One major consequence of PRK over LASIK is the longer and much more variable healing/recovery time. It’s nerve-racking having blurry vision weeks and even months after surgery.
The amount of time required to heal can be frustrating.
Since I’ve found comfort reading other people’s recovery timelines, I offer mine in hopes that it will do the same for you. On the flip side, I’ve also read quick healing timelines that made me more stressed out. Hopefully my story doesn’t do that to you. ;)
Just remember healing time is extremely variable; six months being the most common “worst-case scenario,” but I’ve also read between 9 and 12 months.
Unless anything else comes up, I will no longer update this post cause I’m back to normal! w00t w00t! But if you have any questions about my recovery, feel free to leave a comment.
Also, be sure to read the comments for some other first-hand recovery experiences. Thanks everyone for commenting and sharing!
Overview
Day 1 – September 30th, 2010
Surgery happened around noon.
We’re looking to correct:
- Nearsightedness (-3.25 in both eyes)
- Slight astigmatism
I will say one thing about the surgery itself. The doctor sprayed some fluid in my eye right after the laser zapped my cornea. During this split second I could see crystal clear. The laser above me was in sharp focus; no haze, no blurriness, just perfect vision.
This short glimpse into my future vision is what I hold onto when I doubt the results of PRK. I keep telling myself: “You saw clearly then. You will see clearly again.”
Right after surgery I could see somewhere between with contacts/glasses and without. So between 0 and -3.25. I didn’t have any pain, but the doctor told me to take a Lortab when I got home.
Lortab makes me nauseous, so post-op went something like this: got home, took a Lortab, slept, woke up, took another Lortab, slept and into Day 2 we go! ;)
Day 2
Eyes feel fine. No pain or discomfort. Doctor says everything looks good.
Vision is still what it was yesterday. Blurry, but better than before surgery without contacts.
While the doctor says I can’t drive yet, my vision is good enough that I feel comfortable driving to the grocery store for some lubricating drops. Not sure if my eyes are in the legal limits though. ;)
Day 3
You know the feeling you get when you’re in a dark room and walk outside into the sun? Your eyes feel overwhelmed and you have to shut them for a bit?
That’s how my eyes felt for the first part of the day.
I tried watching college football but couldn’t keep my eyes open for too long. My eyes felt overwhelmed. I couldn’t keep them open for more than a few minutes before I wanted to close them.
Luckily that cleared up halfway through the day and I felt fine afterward.
Vision hasn’t changed though. Still blurry.
Day 4-5
I was standing in my living room looking across to the kitchen when I realized I could see better than the previous days. Still not better (or equal to) when I had contacts, but definitely better than before.
That’s good news right?
Day 6
That is until the doctor messes with you!
I go in for my second post-op appointment and the doctor takes out the bandage contact lenses.
Vision regresses to what it was on Day 1-3. Bummer! *shakes fist at doctor* “You’ll rue the day!”
Day 7
I drive for the first time at night.
This is my first post-PRK venture in the dark with my new eyes. I know night vision problems is a common side effect of PRK (e.g. halos, glare, starbursts), so I’m anxious to see what night vision problems I have.
To my surprise, it doesn’t appear that I have any.
Since I’m still somewhat sensitive to light, I don’t stare at any street lights for too long, but as far as I can tell my night vision is what it was before I had PRK. Not seeing any signs of halos, starbursts, etc.
I’m praying this trend continues throughout my PRK recovery.
Week 1
The common thread the past week has been vision that is between with contacts and without. Basically my nearsightedness has been reduced, but not eliminated.
Luckily it’s good enough that I feel safe driving because I go back to work for the first time tomorrow. I’m slightly worried about going back because I spend a vast majority of my time on a computer and I don’t want to strain my eyes while they’re healing.
But *shrug*. It is what it is. I gotta work to pay the bills.
There haven’t been any significant improvements or regression in vision (just a small improvement on Day 4 and 5). Overall my vision has been fairly consistent since the surgery.
I will say I am surprised at how non-existent pain and discomfort has been. I’ve experienced no pain or discomfort this past week. Also, I don’t have any problems with dry eyes (another common PRK side effect). I use the lubricating drops as directed, but never feel like I need them.
Score one for the home team!
Day 8
First day back to work.
As I mentioned earlier, I spend most of my day on a computer. Being back wasn’t nearly as straining as I had expected. I did have to bump my screen resolution down to 1024×768 to see anything, but I feel good about resuming normal computer activity (with frequent breaks).
Day 9
Today was the first day I felt good about the strength of my eyes. My eyes have needed 10 to 15 minutes in the morning to fully wake up and not feel like they’ve just woken up from a coma. Not so much today.
Aside from the still blurry vision, they feel strong.
The eyes no longer need to be babied and I feel comfortable resuming activities I’ve avoided the past week (e.g. reading my Kindle and using a computer).
Day 10-12
Same old, same old . . .
Day 13
While my vision hasn’t had any major fluctuations since the surgery, I can tell there are slight changes up/down. Every couple days or so I’ll sense my vision is better than it has been. Usually it’ll happen randomly during the day, but it doesn’t last to the next day.
Today, unfortunately, was the noticeably worse day I’ve had since the surgery. Not horrible by any means. I could still drive and function as normal, but I could just tell my vision was worse than in the past.
Day 14
If yesterday was the worse day, today’s the best my vision has been yet. How convenient since I had another appointment today. ;)
Surprisingly, my vision is somewhere between 20/40 and 20/25. Didn’t realize it would be that good. I could make out the letters on the Snellen chart, but the sharpness/focus wasn’t there. That’s the part I miss the most from my vision. Even reading things up close (like the text on this monitor) don’t have the crispness I did with contacts.
But according to my current progress, the doctor says it’ll take another three weeks before my eyes stabilize.
So until then I won’t worry too much.
Week 2
My vision through this past week has stayed fairly consistent. Consistently not stellar. The story of my life the past two weeks. ;)
I can detect minor ups and downs in quality of vision from day to day, but nothing significant. I’ve had both my best and worst seeing days in the same week. But overall, I don’t believe my vision is any better than it was a week ago. Or, maybe the progress is happening so subtly that I can’t tell?
