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Disclaimer

This website is only for basic information. It is not to be considered medical advice or a substitute for obtaining your own medical consultation, during which you will be informed also about possible risks, side effects and restrictions of refractive & cataract surgery. Not all treatment options are approved or offered in every country and approved labeling and instructions may vary from one country to another.

Recovery & Aftercare

Return to your regular activities of daily living as soon as the day following the procedure
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With Lenticule Extraction using SMILE® from ZEISS, some patients can return to many of their regular activities of daily living as soon as the day following the procedure, dependent on your doctor's recommendations. They will also advise you on what’s best for your recovery. However, as no flap is required with ZEISS SMILE laser vision correction, there is minimal disruption to the surface of the eye. Visual recovery can be as soon as the next day. And because laser vision correction with ZEISS SMILE is minimally invasive, patients may experience fewer dry eye symptoms after the procedure compared to LASIK.

What you should know about ZEISS SMILE

  • ZEISS SMILE offers laser vision correction without creating a flap in the cornea.

  • With ZEISS SMILE, your vision should normally stabilise within a few weeks. Your eye doctor can advise you when it is appropriate to resume any specific activities.

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    Because vision correction with ZEISS SMILE is minimally invasive, patients may experience fewer dry eye symptoms after the procedure.

Healing and recovery

What to expect in the first few days

As with all medical procedures, try not to overexert yourself when recovering. It is important you take time to rest and let your eyes heal. Your eye doctor can advise you when it is appropriate to resume any specific activities.

Things to avoid after surgery

Following your procedure, you should avoid rubbing or touching your eyes. Some surgeons may recommend wearing eye shields while sleeping for a day or so following your treatment.

What else to expect after surgery

Immediately after surgery, your surgeon will put medicated drops in your eye. Use all prescription eye drops and ointments you are given as directed as they help with your eyes healing process. You will also be told when the follow-up appointment is scheduled with your eye doctor.

Because laser vision correction with ZEISS SMILE is minimally invasive, patients may experience fewer dry eye symptoms after the procedure. Nevertheless, please continue to use any lubricating drops as prescribed by your eye doctor and limit your exposure to dry and dusty environments in the days following your surgery.

Post-surgery, you may experience fluctuating vision, light sensitivity or see halos around lights.

Click here for more information on ZEISS SMILE side effects.

9 tips for a speedy recovery

ZEISS SMILE checklist for post-surgery


Every patient is unique and recovery times vary slightly from individual to individual. However, there are things that you as a patient can do to help with the healing process, so you can get back to day-to-day life as quickly as possible.
  • A woman wears a white helmet and ZEISS ski goggles with a transparent visor.
    #1 Follow your eye doctor’s instructions

    Always follow all the instructions given to you by your eye doctor. This might include using eye drops or other medication, or even wearing a temporary eye patch in specific cases.

  • #2 Medication and eye drops

    Always use any medications or eye drops as directed. These will help your eye to recover quickly and safely.

  • A man wears a black helmet with blue mirrored ZEISS ski goggles, has skis over the right shoulder.
    #3 Follow-up appointments

    Attend all follow-up appointments with your eye doctor to make sure the healing and recovery process is progressing well.

  • Black helmet with red ZEISS snow goggles
    #4 Don’t drive after the surgery

    Have someone drive you home after surgery, as your vision may be slightly blurry in the first few hours. When you get home, rest your eyes.

  • ZEISS Snow Goggles
    #5 Resuming daily activities

    Even though recovery with ZEISS SMILE tends to be quick, ask your eye doctor when you can resume any specific activity or sports and carefully follow the instructions given.

  • #6 Don’t rub your eye

    Do not rub your eye, as this might cause damage to your cornea, eye infections or other complications.

  • #7 Avoid getting water in your eyes

    Although showering is fine, you should avoid getting water in your eyes. Wear an eye shield if instructed to do so.

  • #8 Wear UV protection

    Always protect your eyes from UV exposure by wearing sunglasses when outside.

  • #9 Avoid smoky or dusty environments

    Avoid smoky or dusty environments during the recovery phase—airborne particles can irritate your eye and interfere with the healing process.

Find a ZEISS SMILE center near you

Providers offering the procedure with ZEISS SMILE

Vision correction with ZEISS SMILE may be an option for you. Talk to your eye doctor to find out if you may be suitable for the procedure. To find a laser vision correction center, clinic or hospital using ZEISS SMILE near you and to learn more about the surgery as well as recovery, search our clinic finder.

Find a clinic or hospital near you

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ZEISS SMILE laser vision correction

To find out more about ZEISS SMILE and your personal suitability, don’t hesitate to talk to an eye doctor that offers ZEISS SMILE.

Clinic Finder
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    This website is only for basic information. It is not to be considered medical advice or a substitute for obtaining your own medical consultation, during which you will be informed also about possible risks, side effects and restrictions of refractive & cataract surgery. Not all treatment options are approved or offered in every country and approved labeling and instructions may vary from one country to another.