ROQUE Eye Clinic • SMILE Pro postoperative patient instructions
After SMILE Pro: the short answer
Rest on surgery day, do not rub or press your eyes, use your prescribed eye drops exactly as instructed, and attend every scheduled follow-up. Mild blur, tearing, light sensitivity and dryness may occur. Sudden loss of vision, increasing pain, pronounced redness or discharge is not normal recovery—seek urgent evaluation.
First 24 hours
- Go home with your designated companion and rest.
- Do not drive on surgery day. Resume driving only when the eye-care team has cleared you and your vision is adequate.
- Avoid rubbing, squeezing or pressing on your eyes.
- Use the actual written prescription given to you. Do not substitute another patient's medications or change your drop schedule independently.
- If protective eyewear was provided, use it exactly for the period your surgeon prescribed, particularly during sleep.
Medicines and eye drops
Your surgeon may prescribe medications to reduce infection and inflammation and lubricating drops for comfort. The type, number of doses and treatment duration must come from your own prescription. Wash hands before applying drops; do not let the dropper tip touch your eye or skin. If you cannot obtain a medicine, or you develop a reaction, contact the clinic rather than improvising a substitute.
For frequent artificial-tear use, your surgeon may recommend a preservative-free option. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that the need for artificial tears varies with symptoms. Do not treat an example schedule on another website as your own prescription.
Water, hygiene and makeup
- Take care while washing your face or showering. Avoid getting soap, shampoo, untreated water or other irritants directly into the operated eye until your surgeon clears you.
- Do not swim, dive, use hot tubs or return to potentially contaminated water activities until the clinic approves.
- Avoid eye makeup, false lashes and products applied close to the eyelids until medically cleared.
- Minimize exposure to dust, smoke, dirty work environments and contact sports during early healing.
Do not rely on one universal “day X” clearance rule. Return dates depend on the healing examination and the procedure performed. Request a specific answer for your job, exercise, swimming and contact sports.
Vision recovery and screen use
Fluctuating clarity, glare, halos, dryness or a foreign-body sensation can occur during early healing. Comfortable reading and screen use may be possible relatively soon; take breaks, blink often and follow the lubrication plan. Healing and functional vision are not identical for every person.
Follow-up visits are part of treatment
Attend the exact follow-up dates provided by the surgical team, even if you feel well. Your surgeon will check healing, vision, inflammation and ocular-surface comfort. Report persistent blur, worsening glare or dryness rather than assuming it is normal.
When to contact your surgeon immediately
Potential emergency: act promptly
- Sudden or rapidly worsening vision
- Severe or increasing eye pain
- Increasing redness or marked light sensitivity
- Thick discharge or a concerning white spot on the cornea
- New flashes, numerous floaters, or a curtain/shadow across the vision
Contact the surgeon urgently or seek emergency ophthalmic care. Do not wait for the next routine appointment.
Frequently asked questions
My vision is blurry after surgery. Is that expected?
Some early blur can occur, but sudden deterioration or pain needs urgent examination. Ask the clinic if you are unsure.
Can I rub my eyes if they itch?
No. Rubbing may injure the healing cornea. Contact your care team about safe relief for itching or irritation.
Can I use over-the-counter eye drops?
Ask the clinic before adding treatments. Your prescribed plan takes priority.
When can I work out or swim?
Obtain procedure-specific clearance at follow-up; this depends on healing, water exposure and injury risk.
Can I skip follow-up if my vision is good?
No. Important signs of healing or complications may require examination before you feel symptoms.
More information: SMILE Pro complete guide | ROQUE Eye Clinic booking page for nonurgent appointments.
ROQUE Eye Clinic: BGC +63 917 844 2020 • Alabang +63 998 997 2020. For severe symptoms, seek urgent care rather than waiting for routine replies.
Follow the written discharge instructions signed off by your surgeon. This web page supports but does not replace your personal prescription, restrictions or emergency contact plan.
Clinical references
Sources support the clinical information above. Regulatory indications and product features can differ by country.
