Driving after SMILE is usually possible quite soon, once your vision meets legal standards and you feel confident. This is typically confirmed at an early post‑operative visit.
First Day and Review
You must not drive immediately after surgery.
- Arrange for someone to take you home on the day of the procedure.
- Vision may be hazy and light‑sensitive for several hours.
- Most patients are reviewed within 24 hours, when vision is assessed.
- Your clinician will advise whether daytime driving is already safe.
Night Driving and Beyond
Adaptation to night‑time conditions can take longer.
- Halos and glare around lights are common initially and usually fade over weeks.
- Consider limiting night driving until these symptoms have settled.
- Use lubricating drops before long journeys.
- Attend all follow‑ups so any residual refractive error or dryness can be managed promptly.