Also, the doctor says to wait another three weeks for the eyes to stabilize.
In all of this, you’ll hear me say my eyes are blurry a lot. I think I should define that a little more. I was nearsighted (-3.25 in both eyes). After surgery I am still nearsighted (as of right now), only less so. I can read/see fine up close, but things in the distance are blurry.
Blurry applies to distance vision (which is expected being nearsighted) but it also applies to close-up vision. In this context, blurry means the vision isn’t crisp/sharp. It’s slightly out of focus. So while I can read a book just fine, I can detect a hint of the words being out of focus.
The clarity just isn’t there yet.
Week 3
This has been the best week by far. There’s been noticeable improvement in my vision. I believe I’ve hit 20/20 at various points. It’s been neat getting up in the morning and being able to see clearly.
My vision hasn’t fully stabilized yet, but I’m finally starting to feel better about the results of my surgery. If things progress as they have I’ll be a happy camper.
I also engaged in sports for the first time without any problems. Played a couple matches of tennis and a pick-up game of Ultimate Frisbee. At no point did I feel hindered because of my eyes.
There are still minor ups and downs from day to day (and within each day), but the average quality of my vision has improved. Let’s say last week was 75%, this week it’s been 85%.
The blurriness is slowly clearing up (both distance and close-up). I can now see objects in the distance with more focus. Books are also getting clearer, however, I am still having some blurriness when viewing computer screens.
Week 4
I’m pretty confident my vision is at or near 20/20. This makes me happy, but at the same time my vision is still not at the same quality it was with contacts.
I could see 20/20 with my contacts, but things were much more crisp.
Being able to see 20/20 is only one aspect of good vision. The part I’m missing is the sharpness and clarity. So that doesn’t make me happy and reminds me there’s still more healing/waiting that needs to be done.
Also, I think I am having some night vision issues. Still no halos, starburts, etc., but I feel like I’ve lost the ability to see detail in the shadows. It’s kind of hard to describe. As I’m drive at night there are portions of what I see that appear to be completely black; where I can’t see any detail. Instead of seeing an outline or shape in the shadows it all blends together into a blob of darkness.
Let’s hope this isn’t a permanent issue. While it wouldn’t be the end of the world if it were, it’s still a little weird. What if a burglar jumps out from the shadows and I can’t see him!? ;)
Week 5
Overall, not much has changed from last week. The vision has stayed consistent (near, if not at 20/20) and I think the lack of clarity/sharpness has gotten a bit better.
And also, I’m positive now I am having night vision side effects. I haven’t quite put my finger on exactly what it is. But it does have to do with not being able to see shadow detail. And whether it is related or not, there seems to be certain situations with lights (i.e. stop lights/car head lights) that make me sense something is different than it was prior to surgery.
I’m going to try and experiment with my night vision this upcoming week to see if I can explain what these “symptoms” are.
Week 6-7
Wow, has it already been seven weeks since the surgery? Over the past two weeks I’ve found myself not noticing any vision problems at all (at least during the day). So the slight issues I had looking at computer screens has gone away. It was such a gradual thing that I didn’t even realize it was getting better.
I just started waking up and going about my day like nothing was wrong. Only when I had to think about writing this update did it occur to me things had gotten better.
But as I hinted at before, I still have a detectable problem seeing details in shadows at night.
Even if that doesn’t clear up, I will still be satisfied with the results of my surgery. I have a follow-up appointment this upcoming week. We’ll see what the doctor has to say then.
Week 8
Had a follow-up appointment with the doctor this week. According to the Snellen chart, I’m seeing just better than 20/20. I could read the 20/20 line without any problems and some of the 20/15 line. Good news there.
As far as the night vision problems I’ve been describing, I explained it to the doctor and he wanted me to do a little test. He wanted me to compare my night vision with someone else. His main reason being sometimes people can over-analyze too much and he wanted a comparison.
Sounds like something I would do. Pretty ingenious “experiment” if you ask me. ;)
So I did the test and my roommate could not see shadow detail any better than I could. Perhaps I am seeing normally. I’ve only been able to compare with one other person. I’ll find a few more and see if the results are the same. If they are, that bodes well for me. That means my vision is normal and as good as it was with contacts/glasses!
From here on out I will only update this blog monthly.
3 Month
90 days! 3 months!
So here’s the deal. From my last update you know I was “complaining” about some night visions issues and the comparison my doctor wanted me to do. Aside from my roommate, I didn’t compare with anyone else cause I feel like I don’t have those night vision problems anymore.
Now you’re probably thinking to yourself it must have been psychosomatic (i.e. my brain was making me think I had issues when I really didn’t), but I swear I had problems! By coincidence it cleared up after my doctor had me do the test. Seriously! ;)
I would say I felt 100% healed and fully functional at the 2.5 month mark.
Other Recovery Timelines
- My PRK Adventure (three month recovery)
- PRK Surgery and Recovery (5+ week recovery)
- My PRK Surgery and Recovery (three month recovery)
- My PRK Experience (41 day recovery)
1,434 replies on “My PRK Recovery Timeline”
I had my surgery January 18th. I was told I could go back to wearing makeup on the 25th but refrained until 28th. Even then, it was something light that could be taken off gently, like just eyeshadow used as liner. About a week after that, about day 15, I started wearing my normal amount but just decided to forego the mascara since I find the steroid drops really cling onto the lashes more with it. My eyeliner is clay based that is waterproof and wipes off easily with makeup remover and very little pressure. I hope this helps!
I have a question for all the ladies: how long until you we’re comfortably wearing eye makeup? I imagine with all the drops you wouldn’t want something that’ll just smear all the time, but maybe something soft and waterproof? Not sure what the rules are.
I’m so glad I found this blog! I had a 3 1/2 hour consultation yesterday, I feel that my doctor was very thorough and explained what to expect with PRK but its still good to read personal experiences. I’m a nurse working in a hospital; my doctor requested for me to take no less than 7 days off and I requested off 10. I’m nervous that wont be enough (lots of charting on a computer, not to mention needing my near vision for reading medications and accurately measuring them in syringes). But I’ll wait and see how I do and go from there. My surgery is scheduled for 3/19, he wanted to make sure my cornea shape is stabilized after wearing contact lens. Funny thing is, I didn’t even wear them often but apparently it made an impact on my left eye.
