What to Expect with Your PRK Recovery
September 28, 2022
One question that many patients have about PRK surgery is the recovery time. Because thinking about post-surgery recovery can be daunting, you might want to know exactly how long it will take to recover from surgery so you can plan accordingly. However, it is important to remember that everyone heals at different rates. Some people have a very easy time recovering from PRK, while others may have a more difficult time. Here is a general guide to what you can expect during your recovery from PRK surgery.
The First Few Days
The first few days after surgery are usually the most difficult as your body begins the healing process. With PRK surgery, you can expect your vision to be blurry and your eyes to be light-sensitive and watery. You will also likely experience discomfort during this time. It is important to take it easy, rest as much as possible, and follow your doctor’s instructions. Your eyes will be dry, so we recommend using artificial tears liberally. You should also begin taking Vitamin C if you have not already.
One Week After the Surgery
At this point, you will most likely find that any discomfort you experienced during the first few days has greatly decreased. Your vision will likely still be somewhat blurry, but by this stage, most people have no problem doing everyday activities. It is important to continue to take it easy and not strain your eyes during this time.
Two to Four Weeks After Surgery
At this point, most people see a significant improvement in their vision. You may still experience some light sensitivity and occasional halos, which is normal and can usually be alleviated with artificial tears or eye drops prescribed by your doctor.
Four Weeks After Surgery
By now, most people have recovered from their PRK surgery. While your vision may continue to fluctuate slightly, you should feel like it is back to normal. Any discomfort should be gone, but some side effects, such as dry eyes, can continue to linger for a few weeks or even months after surgery.
Two to Six Months After Surgery
After this point, you should no longer be experiencing any side effects from your PRK surgery. Your vision should be stable, and you should be able to return to all your normal activities. If you have not yet reached this point, don’t worry – everyone heals at different rates. Just be sure to take it easy and listen to your body.
Schedule a Consultation
Recovering from PRK surgery can be a long and difficult process, but it is important to remember that everyone is different. With the skilled doctors at Anh Nguyen Ophthalmology, you can rest easy that you are in the best hands possible. To schedule a consultation, use our online contact form today.
