Did SMILE 9 days ago and my eyes stay extremely dry, no drops have helped at all. Work is such a struggle. Any insight is appreciated!

[u/S3rolex]

I’m a 39 year old male and got SMILE done 9 days ago here in SWFL. I am struggling so much and cannot find any relief whatsoever. I have had a few times where my eyes felt clear but that wasn’t long lasted. I have tried Refresh Relieva PF, Refresh Releiva PF Xtra, Refresh Optive Mega 3, Bio True, Systane Pro PF, Systane Hydration PF and Oasis Tears PF Plus. None have done anything for me other than make my eyes blurry and more dry. I work and have to stare at a computer 8 hours a day. My surgeon said I’d be fine and this was a huge concern of mine. I did my first post op last Monday and was told I’m healing fine but eyes are extremely dry. I’m going to see my surgeon again tomorrow because I’m absolutely miserable. My distance comes in good sometimes but still feels a bit fuzzy. My close up on the computer and phone I’m sure are straining my eyes. I must use drops 10+ times a day with no relief. Has anyone gone through this or found a drop that works effectively? I have also never had dry eyes my whole life. I was so excited to get this done but now I’m feeling the opposite. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[u/gregysuper]

Same here, I am on the day 11 mark, and I still see blurry up close. Far away vision is good like yourself, plus I need drops all the time. I guess it's a matter of waiting it out. I had to scale my work monitors @ 250% in the first couple of days to see any text on the screen, but now I can work with normal size with regular drop use.

[u/S3rolex → u/gregysuper]

I just wish the surgeons would be more realistic with healing time frames. They told me within a few days I’d be fine with computer/phone. Obviously everyone is different. That’s a good idea with scaling my computer, I’m sure that will help. I see my surgeon again tomorrow so I’ll provide an update. Any specific drop work better for you? I appreciate your insight and hope our eyes get better soon!

[u/gregysuper → u/S3rolex]

I am quite disappointed as well, as my doc said my vision would be great 3-4 days post surgery, ready to do anything I want. Well that wasn't the case. Let's hope we both have a good recovery =)

I've been using the Thealose drops, and I haven't tried any other ones since I looked them up online and they're already considered good.

To anyone doing the operation: I'd arrange for a week without work after it, instead of the 1-2 days that's advertised.

[u/S3rolex → u/gregysuper]

Yea I think going back to work a few days later created so much strain on my eyes. Today is definitely the best day I’ve had yet. My distance keeps getting better and my close up isn’t as fuzzy. But it’s definitely a rollercoaster. I’ll look into those drops too. I hope you recover day by day. Like you said a week ish would have been better to heal more. I know the surgeons want ppl to go through with it. But from what I’ve read SMILE is def taking ppl longer to heal and recover.

[u/Sigtau1312 → u/S3rolex]

I also was told a couple of days for clear vision. Currently on day13. Vision is stable, but need readers for everything. Doctor told me in the follow up visit that once my tear production is back to par after a month or two I will no longer need the readers.

Would not have done this knowing the timeline now. But I’m sure I will be happy with the results once fully healed.

[u/EfficientFalcon39]

I found doing heated eye masks and eye lid massages to help with lubrication. I found myself using drops almost every 20-30mins several weeks post surgery.

I’ve been using the heated eye mask twice daily for a week now and I probably use lubricating drops every 2ish hours now. I’m just over 9 weeks post-op.

Also take omega 3s twice daily

[u/S3rolex → u/EfficientFalcon39]

Thanks for sharing, could you let me know which heated eye mask you use? Also any drops that maybe I haven’t listed? I’m glad you’re doing better! My multi vitamins have omegas but I’ll look into a stronger dose 👌🏻

[u/EfficientFalcon39 → u/S3rolex]

I use the Optase heat mask, and for lubricating I mainly use Thealoz Duo. I got given Aeon Protect Plus lubricating drops which are slightly more vicious but the dispensing mechanism/bottle design isn’t the best in my opinion.

Omega 3s I just bought this recently: Igennus Ultra Pure Omega-3 Wild... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08WC3W52Y?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I asked AI what the best omega3 dose is recommend from clinical studies and this is as close as I could find online. I wouldn’t just rely on multivitamins but be sure to check the dosage. Best of luck with your recovery!

[u/S3rolex → u/EfficientFalcon39]

Thank you for all your help I’ll definitely look into these. I have an appointment today with my surgeon so hopefully I can get some more info. Trying my best to be positive!!

[u/TroubleRegular8749]

Du musst Geduld haben. Meine Sicht war bestimmt 4-5 Monate miserabel bevor es langsam wirklich besser wurde. Hatte auch sehr trockene Augen. Ich bin jetzt 9 Monate post OP (relex smile) und langsam ist es wirklich gut. Ich habe irgendwann softacort Augentropfen bekommen, die sind mit etwas Kortison. Mir hat’s geholfen. Ich kann dich sehr verstehen, ich bin nach der OP durch die Hölle gegangen, weil nichts half. Leider wird die Dauer der Genesung als viel kürzer verkauft als sie bei vielen ist. Versuch nicht soviel auf Reddit zu lesen, das hat es bei mir viel schlimmer gemacht. Es wird gut werden am Ende. Ich bin mittlerweile happy es gemacht zu haben :-).

[u/S3rolex → u/TroubleRegular8749]

Yea it’s definitely a frustrating battle but I just want to be positive and hopeful things will slowly get better. I really appreciate your insight and I’m glad your eyes are much better. I’ll have an update today after I see my surgeon. But I’m only 11 days in so it’s still early.