Aftercare Guide
Eye Surgery Recovery and Follow-up
How to plan rest, follow-up, work, exercise and travel after SMILE PRO, NEW SMILE LASIK, LASEK or ICL. Recovery differs between people; follow the plan based on your examination and healing checks.
- Individual follow-up plan
- Fly-home guidance
- Clear aftercare guidance
Compare timelines
Your recovery plan after an eye examination
Your procedure and examination findings guide the plan. Your surgeon reviews healing before advising when to resume individual activities or travel.
Recovery milestones by procedure
These are general planning examples, not clearance to work, exercise, drive or fly. Your surgeon must review your procedure and healing and confirm each activity separately.
Scroll sideways to compare.
| Milestone | SMILE PRO | NEW SMILE LASIK | 2DAY LASEK | ICL EVO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Functional vision | ~24 hrs | ~24 hrs | ~4–5 days | ~1–2 hrs |
| Return to desk work | ~Day 2 | ~Day 1–2 | ~Day 5–7 | ~Day 2–3 |
| Discussing travel readiness | ~Day 2 | ~Day 1–2 | ~Day 7–10 | ~Day 3–5 |
| Light exercise | ~Week 1 | ~Week 1 | ~Week 2 | ~Week 1 |
| Swimming & contact sport | ~Month 1 | ~Month 1 | ~Month 2 | ~Month 1 |
| Settled, stable vision | ~Month 1–3 | ~Month 1 | ~Month 3–6 | ~Month 1 |
Step by step
Your recovery, stage by stage
- Initial care after surgery
Rest and use prescribed drops and protection as directed. Pain, light sensitivity and vision changes vary. Seek urgent eye care for severe or worsening pain or a sudden reduction in vision.
- Your scheduled post-operative check
Attend the appointment scheduled for you by the clinic. Your surgeon checks healing and vision and advises on drops, screen use and the next review.
- Returning to daily activities
Confirm work, reading, screen use and light exercise separately with your surgeon. Continue the prescribed drops and restrictions while you recover.
- Review before travel
Keep travel plans flexible and confirm readiness with your surgeon after the required checks. Timing may change with the procedure, symptoms and healing.
- Sports, swimming and makeup
These activities do not share one clearance date. Confirm swimming, contact sports and eye makeup individually with your surgeon. Restrictions may differ for LASEK and other procedures.
- Ongoing follow-up
Healing and vision are reassessed as needed; stable vision is not guaranteed by a particular month. Arrange follow-up after returning home according to your care instructions.
Day 1 essentials
The do’s and don’ts that matter most
- ✓ Do rest with eyes closed and nap often.
- ✓ Do use your drops exactly on schedule.
- ✓ Do wear the protective shield when sleeping.
- ✓ Do drink plenty of water and rest your eyes.
- ✕ Don’t rub or touch your eyes.
- ✕ Don’t stare at phones or screens for long.
- ✕ Don’t let water or soap run onto your face.
- ✕ Don’t drink alcohol — it slows healing.
If something feels wrong
Contact the clinic if you rub your eye or have concerns about symptoms. For severe or worsening pain or a sudden reduction in vision, seek urgent eye care rather than waiting for a chat reply.
FAQ
Recovery questions
What if I rub my eye by accident?
Stop rubbing and contact the clinic to describe what happened. Do not assume that an eye is unharmed because a certain number of days has passed. Seek urgent eye care for severe or worsening pain or a sudden reduction in vision.
Can I sleep on my side?
Follow the sleeping-position and protective-shield instructions given for your procedure. Avoid pressure on the eye and ask the clinic when you can change position.
Will it hurt?
Grittiness, watering, light sensitivity and pain vary by person and procedure. Follow the medication instructions you are given. Seek eye care if pain is severe or worsening.
When can I drive?
Do not decide by counting days alone. Have your vision and glare symptoms assessed at follow-up and confirm readiness with your surgeon. Advice for daytime and night driving may differ.
Do I have to stay in Korea for every follow-up?
Complete the checks required by your clinic before leaving, and agree where and when subsequent reviews will take place. The schedule depends on your procedure and healing. Follow your care instructions after returning home.
Plan your surgery and recovery around your trip
Share your possible travel dates. Suitability for a procedure is determined by examination; travel is then planned around the required checks and recovery. A short stay alone should not determine the procedure.
Smile Eye Clinic Korea · International Patient Division · Gangnam, Seoul. Recovery timelines are general guidance; your surgeon confirms your personal schedule. Individual results vary.