Important Notes for Eye Care After SILK Surgery

SILK surgery is currently the most advanced laser treatment for refractive errors, developed by Johnson & Johnson (USA). This technology uses the next-generation laser energy to create and remove a small lenticule through a tiny incision at the edge of the cornea and completely flap-free. SILK combines low-energy laser pulses, high speed, and ultra-fine laser spots to deliver a smooth and gentle surgical experience, true to its name, which evokes the softness of silk. Notably, the exclusive bi-convex lenticule design helps preserve corneal tissue and significantly reduces the risk of post-operative dry eyes.

The procedure is quick and efficient, with the laser application lasting only 16 seconds per eye, and the entire procedure lasts around 15 minutes. However, to achieve the best possible visual outcomes, post-operative eye care is essential. Below are detailed aftercare guidelines from Japan International Eye Hospital to help patients protect their eyes and recover smoothly after SILK surgery.

Daily Activities After SILK Surgery

• Rest: Stay at home and rest on the first day after surgery.
• Mobility: Avoid driving or operating vehicles (bicycles, motorbikes, cars, etc.) within the first 24 hours, as your vision may not have fully recovered.
• Diet: Maintain your regular diet, but avoid alcohol, beer, and stimulants.
• Personal hygiene:
  • You may take a shower on the first day after surgery, but only from the neck down.
  • Avoid getting water or soap in your eyes during the first 3 days. After that, you may wash your face and shampoo your hair as usual.
  • Sleeping position: Avoid sleeping face down to prevent pressure on the eyes.

Important Notice:

If you experience unusual eye pain or excessive tearing after surgery, please contact Japan International Eye Hospital immediately for timely support.

Eye Hygiene and Protection After SILK Surgery

• After surgery, it is normal for your eyes to tear up and it usually subsides within about 4 hours. Gently dab around the eyes with a clean towel or soft tissue to absorb the tears and be careful to not let fluid flow back into the eyes as this could increase the risk of infection.
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, even if they feel uncomfortable. Instead, use artificial tears as instructed after surgery.
• For the first 3 days, protect your eyes from dust and splashing water. When going outside, wear sunglasses or protective eyewear to shield your eyes from dust, wind, and strong light.
• After returning home, patients may clean their eyes using sterile gauze and clean water, following the doctor’s instructions.

Physical Activity After SILK Surgery

• Rest at home on the first day after surgery to allow your eyes time to recover.
• After 3 days, you may resume light exercises such as walking or gentle yoga, but avoid strenuous activities that could put pressure on your eyes.
• Do not drive or operate vehicles (bicycles, motorbikes, cars, etc.) within the first 24 hours after surgery, as your vision may not have fully stabilized, which could affect your safety.

Returning to Work After SILK Surgery

• 4 to 6 hours after surgery: You may begin light visual activities such as opening your eyes naturally and reading.
• After 1 day: It is safe to use computers and smartphones, but avoid heavy or eye-straining work to prevent fatigue.
• Early return to regular daily activities is encouraged, as it helps the eyes adapt more quickly and supports better visual recovery.
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: After every 20 minutes of screen time or close-up work, rest your eyes for 20 seconds by looking at something 20 feet (about 6 meters) away to prevent eye strain.

Instructions for Using Protective Glasses After SILK Surgery

• Protective glasses: Wear immediately after surgery to shield your eyes from dust, wind, and other environmental factors.
• When going outside: You may switch to sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light and airborne particles.
• When sleeping: Wear the protective glasses provided by the hospital for the first 3 nights to prevent accidentally rubbing your eyes during sleep.
• Gentle eye activity: About 4–6 hours after surgery, start gently opening your eyes and reading to help your vision adapt to its new condition.

Instructions for Using Medication After SILK Surgery

• Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully
  • Use prescribed eye drops and oral medications exactly as directed.
  • Do not stop, skip, or add medications on your own, as this may increase the risk of inflammation, infection, or slow down the healing process.
• How to Apply Eye Drops
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before applying eye drops.
  • Gently wipe around your eyes with a clean gauze pad.
  • Do not let the dropper tip touch your eyes or eyelashes to avoid contamination.
  • Wait 5–10 minutes between each type of eye drop to ensure proper absorption.
  • If the drop runs off the eye, gently dab it with a clean tissue and avoid letting the medication flow back into the eye.
• Eye drop expiration notes: 
  • Within the first month after surgery: Do not use eye drops for more than 20 days after opening, even if there is still some left.
  • From the second month onward: You may use eye drops until they are finished, but no longer than 1 month after opening the bottle.

Post-Surgery Follow-Up Schedule After SILK Surgery

Scheduled follow up appointments: 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery.

Attending follow up appointments as scheduled allows doctors to closely monitor your recovery and ensure the best possible visual outcome.

If you experience any unusual symptoms such as eye pain, significant redness, or sudden vision loss, please contact Japan International Eye Hospital immediately for timely support.

Stability of Vision After SILK Surgery

Adjustment phase

After surgery, some patients may experience temporary difficulty with near vision, while distance vision improves significantly. This is a normal response as the eyes need time to adjust and accommodate. Vision typically stabilizes within 1 to 3 weeks.

Eye activity

During this period, patients can fully use their eyes for studying and working as usual. Engaging in light visual activities early on can support faster and more effective visual recovery.

Possible Symptoms After SILK Surgery

• Infection

As with any surgery, including refractive procedures, there is a risk of infection. Though uncommon, infections can delay healing or, in rare cases, cause serious eye damage. Patients should use prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medications exactly as directed to prevent and treat infection.

• Light sensitivity

After surgery, some patients may experience glare, halos, or increased sensitivity to light, especially at night. This is a normal reaction due to changes in the corneal structure and usually subsides over time.

• Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are a common side effect after refractive surgery due to changes in the corneal structure. Patients should use artificial tears regularly for 3–6 months, as instructed by their doctor.

• Hazy Vision

After surgery, some patients may experience blurred or hazy vision, as if looking through a thin layer of mist. This occurs when a thin layer of fluid remains between the corneal layers. As the fluid is gradually absorbed, the cornea fully adheres, and vision becomes clear again.

• Difficulty Opening the Eyelids

During the procedure, a specialized tool is used to hold the eyelids open. As a result, some patients may find it difficult to open their eyes after surgery. This is a normal reaction and usually resolves on its own within a few days.

• Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

In some cases, patients may notice red spots on the white part of the eye caused by broken blood vessels (subconjunctival bleeding). This condition does not affect vision and usually resolves on its own within about 2 weeks.

• Difficulty with Near Vision

After surgery, patients with myopia may initially find that their near vision is not yet clear. This is because the eyes need time to adjust and restore their natural focusing ability. In most cases, this condition improves within 1–3 weeks, depending on the individual’s healing process.

Important Note

• If an eyelash gets into your eye, do not rub your eyes under any circumstances. Instead, use eye drops as instructed by your doctor.
• In certain cases, medical intervention may be needed to clean underneath the cornea.