Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) is a form of laser vision correction that reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness and astigmatism. Unlike older methods, SMILE is considered minimally invasive because it uses a femtosecond laser to create a small, disc-shaped piece of tissue, called a lenticule, inside the cornea, which is then removed through a tiny incision.
Vision Immediately Following SMILE
Immediately after the SMILE procedure, patients experience a sensation of immediate but hazy vision. This initial blurriness is a temporary result of corneal swelling and the eye’s immediate reaction to the surgery. Common temporary side effects in the first 24 to 72 hours include minor irritation, a gritty feeling, and increased light sensitivity (photophobia). The majority of patients notice a significant clearing of the haze within two to three days, allowing a safe return to simple daily activities like driving and resuming work.
The Initial Stabilization Period
The period from the third day through the first month marks a transition from initial healing to functional visual stability. By the end of the first week, most patients have achieved vision near the 20/40 mark or better, which is generally considered sufficient for most daily tasks. During this month, the most common experience is the fluctuation of visual clarity, where vision may seem sharp one moment, only to feel slightly blurred or less crisp the next. This fluctuation is a normal biological response as the cornea continues to heal and the surface reshapes fully. By the one-month mark, a high percentage of patients, often over 90%, typically achieve 20/20 vision or better.
Variables Affecting Healing Speed
The speed at which an individual’s vision stabilizes is not uniform and is influenced by several biological and surgical factors. The magnitude of the original prescription being corrected is a significant variable; patients with higher degrees of nearsightedness, or high myopia, often require a slightly longer stabilization period. Individual biological healing rates also play a large role, as some corneas naturally recover and remodel faster than others. Patient compliance with the post-operative regimen is another factor that directly impacts recovery speed and quality. Diligent use of prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops is essential to manage inflammation and prevent infection, ensuring the healing process remains on track.
Achieving Final Visual Acuity
After the first four weeks, the eye enters the final, subtle phase of refinement, which can last from three to six months. Although the vision is already highly functional, clarity continues to sharpen and minor residual side effects, such as mild dry eye or night vision disturbances like halos and glare, gradually resolve. This ongoing improvement is a result of the corneal nerves regenerating and the corneal tissue fully settling into its new curvature. The surgeon typically considers the refractive outcome to be truly permanent and stable at the three to six-month post-operative examination.