If you’ve chosen- or are thinking about choosing- PRK for your vision correction, understanding the recovery process is essential for a smooth-healing journey. PRK recovery takes longer than LASIK due to the healing of the corneal surface skin, but with patience and the right steps, you can enjoy clear vision for decades to come.

Week 1: Initial Healing and Discomfort

In the first week, PRK patients commonly experience light sensitivity, blurred vision, and some discomfort as the epithelium starts to regenerate. During this phase:

• Wear Protective Lenses: You’ll likely wear a bandage contact lens for 5 days for comfort and protection.
• Avoid Bright Lights: Sunglasses can help with light sensitivity.
• Medication and Eye Drops: Follow your doctor’s instructions on using anti-inflammatory and lubricating drops.
• Put the comfort drops in: Use as needed for pain in the first 24-36 hours.
• Cool compresses: You can put cold blue gel packs on your eyes for as long as you want to improve comfort.
• Medications: Gabapentin and Norco are usually prescribed to help with pain. Take the Norco with food to avoid nausea and vomiting. If you develop a rash, itching, hives, stop the medication immediately and let us know

Week 2-3: Visual Fluctuations

During the second and third weeks, vision may fluctuate as the corneal surface heals and stabilizes. You may experience:

• Improvement in Vision: Vision should gradually get clearer but might still be hazy. Typically, you’ll be able to see to drive 3-5 days post-op, but it’s still almost always blurry to about 20/40 give or take a line.
• Sensitivity and Mild Discomfort: This should decrease compared to the first week, but dryness may persist.

Weeks 4-8: Steady Improvement

Around a month post-surgery, many patients notice a significant improvement in clarity, though complete healing can take longer.

• Clearer Vision: Visual stability increases, with fewer fluctuations.
• Resuming Normal Activities: All daily activities can now be resumed

Months 2-3: Final Stabilization

The final stages of PRK recovery involve stabilizing vision, with most patients achieving optimal clarity between two to three months post-surgery.

Tips for a Smooth PRK Recovery

1. Stay Consistent with Eye Drops: Using lubricating eye drops can relieve dryness.
2. Avoid Eye Strain: Limit screen time initially and take breaks to avoid eye fatigue.
3. Protect Your Eyes: Sunglasses help protect against UV light, which can affect healing.
4. Be Patient: Unlike LASIK, PRK recovery is gradual, so give yourself time to heal.

With patience and the right care, you’ll reach clear, stable vision.