Experiencing blurriness in one eye after SMILE surgery can be unsettling, but is often part of the natural healing process.
While this is typically temporary, understanding the potential reasons behind it can ease concerns and guide expectations.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) has become a popular refractive eye surgery for correcting myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. However, like any surgical procedure, it comes with its own set of recovery dynamics. If one eye feels blurrier than the other post-surgery, this blog will help you understand the causes, expected recovery timeline, and steps you can take to improve outcomes.
Understanding SMILE Surgery and Its Impact on Vision
SMILE surgery reshapes the cornea using a femtosecond laser, creating a lenticule (a thin disc-shaped piece of tissue) that is then removed through a minor incision. This state-of-the-art procedure is praised for being minimally invasive, offering a quicker recovery and less discomfort compared to traditional LASIK.
However, since the surgery involves corneal restructuring, it can temporarily impact visual clarity. Variations in recovery between both eyes are common, as no two eyes heal identically. Blurred vision can result from multiple factors, and understanding these is key to managing expectations.
Why Vision May Be Blurry in One Eye After SMILE Surgery?
It’s normal for one eye to recover more slowly or perceive vision differently after surgery. Below are some potential reasons for blurriness in one eye:
1. Healing Rates Vary Between Eyes
Each eye has a unique healing process. Post-surgery swelling, inflammation, or dryness may cause one eye to recover at a different pace, resulting in temporary blurriness. This variability can also be influenced by slight differences in pre-existing conditions or surgical factors between the two eyes.
Tip: Follow post-operative care instructions carefully and use prescribed eye drops for soothing dryness and minimising inflammation.
2. Residual Refractive Error
Though SMILE surgery boasts high accuracy, minor residual refractive errors can sometimes persist. Additionally, the brain’s adaptation process (neuroadaptation) may affect how each eye perceives clarity during recovery.
3. Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye is a frequently reported side effect following SMILE surgery. If one eye feels drier than the other, it may appear blurrier. This discomfort usually resolves as tear production stabilises during recovery.
4. Corneal Healing
Since SMILE surgery involves reshaping corneal tissue, the corneal surface may take time to smooth out completely. Irregular healing or swelling in one eye can temporarily distort vision, making it appear blurrier.
5. Eye Strain
Focusing too soon on screens, reading, or other visually intense activities—especially within the first few days post-surgery—can strain the eyes, worsening the blurriness in the affected eye.
6. Underlying Conditions
Sometimes, underlying eye conditions such as pre-existing astigmatism or irregular corneal thickness may amplify blurriness in one eye. This is why thorough pre-surgery evaluations are conducted.
What to Expect During the Recovery Timeline?
Blurriness in one eye is quite common after SMILE surgery and is often short-lived. Here’s an overview of the recovery phases:
- First 24 Hours: It’s normal to experience blurry or fluctuating vision, light sensitivity, and mild discomfort. Your doctor will provide medications and lubrication drops to alleviate these symptoms.
- First Few Days: Vision typically begins to stabilise, but blurriness in one eye might still persist.
- First Week: By the end of the first week, most patients notice significant visual improvement. If blurriness in one eye remains, it is likely due to individual healing patterns.
- First Month: Visual clarity continues to improve, and most discrepancies between the eyes resolve. Regular follow-ups with your ophthalmologist are essential to ensure proper healing.
- After Three Months: For most patients, any lingering signs of blurriness resolve completely by this stage.
Note: If blurriness persists beyond three months or worsens, consult your surgeon promptly. In some cases, if residual refractive errors are stable after this period, enhancement procedures may be considered to improve vision.
How to Manage Blurriness in One Eye After SMILE Surgery?
While blurriness post-surgery is typically no cause for alarm, there are steps you can take to manage and potentially speed up recovery:
1. Stick to Your Doctor’s Instructions
Regularly use prescribed medications, including antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops. This helps control swelling and prevents infections that may hinder healing.
2. Rest Your Eyes
Limit exposure to screens, bright lights, and reading during the initial recovery period. Rest is crucial for promoting consistent healing.
3. Use Artificial Tears
Dryness can exacerbate blurriness, so applying lubricating eye drops can offer comfort and prevent uneven tear distribution.
4. Avoid Eye Rubbing
Rubbing your eye can disrupt its healing process and even cause complications. If you feel irritation, use the prescribed eye drops instead.
5. Wear Protective Eyewear
Protect your eyes from irritants like wind, dust, and bright sunlight by wearing protective glasses or sunglasses.
6. Schedule Follow-Up Appointments
Regular check-ins with your ophthalmologist allow them to monitor your progress and address any concerns, including persistent blurriness.
When to Contact Your Doctor?
While blurriness in one eye is often harmless and self-resolving, certain symptoms warrant immediate attention:
- Persistent or worsening blurry vision after three months.
- Severe pain or irritation that doesn’t subside with medication.
- Sensitivity to light or halos that interfere with daily activities.
- Signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge.
If you experience any of these issues, contact your doctor promptly to avoid potential complications.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Blurriness After SMILE Surgery
Open communication with your ophthalmologist can provide reassurance and clarity. Here are some questions you might consider:
- How long can I expect blurriness in one eye to last?
- Are there specific activities I should avoid to prevent strain on my eyes?
- Could my pre-surgery eye condition affect recovery outcomes?
- Are additional procedures needed if blurriness persists?
- What signs should prompt an urgent follow-up appointment?
Having these discussions will help you understand your recovery process and alleviate any lingering concerns.
Achieving Better Vision Through Patience
Blurriness in one eye after SMILE surgery is a common experience for many patients and is rarely a cause for concern. With proper post-operative care and patience, most individuals achieve clear and balanced vision within weeks to months. By understanding the reasons behind the recovery process and taking proactive steps, you can help ensure optimal results from your procedure.
If you have further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your surgeon. Remember, understanding your recovery is part of the journey toward clearer, sharper vision.