You can usually shower soon after SMILE, but you should keep water, soap, and shampoo out of your eyes in the early days. This reduces irritation and infection risk.
First Few Days
Extra care protects the small incision while it heals.
- Shower with your eyes closed and avoid directing the spray at your face.
- If water or shampoo splashes into your eyes, do not rub; let it rinse away gently and use lubricating drops afterwards.
- Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and saunas, which carry higher infection risks.
- Pat around the eyes dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing.
After the First Week
Restrictions gradually relax as comfort and stability improve.
- You can usually return to a more normal shower routine while still avoiding vigorous eye rubbing.
- Ask your surgeon about timing for swimming and underwater activities.
- Continue using drops as recommended, especially if the shower environment feels drying.
- Report any persistent irritation, redness, or blurred vision so it can be assessed.