Anyhow, thank you all for your stories, much appreciated!
I am on day 21 and thought I’d give an update. I still have hazy vision and noticed that whatever clarity I had seeing the time on my cable box is not there anymore. I do notice, however, that what I see about 2 feet in front of me, like my monitor, calendar, phone, etc. is actually clearer than the untreated eye (even with the haze), so that’s promising for me. I imagine as I continue to heal, I’ll be able to see further and further into the distance. And hopefully, the haze will go away.
Cathy, I was 5 weeks post prk yesterday. That 3rd week was the worst for me and felt like my healing was going backwards. The fourth week was a little bit better and the 5th week I noticed the most changes that were positive. Things are definately getting more clear now..finally. I did start taking some allergy meds the last couple of days and noticed that they dry my eyes out even more.
Hang in there, next week should be better. You are over the worst part. :)
I thought I would post an updated. I will be 6 weeks post prk on Thursday. I could feel changes coming the last few days. What I mean by that is my vision felt worse so i knew something was going on. Today is day 40 and they do say that is the “magic” number.I am definately seeing more clear today. I can look down the street, blink a few times and have perfect crisp vision. It’s just that my tear quality isn’t there yet so my vision keeps changing with each blink. Since I have been thru this before I know it gets much better soon. On Thursday I go down to 2 steroid drops for a week and then one for the last week. I am very excited to get off these drops because I know my vision will improve even more within a few days of stopping them. Things are starting to look up but I know that there will be days that I feel as if I am going backwards. I’m just happy to be past the first four weeks. Those were the toughest. Hope everyone else is doing fine.
I am glad I stumbled upon this page. I had PRK done in both eyes last friday (today is still wednesday). Reading through these comments it looks like I still have a ways to go…. patience patience patience…
Hi Karen, yes definately need to be patient and try not to analyze your vision everyday or you will get frustrated. I am 5 weeks out today and just came back from my appt. If you read my previous posts I had problem with haze on that eye so I had to get an enhancement. My eye is clear and healing very nicely.
Yesterday was another one of those days that I was really dizzy. Usually when this happens there is a change coming on and sure enough I do feel like my vision is better today.
My eye is still blurry when it feels dry, but that is getting a little better. I think in about 3 weeks I will be pretty happy with the results. I have 3 more weeks of steroid drops tapering down and that will help too.
Hang in there, it’s a roller coaster ride….please keep updating us. Make sure you use your drops alot..it helps with healing and haze.
First, huge thank you to Alex for this blog. I am normally very skeptical of medical advice on the interwebs, but I echo the thought of so many posters who said that their doctor did not adequately prepare them for what a PRK recovery really entails.
I had my left eye done on 1/3/13 and am posting on 2/4/13. I am 34 yo female, nearsighted -6.0 and did my left eye only for my first go.
Day 1 – surgery was not bad. Chatted with doc as it happened. Was not in pain during or after. There were some snappy Star Wars lasers during the surgery and I thought it was cool.
Day 2 – with the potective lens on, I can see great. I only had one eye done, and while my depth perception is slightly off, I can even drive short distances. No pain. No need for painkillers. Still, I take one before bed, as my doctor warns me that Day 3 is when it will hit.
Days 3-4 – Pain with a vengeance, both throbbing pain and feeling like there is sand in my eye. I am MISERABLE. Very light sensitive. Try to tell myself to stop being a baby, but there’s no denying…this is rotten and I feel awful. Doping myself up on Vicodin helps, until I have an allergic reaction.
Day 5 – Attempt to go to work. Mistake. I can’t see a thing. I work in law and stare at a computer screen all day. By midday, I go to my doc to have the protective lense removed, as scheduled. Once lens is off, my eye feels like sandpaper and I REALLY can’t see. Monday is a bust…I use half a day PTO, and got very little accomplished. Should have stayed home to rest instead. Pain is rotten.
Day 6 – Tuesday. Eye pain continues. Work in my office wearing a pirate patch. Finally have the brilliant idea to enlarge the font, icons and resolution on my computer screen. Hallelujah! Still, I cannot work for more than an hour or so. Eyes are very dry.
Days 7 – 9 – I am still pretty useless at work. Reading printed material, in which I can’t adjust the size, is the worst. I do dumb things like set my keys down in my basket in the shopping cart at the grocery store and leave the headlights on in my car, because normally my eyes would save me from such stupidity, but I can’t see! I really should have taken the week off to listen to some good books on tape or Great Courses. People at work are sympathetic, but, in truth, I can’t do my job properly. I can’t.
Days 10 – 14 – I have moments of clarity when I wake up in the AM or at night. My doc says this is because my tear film is “filing in the gaps” of where my cornea was abraded and is healing. Kinda cool. I no longer have throbbing pain, but dryness and light sensitivity continue. If I overdo it at work, I absolutely can’t see…my left eye goes on strike. Continue wearing pirate patch at work. Night driving is difficult due to halos and mild double vision still. Spend a substantial portion of my day using my good eye only. My friend helpfully tells me that I am squinting as I stare at my computer screen. I swear my forehead wrinkles are deepening as each day passes.
Days 15 – 30 – vision improves in fits and starts. Am much, much more comfortable at work (there were definitely days in previous weeks where I contemplated going on medical leave!) Can finally do my job decently, but not 100%. I still can’t see well enough to proofread completely accurately. Wear pirate patch for spreadsheet work only. Am still in awe that I paid someone to do this to me….
Day 31 – visit doctor. He says I am healing within normal range, but I can tell it’s at the low end. For instance, the eye chart they put up for me….well, I can’t even read the top line of it. Turns out I am 20/50, which is about a -1.00 in diopters, roughly. They tell me things should be great by the time I do my second surgery in a month or so. They map my eye, and my doctor shows me where I still need to heal (epithelial eye tissue needs to grow together), but I am taking my vitamins and hoping! Doc says it’s all fine. I trust him…he’s THE MAN in the SF Bay Area…the best.
