Most SMILE patients notice significantly improved vision within 24 hours. Mild blurring, light sensitivity, and a slight gritty sensation are common the first day and typically resolve within 48–72 hours. We recommend taking the day of surgery and the following day off. You can return to desk work and screen use within 1–2 days, resume light exercise within a week, and contact sports within 4 weeks. Because SMILE creates no corneal flap, there is no risk of flap displacement during recovery — an advantage for active patients. Vision continues to sharpen and stabilize over the first 2–4 weeks. Your care team at Florida Eye Custom Vision will guide you through every step.
Formerly Maida Custom Vision | Serving Northeast Florida since 1995
