If you have questions about PRK or your upcoming surgery, Dello Russo Laser Vision is here to ensure that you have all the information you need. Your total comfort before, during, and after your surgery is our priority. We work hard to make sure each step of the surgery process is as seamless and painless as possible. In the meantime, find answers to your PRK FAQ and learn more about the procedure and PRK recovery before of your appointment.
PRK FAQs
If you are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism, you may be considering corrective surgery. Not everyone is a suitable candidate for LASIK, so your ophthalmologist at Dello Russo Laser Vision may recommend photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, instead. Let’s explore some of the most common PRK FAQ to help you better understand the surgery and what to expect from PRK recovery.
What is the PRK recovery timeline?
Everyone’s eyes are different and it will take time for your vision to stabilize after PRK surgery. Some patients see perfectly one month after their PRK recovery. Others may not have clear vision until six months after surgery. However, the majority of people can expect full correction of their sight between 3 and 6 months. Always follow your doctor’s medical advice regarding your specific PRK recovery timeline.
What to expect during PRK recovery period:
Right after surgery:
- Your vision will be blurry
- You’ll wear a contact lens-like bandage
- Someone should drive you home
- Rest your eyes by taking a nap, or relax with your eyes closed at home
- Use prescribed eye drops as instructed by the doctor
- Over-the-counter pain relievers are fine for any discomfort
- Do not stare at your phone or computer screen
- Contact your doctor if you have pain that’s not treated by over-the-counter pain medications
1 week after PRK:
- Continue using prescribed eye drops as recommended
- Wear the bandage until your doctor removes it (around day five post-surgery)
- Treat discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers
- You may experience watery eyes, light sensitivity, blurry vision, slight burning or itching, dry eyes, or the feeling that there’s something in your eye
- Do not rub your eyes; it could interfere with healing
- Get the rest you need to heal
1 month after PRK:
- You can return to work, drive, some exercise, and using face and hair products when directed by your doctor
- Avoid high impact sports
- Avoid activities that could cause chemicals or debris to get in your eye
- You may still experience some visual side effects, including halos, glares, starbursts, or difficulty seeing well at night
- Contact your doctor if side effects or discomfort worsens, rather than improving
6 months after PRK:
- You should achieve full vision correction by month six
- You should be able to partake in all normal activities
- You may still have light sensitivity, so wear sunglasses when necessary
1 year after PRK:
- Your eyes may be sensitive for the first year following surgery
- Continue wearing sunglasses in bright light
- Discuss anti-glare glasses if looking at screens bothers your eyes
What not to do during PRK recovery
It’s vitally important not to get anything in your eyes during the first week after surgery. Lotions, shampoo, and soap can all irritate the eyes so take care when showering. Avoid baths, pools, and hot tubs.
Avoid wearing makeup, using hair products, and getting your hair colored for as long as directed. Don’t participate in any sports, exercise, or physical activity until you have your doctor’s approval to do so. Getting sweat in your eyes can have negative effects on your ability to heal.
How to speed up PRK recovery time
The more you rest your eyes in the first days after surgery, the faster they will recover. Spend time in darkened rooms and avoid looking at your phone, computer screen, and TV. Stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet incorporating omega-3 fatty acids and lots of vitamins.
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays. This is always important, but especially for PRK recovery as your eyes may be sensitive to light for a year following surgery. Sunglasses and anti–glare lenses will help protect your eyes and speed up your PRK recovery time.
How painful is PRK recovery?
You’re likely to experience some discomfort in the first days of your PRK recovery. Days two and three are usually the most uncomfortable and there can be some eye pain. Blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and itchiness are also common after-effects of PRK surgery. Taking over-the-counter pain medication should ease the pain. If it doesn’t, you’re still in pain after a week, or your symptoms get worse, contact your doctor at Dello Russo Laser Vision for advice.
During PRK recovery, when can I read?
Your eyes need time to recover following PRK, so it’s recommended you don’t read or watch TV the day of your surgery. The following day you can pick up your favorite book. However, you may find you have blurry vision and your eyes will become tired very quickly. If this happens, take regular 10-minute breaks before starting to read again.
How does dry eye affect PRK recovery?
It’s normal to experience dry eyes after any corrective surgery. During PRK recovery your cornea is regenerating and recovering which can cause dry eye symptoms. Medicated eye drops will be prescribed to aid healing, but it’s also important to keep your eyes lubricated using artificial tear drops. If symptoms persist, speak with your doctor.
How can I schedule a consultation for PRK eye surgery?
Start with a free consultation with one of the skilled doctors at Dello Russo Laser Vision to discuss which eye surgery options are right for you. Free, no obligation virtual consultations are currently available to help ensure your safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Once your doctor confirms that you are a good candidate for PRK, you can schedule your PRK surgery.
Additional questions about PRK?
If you still have questions about PRK surgery or PRK recovery, get in touch with us at Dello Russo Laser Vision. Our knowledgeable and compassionate kind abThe knowledgeable teams in our four locations are ready to provide you with the answers you need.