I opt to postpone doing my other eye as I cannot take another 2 weeks of unproductivity at work! My colleagues were so patient, but….I am way behind. Need some time to catch up! I wish someone would have explained that it it’s not just that you can’t see…it blurry AND painful post-PRK. However, I am so excited to be able to see at night when I wake up, or to read, up close, before bed….then my “good” eye switches from my noncorrected, no contact eye to my surgery eye. This is a miracle, despite a very, very rough month, and I can’t wait to do my other eye soon!
Also, I asked my doc if people ever do one eye LASIK and one PRK. Doc confesses that he did a study for that (which he claims was difficult to recruit for) but that the end result was fine. However, he checks my chart and I am not a candidate for LASIK. Drat! What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger? That I have borne; this I shall bear too…..
Honest, very glad I took the PRK plunge. There were some rough days, but…better days ahead, surely (she says with rose-colored glasses, in hindsight).
Good luck to all of my fellow PRKers…it is worth it…I can already tell, even at 20/50!
Glad to hear you are doing ok. I would say I am about 20/40 in that eye, but 20/20 when I put drops in. If only I could have a permanent drop in for now. I think in a couple weeks everything will be great. Last time I saw GREAT improvement a few days after I stopped the steroids. It made a big difference..everything just kind of sharpened up. Keep us updated. Nice to have someone on the same timeline.
Hi Alli and Cramer – I’m on the exact same timeline – had PRK on one eye on Jan. 2, which puts me at about 35 days out right now. It’s such a relief to read this blog and hear that others are having a similar recover, although I’m definitely not totally reassured that it’s going to end up being okay. My eye is still pretty blurry and it would be impossible to read my computer if I didn’t have my “good” eye with the contact in it to see with. I’d probably be a bit nervous about driving as well, especially at night. I can’t imagine what my life would be like if I had had both eyes done at once. I’m so glad I decided to just do one at a time.
When I saw the doctor a few weeks ago, my PRK-eye vision was about 20/40, but that was with a lot of blinking, squinting, etc. My close-up vision seems to be the same amount of blurriness (or possibly even more), i.e., it’s the same degree of blurriness at every distance – close, mid, far. Is that the experience others are having or have had?
I keep thinking that this may be as good as it gets, which means I’ll need an enhancement. That’s not the end of the world, but the surgery and immediate recovery are not exactly fun, plus it really stretches out the timeline for having the other eye done. Anyway, I go from feeling elated to feeling discouraged on a daily basis. I’m definitely glad I had it done, in that I can see so much better when I wake up, I can see when I swim, etc. But I wish I could know that this blurriness will go away at some point. I don’t think I’m willing to have 2 blurry eyes, which means I could end up with a contact in one eye for the rest of my life.
I had both eyes done the first time and it really messed with me since the docs didn’t prepare me about the recovery time. Having one eye done has made it so much easier.
Try not to worry. Keep telling yourself at least three months. My eyes were changing up to a year. My right eye is amazing now.
My eye is blurry still too but that is mostly because it still needs to smooth out and it is dry. Not sure if yu are still on steroids but you should see a huge improvement once you are off these.
Every week I am seeing small improvments in my eye. Trying not to obsess about it. I did that the first time and it was aggravating.
I have my appt on Thursday so should be interesting. Hang in there!
Thanks for all your comments and encouragement Cramer!
You’re only a month in! You’re definitely not at the “it’s as good as it’ll get” state. Listen to cramer. Healing is a looooong process. It can take months, so don’t fret.
Be patient. I really hope and pray your results blow your expectations out of the water!
Hey Alli, thanks for sharing your timeline over the past month! Keep the positive attitude and don’t over-analyze your eyesight too much in the next month or two and you’ll be fine!
It sounds like your doctor knows what he’s doing. Trust him when he says you’re healing normally.
Praying your results are 20/20 or better!
I had PRK done on my right eye, which was -8.00, last Friday. I’ll be having the left (-8.25) in about 6 weeks. Right after the surgery, I was pretty excited because I could seen the signs, though not clearly; just better than I could without the contacts. Day 2, I was at 20/25, though everything was hazy. Now, it’s day 8 and everything is still hazy. I somewhat expected this, though was hoping that it would pass quickly. My vision also degraded to about 20/80. The bandage came out day 3. For whatever reason, it just would not sit on my eye and since I was mostly healed, the doctor thought it would be fine to leave it out.
I know in the end I’ll be very happy with my results; I guess I’ll just have to be patient.
Hi everyone. I had prk a year and a half ago on both eyes. I was a slow healer. My right eye healed perfectly, but my left eye developed haze. They put me back on steroids and it would come and go and eventually my vision in that eye just got worse. It got worse from the haze, but also because my prescription changed. My right eye is probably 20/15. I went in for an enhancement on January 3rd so I am 3.5 weeks out. My eye is still pretty blurry, clears up for a second with a drop in the eye. My biggest problem is that I feel really dizzy when I work on the computer or when I drive because my eyes are so different. I know that it takes things a while to clear up but it is frustrating. The goods news is that when I had my original surgery my left eye always seemed like it had a film on it…like a light fog. This time it’s not there so when things heal up it should be wonderful. It’s just getting there. Has anyone else experienced dizziness from having one eye done only? Maybe I should get a contact to help me with this while it heals. Thanks for all the support on this board.
Hi cramer,
Could you actually see the haze on your eye? My eye looks normal but the vision I have, I liken it to wearing a contact that has the protein buildup (I’m sure contact wearers know what that feels like!)
I’m told that the part of my eye that is still healing is right in the center of my vision and to just give it some time. It’s now Day 9. I woke up, was able to see the time on the clock and thought the hazyness was not as bad as the day before. That was until I put in the preservative free drops. I complained to my doctor on Day 2 that I never got the scratchy feeling except when I put those drops in (which I thought was odd). And today, I woke up with decent vision, but then put the drops in and now I’m back to that filmy vision. I’ve tried Thera Tears and Systane and I’m wondering if perhaps those drops are putting a film on my eyes? I don’t know. Seems really odd that I’m having the opposite effect. After my week appointment, I was told to stay on the steroid until my next appointment, which isn’t until Feb. 22nd. I hope this clears up soon!
