Summer Vacation & SMILE LASIK: Is Swimming Okay?

Hello, this is BGN Eye Clinic Jamsil Lotte Tower.

Are you preparing for your summer vacation? Lately, my friends have been coming back from trips with their partners, venting to me about the arguments they had. Going somewhere unfamiliar requires a lot of planning, so disagreements are almost inevitable, especially when water activities are involved!

Packing swimsuits, packing sunscreen, and looking up local restaurants... but for those who wear glasses or contact lenses, there is one more dilemma.

Every summer, we receive this exact question from so many clients in our counseling room, especially young women in their 20s and 30s.

Today, we are here to clear up all your doubts regarding "Summer Vacation, SMILE LASIK, and Swimming."

Q. Is it safe to get SMILE LASIK during the summer?

To give you the short answer: Yes, it is perfectly fine.

Traditional LASIK surgery required a relatively large incision of about 25mm. Because of this, many people worried about the risk of infection during the summer, often asking, "Won't it get inflamed easily since it's hot and humid?" In the past, many patients preferred to avoid the vacation season and scheduled their surgeries for autumn or winter.

However, technology has evolved. The SMILE LASIK performed today requires an incision of only 2 to 4mm; just 1/10th the size of traditional methods. This microscopic incision ensures rapid recovery and significantly minimizes the risk of infection. (I even double-checked this with our ophthalmologist today just to be absolutely sure!)

Therefore, there is no need to delay your surgery just because of the season. Getting the procedure in summer carries no extra risk.

In fact, many patients choose to undergo surgery during this time, saying, "I want to get it done before my vacation so I can travel comfortably."

Q. When can I wash my face or take a shower?

This is another question we hear without fail.

While many assume they will be completely restricted for days, SMILE LASIK offers much more freedom. You can wash your face and take a shower starting the very next day after the procedure.

Of course, there are a few simple precautions to keep in mind:

• Avoid directing strong water pressure straight onto your eyes.
• Do not rub your eyes firmly.
• Be careful not to let soap or shampoo foam enter your eyes.

As long as you follow these guidelines, you will be completely fine.

When we tell our patients they can wash up the next day, they are often pleasantly surprised, saying, "Already? That is much more convenient than I thought!"

Q. When can I go swimming?

This is where it gets highly important. Chemical substances in pool water can irritate the eyes, while ocean water contains salt and bacteria that can burden recovering eyes.

Here is the timeline we recommend:

• Washing & Showering: Available from the next day
• Daily Activities: Available from the next day
• Swimming & Water Sports: Recommended at least 1 week later

This means that even if you get surgery right before your vacation, you can safely enjoy water activities as long as you take precautions for just one week.

We often have conversations like this:

Hearing this, our patients leave with a smile, saying, "Awesome, I can go on my trip with clear vision!"

How does it compare to traditional LASIK and LASEK?

Even though they are all vision correction surgeries, the recovery process varies significantly depending on the method.

LASEK

This method removes the corneal epithelium, causing pain immediately after surgery and making even washing your face uncomfortable for 3 to 4 days. Undergoing LASEK in the summer makes the eyes more sensitive to sweat, humidity, and external bacteria.

Traditional LASIK

This method creates a corneal flap, allowing for quick recovery, but the incision area is larger than that of SMILE LASIK.

SMILE LASIK

It requires the smallest incision, ensures the fastest recovery, and has the fewest restrictions on daily life including swimming, making it the perfect fit for summer activities.

Therefore, if you are planning a summer vacation, SMILE LASIK is highly recommended as the most advantageous option.

Essential Tips for Summer Eye Care

Here are a few bonus tips to keep your eyes healthy during the summer! Since summer is a season of heavy sweating and rapid bacterial growth, adopting these small habits will greatly aid your recovery.

• Wear Sunglasses: This provides excellent protection against both UV rays and external dust or wind.
• Wash Your Face Lightly: Avoid rubbing your eyes with your hands; instead, rinse gently with water.
• Take a Break from Workouts & Saunas: Sweat and high heat can both irritate the eyes. It is best to rest for about a week after surgery.
• Use Eye Drops Regularly: Prescribed eye drops aid recovery and prevent infection. Make sure to use them consistently.

There is absolutely no need to postpone SMILE LASIK just because it is summer. Rather, it can be a great opportunity to free yourself from the discomfort of glasses and lenses, allowing you to enjoy your vacation with ultimate freedom.

In fact, many clients who were initially hesitant end up deciding on the procedure, saying, "I thought I couldn't do it in the summer, but it's actually better to get it done now!" Knowing that they can safely enjoy water activities after just one week gives them the peace of mind to make the choice.

• Ultra-small incision, ultra-fast recovery
• Washing and showering available from the next day
• Safe to swim after just 1 week

Keep these three things in mind, and you are good to go. Our medical team will guide you through every detail before and after the surgery, so you don't have to worry about a thing.

We wish you a lighter, freer summer with vision as clear as the cool ocean blue! :)