Important Recovery Tips for PRK Surgery | PRK Surgery Recovery

When diagnosed with less-than-perfect eyesight, what comes to mind are prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. However, not everybody wants to deal with irritating contacts and expensive glasses. According to our optometrist in Monterey, there are vision correction solutions such are PRK surgery one can explore.

What is PRK Laser Eye Surgery?

PRK surgery is an eye procedure that corrects refractive eye errors such as nearsightedness, astigmatism, and farsightedness. The PRK surgeon uses lasers to improve your eyesight by removing microscopic amounts of tissues from the cornea’s surface. This process could take several days to three months for the patient to achieve their best vision.

Benefits of PRK Laser Eye Surgery

PRK or Photorefractive Keratectomy is a safe and versatile eye treatment. It is often used as an alternative treatment when other laser options fail. The following are reasons why you should consider PRK laser eye surgery:

• PRK surgery creates minimal structural damage to the cornea. This makes it ideal for people involved in sports or physical professions.
• Because it’s less invasive, PRK surgery has a low chance of infections or dry sockets.
• The PRK eye surgery is also the only touch-free treatment that doesn’t require blades, suctions, or alcohol in your eyes.
• People with thin corneas have limited eye treatment options. PRK surgery is the only option for these particular patients.
• PRK surgery is cost-effective compared to eye treatment options such as LASIK

Important Tips To Recover from PRK Laser Eye Surgery

What to do is just important as what not to do after PRK surgery. One needs to lay the groundwork before the procedure. Take a few days off work, and prepare meals to take after the surgery. The following are PRK laser eye surgery recovery tips:

1. Ask for Help from a Friend or Relative to Help You Settle Home

Taking care of your eyes begins right at the eye medical center. It is important to bring someone you trust to take you home after the surgery. After the procedure, you will experience temporary blurriness and light sensitivity. This will make you unfit to drive or take public transport. Once you are home, let your friend tuck you into bed to rest, prepare a meal, and help with the eye drops.

2. Follow the Doctors Instructions

The eye specialist will give you specific after-care instructions after surgery. Be sure to take the prescribed medications or eye drops as recommended. Do not discontinue their usage unless stated otherwise by the doctor.

3. Avoid Anything that Might Dislodge the Bandage Contact

Your eyes will itch or burn for the first three to four days after the procedure. You may also feel like there is something in your eye. Do not rub or touch your eye to remove whatever sensation you feel. This will dislodge the contact lens and land you at the doctor’s office table.

4. Avoid Electronic Devices

During the first 24 to 48 hours post-surgery, lay off the TV, tablet, or computer. Screens can strain and dry your eyes. However, if you own an iPhone, set up Siri to read your texts and notifications.

5. Avoid Steaming Showers and Saunas

Hygiene is important hence you can take a bath to clean up. Steams are not ideal after eye surgery. Avoid swimming pools, showers, or saunas.

6. Protect Your Eyes

Your eyes will be sensitive after PRK surgery. To avoid bright lights from indoors and outdoors, wear UV-protective sunglasses. During the night, you can put on eye shields.

7. Use a Cold Compress Over Your Eye

Placing something cool and not freezing over your forehead and eyelids can help your eyes be less irritable. If you have trouble sleeping, it can also help you sleep easily. However, get approval from your doctor before using the compress.

8. Avoid Sports or Strenuous Activities

Any activities that will have you sweating, avoid them. You might get sweat in your eyes which leads to irritation. These physical activities may also cause damage your eyes.

9. Report Developing Eye Issues

PRK eye surgery dramatically improves your vision. In addition, it will decrease your dependence on glasses and contact lenses. PRK laser surgery can be used on people with scarred, thin, or irregularly shaped cornea. However, it is recommended by our doctors for one to review the benefits, risks, and costs of the PRK surgery with your doctor first.

Conclusion

If you notice any of the following signs swelling, redness, pus, or if you experience fever, call us now or contact us at Eye MD Monterey – Upper Ragsdale for a consultation for PRK laser eye surgery in Monterey, CA!