In regards to your eye drops, they should not be making your eyes feel scratchy, It should feel good when you put them in. Maybe there is something in the drops that your eyes are sensitive to. I would just keep trying different drops a few days at a time to see which work the best.
I am hoping that tomorrow is a better day for me. Today I was just frustrated and am over this. If my memory is right, it was about a month before my vision was decent. I had my surgery on the 3rd so hopefully this week things will be better.
I also know for a fact that once I got off the steroids there was a huge change in my vision a few days after. I still have 5 more weeks to go tapering down on the steroids. Time sure goes slow after you have PRK.
I’ll try not to think about it so much. It’s hard when I have one really good eye to compare it to.
Keep us updated!
Well, I had both eyes done originally at the same time and knowing what I know now I would have had them done about a month apart. That first month was awful..trying to work on my computer.
Today I was not feeling dizzy at all. My eye cleared up a little bit more in the afteroon. I think I’m finally making progress. We will see what tomorrow brings.
Doing one eye at a time does make you dizzy and feel off balanced. I guess you have to choose what works better for you. Lucky me, had to have an enhancement so I get to experience both.
I hope all of you are moving along.
Yeah I often wondered why people got only one eye done at a time? wouldn’t that mess with your balance? was totally worth doing both at the same time. if it’s a money issue…why not just wait until you can afford both at the same time?
Well lucky me got to experience both because the second time around I only did one eye because of the enhancement.
Today was probably my best day. No longer dizzy and all of a sudden this afternoon things cleared up a little more. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. I finally feel like my eyes are working together. The best part is I have NO hazy vision. Things are nice and clear, not crisp but clear.
My doctor (who is the supposed best in the Bay Area) said that 2-eye PRK is really only indicated for pro athletes, retirees or military folks who get put on full R&R afterward. I do a near-work-heavy job, law. I use a computer and play with numbers all day. My doctor said that I would not be able to see for several weeks or do my job if I did both eyes as once. He explained that the inability to see would go in and out and would not be correctable. He was right…I have struggled mightily to do my job with only one eye done.
I completely agree with you Alli. I work from home on the computer and took a month off after having both eyes done. I remember I struggled for several weeks after that to do my work. It was pretty upsetting. It’s nice to have one good working eye now.
Hi Cathy, did you get my reply? For some reason I don’t think it’s posting..The haze was noticeable from the beginning. Like you said it looked like a dirty contact and it never went away. It was very annoying. My right eye was clear from the get go.
Hi cramer,
I’m not sure what’s going on with my drops. I’m trying a 3rd type, Optive-sensitive, and these feel like they’re sucking the moisture right out of my eyeball when I put them in. I’m on Day 10 and still hazy visioned.
I don’t get dizzy with the 2 different prescriptions; my just eyes feel tired from the strain. Perhaps it’s because my dominant eye is still untouched and has a contact in it. The strain definitely is worse at bedtime.
You mentioned you got enhancement surgery 3.5 weeks ago, was your sight hazy this whole time? Was there a reason they waited so long to fix that?
I had my original surgery on 7/1/2011 and that is when I had the haze. The left eye had it from the beginning. Most of the time the haze will leave with steroid drops but mine would come back as soon as I stopped the drops. After the year mark my eye wasn’t really that bad and I could live with it. All of a sudden it got real hazy again and my prescription changed. That’s when I decided to get an enhancement. I just couldn’t stand the hazy feeling anymore. So, my enhancement was 3.5 weeks ago, and from day 1 I have not experienced any haziness this time so I’m happy about that. It’s healing really slow like the first time but trying to be patient.
Alot of people get haze very early on and it goes away. I would try not to worry. I know everyday seems like two days right now. Give yourself a few more weeks. I was really freaking out the first time because my vision was blurry for so long. I think it was about the 4 or 5 week mark when things got better.
It’s very strange that your drops are making your eyes feel that way.I think you should talk to your doctor about that and also tell him to check for haze so that you have peace of mind. Hang in there…
Today my vision seems about the same as yesterday. I was hoping to wake up to better vision. :(
I think my vision is actually better today. I am not feeling dizzy anymore and things are looking a little more clear. Still have ghosting and can’t see details but looks more clear.
I started taking muro drops. They help bring down the swelling of the cornea faster. They sting when you first put them in but I don’t care if they really do help. Seems like vision has been better since I started taking them yesterday. I’ll update in a couple of days.
I think my vision is actually better today. Things are a little more clear, but still can’t see details.
I’ve been using these new drops called Muro, and they are supposed to help bring the corneal swelling down faster. They sting but if they work that’s ok with me.
I’ll update in a couple of days.
27 days now. Things are a “little” more sharp. I definately see better if I keep the thicker drops in. my eyes must be dry because I only see better for a short period of time. I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks. Things are better but still not sharp.
Today is day 32 for me so just little over a month. It’s been very dry here so that is just sucking the moisture out of my eye. When my eye is dry, it pretty blurry. Aso soon as I put the systane ultra drops in my vision is very clear.
I know from past experience that things will get better. I think week 3 was the worst for me because it was pretty darn blurry. Every time I blink my vision changes so I know it’s dry eye. My eye is definately 20/20 when I put the drops in but that is only for a few seconds. Couple more weeks and things should be better. I hope you are all doing well.
Wow I feel a whole lot better now after finding this blog and reading some of the other post surgury stories. Being I had my surgery 5 days ago and got my cnts out wndy guess I’ll have to be patient and let the healing process do its magic thanks everyone I feel much better about the outcome now.
Hi everybody – I had PRK on both eyes about 5 weeks ago and am not very pleased with the results so far.
I can see much better but now my vision is slowly getting worse. My eyes over heal after surgery and now I have to do another (no laser) surgery (reshaping my corneas).
My doctor sad it happens sometimes. And what upsets me most that there is no guaranty my eyes will heal normally this time. I’m 35 and prior to surgery was -8.0 in both eyes.
I wonder if anybody had the same problem? I am worry that I will never get a good vision.
Thanks everyone for sharing your experience.
