Laser eye surgery in the summer

Some surgeries are not recommended in the summer. This does not apply to modern laser eye surgeries.

There are various myths and misconceptions surrounding laser eye surgeries. One of these is that patients should not undergo laser eye surgery in the summer. Another myth is that due to the post-operative recovery process, patients won’t be able to fully enjoy the summer without restrictions. However, with the most modern laser method, ReLEx SMILE, there are no significant restrictions.

The idea that surgeries should not be performed in the summer is a general myth that currently has little basis in ophthalmology. While older, more invasive surgical techniques were once used, such as the PRK method, which involves disrupting the corneal surface and results in painful, slower, and more problematic healing, surgical technology continues to advance. The latest surgical methods, such as ReLEx SMILE, are completely painless, and recovery time is shorter.

The gentlest method of vision correction

"At Eye Centre Prague, we most commonly correct refractive errors and astigmatism using the state-of-the-art ReLEx SMILE method. This method is the gentlest and most precise for the eye. Thanks to the minimal intervention, the healing and recovery time is very short, and the patient returns almost immediately to normal life after the surgery. On the day of the procedure, we recommend that patients relax and rest, but by the second day, their vision sharpness stabilizes, and they can return to work and regular activities. The eye almost fully heals within two weeks after the surgery," explains Andrea Janeková, MD, FEBO, who performs laser eye surgeries at Eye Centre Prague.

Thanks to the most modern ReLEx SMILE vision correction method, the procedure is very gentle, precise, and completely painless. The surgery is performed using a femtosecond laser, which, based on precise calculations, adjusts the required number of diopters without compromising the strength and stability of the cornea.

Glasses and contact lenses are not ideal for summer

Anyone who wears glasses knows that they are truly inconvenient in the summer. You can’t wear sunglasses, swim with them, or engage in sports safely and effectively while wearing them. In such cases, contact lenses might be a solution. However, not everyone can tolerate them, and they are also not entirely suitable for swimming, as there is a risk of them being flushed out or introducing an infection into the eye.

"If a patient postpones laser surgery out of concern that they won't be able to swim all summer, this is truly unnecessary. They will have to avoid swimming, but with ReLEx SMILE surgery, only for a short time. After just two weeks, swimming is possible, and the patient can enjoy the rest of the summer fully without any restrictions," adds Dr. Janeková.

Summer can actually be an advantage

The summer months can actually be advantageous for surgery. For students, for example, as they have free time and can use it for the procedure. Another benefit is that the risk of catching a cold is lower in the summer, so patients don’t have to worry about rescheduling or delaying the surgery.

A free and comfortable life without glasses or contact lenses can be enjoyed pretty much anytime, regardless of whether it’s summer or winter. There is no need to postpone the surgery because of summer, holidays, or swimming.