doctor for alternative options.
2. Protection From UV Light
   Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light increases the risk of regression. Wear UV-protective sunglasses when outdoors. Sunglasses also reduce light sensitivity during early recovery.
3. Normal Vision Fluctuations After PRK It is normal for vision to vary day-to-day or even within the same day. Vision may take up to 6 months to stabilize completely. However, if any of the following occur, contact your doctor immediately:
   Warning Signs
   • Persistent or severe eye pain
   • Marked redness that does not improve
   • Increasing blurriness over 1–2 days with no improvement
   • Inability to open the eye due to pain or irritation