Hi everyone:
I wanted to post an update on progress since my last (Christmas Day). Am still reading peoples’ comments experiences with semi-reilgious regularity. As a reminder I was minus 8 in both eyes pre-surgery and selected mono-vision so I would avoid reading glasses and glasses at work.
Overall vision I would say is continuing to improve, not having any problems with seeing close up and reading/computer work is I would say totally fine. Nice and clear, no soreness, no ghosting, etc. Distance viewing is perfect up to about 12-15 feet, after that I am still having trouble adjusting to mono-vision. Best way I can describe, is my brain is still not filtering out blurry left eye (my reading eye) and so I’m getting a combination of clear/blurry. Bit like losing a contact. But I am getting more use to it and more and more frequently I’m not conscious of vision – just go about my day.
One strange thing I would highlight is my eyes tend to adjust to viewing at a distance and then when I switch to a different viewing distance I get blurrinesss for a bit. This happens when I’m reading for a lengthy period or watching TV. Is weird and I expect it will go away with time and healing.
One other strange thing: I can’t remember how well I could see before surgery anymore, so I keep trying to read things way off in distance or small type on books on my bookcase across the room)and being frustrated I can’t. Probably never could! I think there is a tendency to imagine we are getting new bionic eyes with PRK.
Would highlight dryness of eyes still a problem, but also getting better. Probably Canadian winter (freezing cold and very dry) not ideal for recovery! I moved to preservative free drops a few weeks ago and one package lasts a week easily.
I see the eye doctor Friday and will post short update. They switched me last week to a 1 percent corticosteroid (from .1 percent FML). Reason given was to prevent reformation of astigmatism on left eye, which means they must be seeing something they want to catch. Was difficult to adjust at first to these drops and it felt like my eyes were swollen a bit as a result, but have adjusted. I noticed there is not a lot of information online about use of steroids, but what I did find suggests they are used quite differently by various clinics. If anyone knows of an informative site, please pass on.
All for now.
Paul
Paul,
I had the same dryness after surgery as well — living in wind-blowing Oklahoma too. Constantly wearing sunglasses not only to keep out the UV radiation, but also to brace against the wind. I’m a little over 7 months out from my surgery and I still get random dryness. I just put in a drop and then I’m good to go. It’s become a “norm” in life.
@ Thomas – I am also an avid cyclist like you. I had PRK done about 7 months ago. I would recommend that you stay off your bike for at least 6 weeks because your eyes need to heal. However, people tend to heal different so only you would know – at your age you are much wiser to know what to do than I am. I recommend that you buy an anti-fog goggles to ride for the couple first months because it will keep your eye from drying due to the wind and prevent dirt. I got mine at http://www.safetyglassesusa.com/goggles1.html for under $20. Mine PRK was slight different because at 6 month check up they did a touch up on my left eye even though I was seeing clearly 20/15 with both eyes – most from my right eye. It has been four weeks after the touch up and my vision slightly better than before the touch up – I can see almost 20/10 with both eyes open but I think I will see more clear on the left eyes in a couple of months. Now Left Eye – 20/25 Right Eye 20/15 to 10. Seven months before the surgery my Left Eye – 20/30; Right Eye 20/40. I have Lasik done 13 years ago and got it down to 20/20 and my vision was -7.75 to -8.25. I went in for Lasik but the surgeon change it to PRK in the last minute because she think it would be better. I had this done mainly because I want to see the road clearer while riding. At 25-35 MPH gives me very little time to react to obstacles on the road – so it is great for me to see far and clear. Good luck to you Thomas!
Thank you so much for this! I had PRK done just over a week ago. Recently a bunch of my friends have had lasik which, as we all know has much different healing and vision results. My prescription was -8.50 in each eye and my corneas were a little steep so the doctor opted for PRK. Before my procedure I was an avid cross stitcher. It keeps me sane. I’m only a little over a week out of surgery, as I said. Watching all my friends have LASIk and immediately have amazing vision is making me very impatient and anxious. I tried to cross stitch today but I could absolutely not see sharply enough to do it. I got very frustrated and was nervous it would always be like that. This page gave me the hope that it will get better!!!
Welcome to our PRK recovery support group. ;)
Yeah, having your friends do LASIK and you PRK is not very fair. But you’ll get there eventually.
And be sure you give your eyes regular rest while you’re cross-stiching! Don’t try to overwork them too early in the recovery process.
I am scheduled for PRK on Feb 12, 2013. I was not nervous at all but now, after reading the experience of others, I am concerned. One concern is my age which is 68 years. My main concern though is how PRK may effect my exercise. I ride a bicycle quite a lot. In 2012 I rode over 6,000 miles including several week long bike tours. Some write about having vision problems for months. I wonder if those vision problems would prevent them from seeing road obstructions like potholes or rocks on the road while riding a bicycle? Also, if any of you are older like me (68 years), do you believe age significantly affects the healing process?
Hi everybody – I had PRK on both eyes about 5 weeks ago and am not very pleased with the results so far.
I can see much better but now my vision is slowly getting worse. My eyes over heal after surgery and now I have to do another (no laser) surgery (reshaping my corneas).
My doctor sad it happens sometimes. And what upsets me most that there is no guaranty my eyes will heal normally this time. I’m 35 and prior to surgery was -8.0 in both eyes.
I wonder if anybody had the same problem? I am worry that I will never get a good vision.
Thanks everyone for sharing your experience.
I had PRK on both eyes two weeks ago and am pleased with the results so far. I’m 32 and prior to surgery was -8.0 in both eyes. The day after surgery I could see great and then of course thing deteriorated rapidly after that. I never had significant amounts of pain, only some stinging and a lot of watering. I was told to stop my medicated drops after day 5 and felt that my vision started to improve after that, although not back to my day 1 levels yet. However, I can get around easily without any corrective lenses and have been back at work with computer fonts blown up. The improvements day to day are so incremental that it’s hard to tell I’m improving at all. It’s only when I stop to think what my vision was like one week ago that I realize how much I’ve improved.
