What Is Not Normal After PRK?

PRK is an eye surgery used to correct vision problems. The ophthalmologist in Rayan Ranch uses a laser to remove tissue from the cornea, which is the clear, outermost layer of the eye. PRK can be used to treat myopia, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

PRK is a safe and effective procedure, and most people who have PRK surgery experience excellent results and can achieve their desired level of vision correction.

What to Expect After a PRK Surgery?

• • On the day of surgery:

You may have some pain and light sensitivity. Your doctor may give you eyedrops to help with this. You’ll also have a patch over your eye.

• • The first week:

Your vision will be blurry. You’ll need to take it easy and avoid activities that could hurt your eye, like rubbing it. This is usually caused by the healing process and should improve within a few weeks. If you experience any other symptoms, such as severe pain or changes in your vision, contact your doctor immediately. You may also experience glare or halos after PRK, which typically resolves within a few weeks. However, contact your eye doctor in Monterey if your symptoms are persistent or bothersome.

• • Weeks two to four:

Your vision will slowly improve. But it may still be blurry at times, especially up close. You might also see halos around lights. These side effects are usually gone in four weeks.

• • Beyond four weeks

Most people’s vision is back to normal by this time. If you’re still having trouble, your doctor can do more tests to determine why.

Side effects of PRK

When comparing PRK vs. LASIK, there are a few key things to remember. First, PRK is a surface reshaping procedure, while LASIK is a flap-and-ablation procedure. This means that with PRK, the cornea’s outermost layer is removed before the ablation (reshaping) portion of the surgery. LASIK creates a thin flap on the eye’s surface before the ablation is performed.

With PRK, some patients may experience temporary blurred vision and light sensitivity immediately after surgery. However, these side effects typically resolve within a few days to weeks after surgery as the epithelium regenerates.

What is not normal after PRK?

After PRK Laser Eye Surgery in Monterey, it is not uncommon to experience pain and discomfort, but it subsides within a week or two. If you find that your pain is getting worse or is not improving, be sure to contact your doctor, but here are a few tips such as:

• Applying an ice pack
• Take over-the-counter pain medication
• Wear sunglasses
• Avoiding activities that require strenuous eye movement

Is PRK surgery painful?

It’s not supposed to be painful. The first of two laser treatments will take just a few minutes, and then you’ll get a numbing agent in the eye to keep your eyes from blinking during the second treatment.

The procedure is done under anesthesia, so there’s no pain during the procedure itself. However, you may be uncomfortable for a day or two after surgery because of swollen eyelids and dry eyes. And after the first couple of days, some people feel like they have symptoms (such as redness and itching), which usually go away within two weeks.

Can PRK cause blindness?

PRK is a laser therapy used to treat certain types of vision problems. The procedure involves an incision in your eye, allowing the doctor to access the retina and remove any abnormal tissue causing your vision problems.

The main purpose of PRK is to correct myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism.

The procedure causes minimal discomfort, although some people experience discomfort during the healing process and after they have recovered from surgery.

Tips for Recovery from PRK

After having PRK surgery, it is normal to experience some side effects, such as discomfort and blurred vision. However, you can speed up your recovery and reduce your risk of complications. Here are some tips for recovery from PRK:

• Avoid strenuous activity and give your eyes plenty of rest.
• Apply ice packs to your eyes 24 hours after surgery to help reduce swelling and pain.
• Use artificial tears often to keep your eyes lubricated and prevent dryness.
• Wear glasses to protect your eyes from the sun and wind.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding care and activity level after surgery.

Schedule an Appointment

If you experience any unusual sensations or have concerns about your recovery process, visit Eye MD Monterey for advice and treatment recommendations.