Traveling abroad for SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) eye surgery is a smart way to combine cutting-edge vision correction with cost savings and travel. However, successful outcomes depend not only on your medical care—but also on how well you prepare for the trip.
Packing appropriately can make a big difference in your comfort, recovery, and readiness for both the procedure and your travel experience.
This guide will help you pack with confidence, so you’re fully prepared before, during, and after your SMILE surgery.
🎒 Essential Documents and Medical Records
Your first priority should be the paperwork you’ll need for consultations, check-ins, and possible follow-ups.
✅ What to Bring:
- Passport and visa (if required)
- Clinic appointment confirmation and contact information
- Letter of medical necessity (if provided by the clinic)
- Medical and eye health records, including:
- Most recent eye prescription
- Corneal topography or pachymetry (if available)
- List of current medications
- Travel insurance documents, especially if your plan covers medical tourism
- Emergency contact list (local and home-based)
- Printed copies of all documents, in case your phone or device fails
Tip: Store digital backups in a secure cloud folder or email.
🧴 Medications and Eye Care Supplies
Post-surgery eye care is crucial. While many clinics provide medications and drops, it’s smart to bring what you know you’ll need.
✅ What to Pack:
- Lubricating/artificial tears (preservative-free)
- Prescribed eye drops (if recommended in advance)
- Cold compress or gel eye mask for reducing swelling
- Oral pain relief meds (e.g., acetaminophen), approved by your doctor
- Allergy medication (in case of post-op irritation)
- Hand sanitizer or antibacterial wipes (to avoid eye contamination)
- Tissues or soft cloths for eye cleaning (non-linting)
Tip: If you’re unsure what will be provided, ask the clinic for a supply list during your pre-travel consultation.
🕶️ Recovery Essentials
After SMILE surgery, your eyes will be light-sensitive and may feel irritated for a day or two. Pack comfort items that support fast healing.
✅ Post-Surgery Must-Haves:
- UV-blocking sunglasses (polarized or wraparound style)
- Wide-brimmed hat or cap for extra sun protection
- Eye shields or goggles (often provided, but bring extras if needed)
- Sleep mask to avoid accidental eye rubbing
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes (no tight necks or eye makeup)
- Neck pillow for comfortable positioning during flights or naps
- Travel eye mask (if you’ll be flying or sleeping in bright rooms)
🧳 Travel & Convenience Items
SMILE recovery is quick, but you still want to travel as lightly and comfortably as possible. Your goal is to minimize eye strain and make moving around stress-free.
✅ Recommended Items:
- Power bank and chargers for electronics
- Blue light-filtering glasses (optional, if using devices post-op)
- Comfortable walking shoes (expect some walking during your stay)
- Filtered water bottle to stay hydrated post-op
- Travel-size toiletries (fragrance-free is best)
- Snacks or electrolyte drinks for recovery days
- Small crossbody bag to keep items easily accessible without heavy lifting
Tip: Avoid using heavy backpacks or bags that could accidentally bump your face or eyes.
🚫 What NOT to Bring or Use After Surgery
Some everyday items can interfere with healing or irritate the eyes post-op.
❌ Avoid Packing:
- Contact lenses or saline solution (you won’t need them post-surgery)
- Eye makeup or eyeliner (you should avoid using it for at least 1–2 weeks)
- Perfumed sprays or harsh skincare products (may cause eye irritation)
- Books or devices for extended reading (limit screen time for 1–2 days)
- Tight-fitting shirts or tops (difficult to remove without rubbing eyes)
🛏️ Optional Comfort Items for Hotel Recovery
If you’re spending a few days abroad after surgery, a few extra items can make recovery more relaxing in your hotel room.
✅ Consider Bringing:
- Travel humidifier (great for dry climates or air-conditioned rooms)
- Soothing music or podcasts (easy entertainment without screen use)
- Eye-safe cooling mask for swelling or dryness
- Notebook or voice recorder (to track your symptoms or questions)
📝 Final Travel Packing Checklist
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Documents | Passport, visa, insurance, medical records, copies |
| Eye care | Artificial tears, eye drops, cold pack, sunglasses |
| Medications | Pain relief, allergy meds, prescribed eye meds |
| Recovery gear | Eye shield, hat, loose clothes, neck pillow |
| Travel essentials | Chargers, filtered water bottle, hygiene supplies |
| Comfort items | Music, sleep mask, blue light glasses (optional) |
| Optional hotel gear | Humidifier, soft towels, soothing eye gel |
✅ Final Tips for Packing Smart
- Pack light but efficiently—focus on what helps you heal, not just what helps you travel.
- Avoid overexerting yourself by carrying heavy bags or planning intense sightseeing right after surgery.
- Confirm what the clinic provides (some include recovery kits, drops, or shields).
- Double-check local weather, hotel amenities, and airline luggage policies.