It’s really fun to read everyone’s comments here and know that we’re all recovering together. Literally, no one else in my life understands what I’m going through. You really have to go through it yourself to understand how scary it is not to see well and how hard it is sometimes to trust that it will get better. Right now I have ghosting when I read on the computer and my general vision is somehow clear and blurred at the same time – if I thought this is how it would be for the rest of my life I would be seriously freaked out, but reading everyone’s experiences gives me hope! Thanks!
thanks for sharing alice! indeed, you have many friends here who understand what you’re going through. ;)
I’m 2 weeks out today, and I can’t say that I see any improvement from about 10 days ago. Some mention incremental improvement, but in my case, it looks the same every day. I’m thinking the improvement will start any day now – maybe in big bursts?
What is so amazing to me is that so many people have the same experience as I do in terms of their doctor not telling them what to expect with PRK. If not for the comments of others (primarily on this website), I would be freaking out! But, I see from reading all your comments that my progress is normal, or at least within the normal range. Thank everyone so much for sharing!
It’s very reassuring to read everyones’ comments! I had PRK in one eye (left) on Jan 2, and am both pleased and concerned about my progress. The physical healing was very fast – the first 12-24 hours were pretty bad, but it was quite bearable after that. I found that aspirin was sufficient for the pain, and I was never really light sensitive, nor did I experience dry eyes. However, my vision was quite bad for those first few days – really hazy and cloudy. If I had had the surgery in both eyes, I would have been freaking out. My vision in my left eye was so cloudy – if both eyes had been like that, I’m not sure that I would have even been able to get around my own house very well. It was like living in a fog (in my left eye). By Day 4, the cloudiness was gone and my vision was much better than without contacts, but not nearly as good as with contacts. Much to my surprise, I tested 20/20 on the my Day 5 visit (before the protective contact came out), but that was after a lot of blinking, squinting, etc, so I’m skeptical that my eye is actually 20/20. Things are very, very blurry, I’d guess around 20/60 in my left eye? The thing that concerns me is that it’s blurry at every distance – far away, close up, midway, etc. If I try putting on reading glasses, it’s still just as blurry. So it feels like an uncorrectable blurriness, if that makes sense. Since I can wear my regular contact in my right eye, it’s easy for me to compare eyes, and the eyesight is clearly better in my right eye (crisp, clear, at least 20/20). However, that being said, there is much improvement in my left eye (even at 20/60) compared to before the surgery (20/900). For the first time since the age of 7, I can see when I get out of bed in the morning, recognize people, etc. I’ve worn contacts for 40 years, so the relief of not putting them in (or at least one of them) each morning is tremendous.
I have the surgery for the right eye scheduled for Feb 2, but am thinking I should postpone it. I’m a single mom with 2 active kids, 2 jobs, and no accessibility to public transportation. Not driving isn’t remotely feasible for me, which is why I opted for one eye at a time. If both eyes were like my left eye for several months, I’m not sure that I could drive at night (or even during the day, possibly), use a computer, or read (all of which are essential for my job), etc. I don’t understand how others are able to do both eyes at once, and then live their lives in a normal fashion after that. I can’t go around with 2 blurry eyes for 6 months. How have others coped with this?
Did anyone have vision as bad as 20/60 at 9 days after surgery that ended up being 20/20 weeks later? And how about the close-up vision – I knew I’d possibly need reading glasses, but that’s not the problem here. Reading glasses don’t seem to make a bit of difference. I can’t imagine never being able to read again. I’m optimistic that I’ll make a full recovery, but there’s a part (big part) of me that’s pretty nervous that it won’t happen.
It sounds like your recovery is very similar to a lot of folks — you’ll have a lot of ups and down with the vision the first couple of weeks. in fact, even after a month or so, you’ll still have some issues. (generally, speaking). just keep in contact with your primary eye care physician.
i’m not sure what my vision was 9 days out, but you’re still so early in the healing process that i wouldn’t worry too much. pretty much everyone who has posted here didn’t reach their full recovery until at least two months into it.
like william said, it’s a roller coaster ride. my best advice is don’t worry about your vision at all right now. whether that be distance, reading or up-close vision. follow your doctors and trust what he says about your progress.
good luck and let us know how it continues!
I had my PRK 9 months ago. I was a -7 in both eyes. I am a redhead and therefore require more anesthesia and am also kind of a slow healer. The initial process was easy. No pain during surgery and the recovery was great with the medications provided. The blurry vision was very difficult when I returned to work a few days later and for a few weeks I had my computer screen a few inches from my face and used drops constantly. One thing I did wrong was I used the night drops that are like petroleum (Vasaline). I later found out there is another night drop that is expensive – it starts with an M, sorry don’t have it with me, but that is the one I should have been using. I didin’t know the difference. I recovered early on with my up close vision, but my distance was good at 3 month and then about 5 months got very blurry. My doctor put me on steroid drops, Vasisite at night and I am using the eye wash in the shower. My distance vision has cleared up once again. I’m not sure about the spelling of the medications I have listed here. My reason for posting is to let you know that patience is key. I thought my distance vision was never going to be right, but I am seeing great now. Don’t get discouraged it keeps getting better. I have heard from many people that the dryness doesn’t stop until past the one year mark. I still put tears in a couple times during the night. It is so worth it – to finally be able to see for the first time in my whole life.
Hello I recently had my PRK surgery done on January 2, 2013 and its been 6 days since my surgery. The first 3 days following the surgery were the worse for me I couldn’t open my eyes well in the mornings and I had a bit of pain but on the 4th day I woke up and opened my eyes and all was good no pain at all. I can see the computer text pretty clear up since the bandage contacts came off. I’m seeing 20/25 on my left eye and 20/30 on my right eye and the Dr. says I’m doing pretty fine on my healing process. Thanks to this blog it really help keep me stay motivated and focused about the long and healing process! I will read back from time to time to update how things are going for me. Before my PRK surgery my prescription was -4.75 on both eyes and I wore contacts for a long time. So far so good I’m pretty happy with what I’m able to see now without prescription glasses/contacts, just a bit blurry still but I would say I am 85/100 healed.
Wow, great results so early in the recovery! I pray it continues to go that well.
And keep us updated.
