What to do if you rub your eyes after SMILE LASIK?

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If you have undergone SMILE, LASIK, or LASEK, you have probably heard the warning that you must ‘not rub your eyes’ for a certain period.

Perhaps you are worried about accidentally rubbing your eyes and searched for information, or you have already unconsciously rubbed your eyes and are looking for solutions.

Today, we will take some time to discuss the problems associated with rubbing your eyes after SMILE LASIK and how to deal with them.

What problems can arise if you rub your eyes after SMILE LASIK?

SMILE LASIK is a surgery with a fast recovery, allowing you to resume daily life the very next day. However, for about a week, the inside of the cornea is slightly swollen, which can cause blurry vision.

When vision becomes blurry, people may unconsciously rub their eyes.

If there is no sudden decrease in vision, no discomfort, and no particular foreign body sensation, there is usually no problem. However, if you feel a foreign body sensation or experience discomfort in your vision, it could indicate a scar or abnormality in the corneal incision site.

In such cases, you should immediately visit the hospital where you had the surgery for an examination.

If the hospital where you had the surgery is too far, you can also visit a nearby ophthalmology clinic that performs vision correction surgery (SMILE surgery).

Furthermore, in the case of general LASIK, there is a risk of wrinkles forming in the flap created during surgery, so it is highly recommended to visit the hospital. LASEK also carries the risk of corneal opacity, requiring even greater caution.

Is it okay to rub your eyes after a certain period?

The habit of rubbing your eyes causes continuous irritation to the eyeball, so it is best to avoid it even if you have not undergone vision correction surgery.

If you are considering SMILE, LASIK, or LASEK surgery in the future, this habit can be even more detrimental.

Continuously rubbing your eyes applies pressure to the cornea, causing the corneal shape to become asymmetrical. This can lead to limitations in the surgical method or make the surgery itself difficult.

Moreover, rubbing your eyes can be a cause of eye diseases.

Bacteria on your hands can infect the cornea or conjunctiva, leading to inflammatory conditions such as keratitis or conjunctivitis.

Therefore, whether a certain period has passed after vision correction surgery or even if you have not had vision correction surgery, it is best to refrain from rubbing your eyes as much as possible.

What are the precautions after SMILE LASIK?

Because the corneal incision site in SMILE LASIK is small, it offers relatively higher stability against external stimuli in the early stages of recovery compared to LASIK or LASEK.

However, in cases of continuous eye rubbing or external impact, it is advisable to be more careful than with an unoperated eye, so it is always good to be cautious.

Also, if a problem arises, rather than making a judgment on your own, please be sure to visit an ophthalmologist for a professional's confirmation.

Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic

is equipped with the latest equipment and a systematic examination system,

and provides sincere 1:1 customized consultations for each patient during surgery.

We always prioritize the patient and value transparency and safety above all else.

If you have any other questions,

please feel free to contact the eye clinic at any time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What problems can arise if I rub my eyes after SMILE LASIK?

Rubbing your eyes after SMILE LASIK can cause scarring or abnormalities at the corneal incision site. If you experience a foreign body sensation or visual discomfort, you should immediately visit the hospital for an examination. LASIK carries the risk of flap wrinkles, and LASEK carries the risk of corneal opacity.

Should I go to the hospital immediately if I rub my eyes after SMILE LASIK?

No, it is not necessary to go to the hospital immediately in all cases. If there is no sudden decrease in vision, visual discomfort, or significant foreign body sensation, there is usually no problem. However, if you feel a foreign body sensation or visual discomfort, it is best to visit the hospital immediately for an examination.

Is it okay to rub my eyes after a certain period has passed since the surgery?

No, rubbing your eyes is not good even after a certain period has passed since the surgery. The habit of rubbing your eyes can continuously irritate the eyeball, leading to an asymmetrical corneal shape or causing eye diseases, so it is best to refrain from it regardless of whether you have had vision correction surgery.

I rubbed my eyes after SMILE LASIK, but the hospital where I had the surgery is too far away.

If the hospital where you had the surgery is too far away, you can visit a nearby ophthalmology clinic that performs vision correction surgery for an examination. However, it is important to have it checked by a specialist rather than making a judgment on your own.

Is SMILE LASIK safer than LASIK or LASEK regarding eye rubbing?

Yes, SMILE LASIK has a smaller corneal incision site, making it relatively more stable against external stimuli in the early stages of surgery compared to LASIK or LASEK. However, continuous eye rubbing or external impact still requires caution, and if problems arise, you should visit an ophthalmologist.