Hi Q,
I have the same history as you …lasik 11-12 years ago. At that time I was legally blind in both eyes (-11) but was correctable to 20/20 with contact lenses. One eye was corrected to about 20/30in bright light but night vision was terrible. Other eye never was completed but had a incomplete flap so wore a contact lens in one eye for ten years until someone suggested prk. Did prk on laser corrected eye about two years ago, seemed to take over a year to heal and and settled about 20/30. Did other eye about a year ago. It was over corrected and seems to have double vision but at night I can drive without glasses! Doctor said he can try to correct the over correction but might result in loss of night vision. I am not ready o take this chance as I am now living pretty much glasses free except for reading small print (because of my age but seem to need them less than my husband who is same age! I always wondered if second prk woould have a shorter healing time…let me know how yours goes. Good Luck with the recovery. Also to all those who are wondering if they should do prk: I think it was worth it even tho my vision is not perfect now before the ssurgery I couldnt find my glasses on the night stand and now I dont wear any correction at all except for reading!
I had my 6 months PRK post visit five days ago and went in for another surgery because my vision got worst. No big deal, I hope that it will heal better this time. The surgeon evens call me “professional Lasik patient” this is the third time on my eyes. First time (11-12 years ago) Lasik. Second times 6 months ago PRK. Five days ago PRK again. The long healing starts again – what a bummer.
Man, sorry to hear that Q. How much worse did your vision get post PRK? Was it worse than your vision prior to PRK?
Hi Everyone: Have enjoyed reading such varied experiences following PRK surgery and wanted to share my experience to date. Tomorrow is day 14 since I had PRK at the Focus Eye Centre in Ottawa, Canada. My eyes were both around minus 8 and it was the dificulty which I was beginning to have reading which pushed me into the surgery. As a result, I had a monovision procedure and am so far finding that the adaptation to monovision is probably more difficult then life after PRK.
A number of people wonder about going back to work: how soon? how blurry? This was a worry of mine, but transition back was fast and not too difficult. I had the surgery on a Wednesday and was back at work, more or less productive, by the following Tuesday. Reading was a bit difficult and the computer screen was somewhat blurry, but not to bad. I did not need to adjust fonts, but it did help to look away frequently. I also found that while attending meetings, the people near me – say within 5 seats – were clear, but people at the other end of the table, while recognizable, were definitely blurry.
I won’t say much about the surgery, other then that it does hurt a lot for 36 hours and then the pain went away entirely (for me anway). I really only had light sensitivity for days 2 and 3, and on day 4 I watched TV without any pain. There is alot of great information – including Alex’s excellent day by day chrono here – so I felt well prepared and honestly experienced nothing out of the ordinary.
I was tested lasted Friday by my eye-doctor who confirmed: first, the surgery went well from medical perspective, all healing well and not concerns; and second, have 20-25 in both eyes. She told me to keep taking FML drops 4 times a day until I see here again in middle of January.
So how is my vision? Better than I hoped, but still improving. I have some blurriness, but am typing this on my ipad without difficulty. Blurriness is worse after the FML drops and i have good and bad parts of the day. But in general, am thinking less and less about my eyes and just going about things. Am reading my first post-PRK novel (Drood by Dan Simmons) and read chapter 2 this morning with much ease. Watched a few movies so far, again without problems: no light artifacts, halos,ghosting, etc.. I also tried 3D at the local Best Buy on Saturday and was very happy to find that it still worked (was a worry of mine with mono-vision).
Am off to see The Hobbit this afternoon with my wife. First time I’ve been to theatre without glasses probably since the 1970s when I was little. All the best to all of you who are also recovering. For those considering the surgery, I would say do your homowork before committing. I am so far thrilled with the outcome.
Merry Christmas. Paul
Thanks for sharing your experience Paul! Happy to hear the PRK/monovision is working out for you.
Thanks Alex for your blog and I also read your post about discipleship which is very inspiring. I recently had my prk done on nov. 15. in vancouver bc., so it’s been 3 weeks now. My prescription was -4.75 and -4.25 on other eye. I’ve noticed I lost my nearsightedness so I can’t really read small print right now or read books and computer is still blurry and I had to change the font to a bigger size, I can use the computer but letters are a little blurry. I’m wondering how much nearsightedness will come back and how long until the computer issues will go away? Also, at night headlights are ultra bright or glowing which is difficult sometimes to drive but bearable, how long until this goes away? I would appreciate any comments from anyone here. God Bless you all
Hi Vince! Unfortunately there’s no accurate way to say when your computer vision and night vision will improve.
Fran, one of the previous comments, says pretty much the only accurate thing when it comes to recover.
I know that’s probably not what you wanted to hear. But realistically, from my experience and from other commenters, I’d give yourself until the three month mark before you get too concerned.
As long as the doctors in your follow-up appointments are pleased with the way your eyes are healing, I wouldn’t worry too much.
Reading all of the these comments have helped and made me jealous.. Lol my trip with LASIK and PRK has not been good. I had LASIK back in June and not great results. The dr said sometimes they have to go back in and retreat. But, I could not have LASIK again and said I had to have PRK. I just had surgery on Tuesday,. Tat afternoon, pain was unbearable. I went in the following day, and could not see the chart at all. Tomorrow , day 4 , he wants to take the contact bandage out… I still have very poor vision, and still painful. Right now, if I had to do it over , I wouldn’t …. Dr keeps saying be patient… I ave not been able to see since June.. Ive been very patient..
Does your vision improve when the contacts come out??
yup, your vision will improve with the contacts out. but keep in mind it will also fluctuate during the healing process. so don’t be worried if it is seems good when they remove the contacts and then gets a little worse.
I am at week 8 with the left eye and week 3 with the right eye. I can see very well with the left eye. This makes me pretty happy since a few weeks ago I had bad double vision and glare. I couldn’t recognize people next to me in the elevator, The right eye seems to be moving along a little faster, but it has stalled the last week.Just kind of fuzzy. I am not worried this time, because that is what the left eye did too. I haven’t had pain, but my eyes are pretty dry. By the way, for people who are preparing to have PRK, I don’t think they explain how long some people take to heal, and how difficult it can be to drive or work. I work with a doctor who was in the military, and he said pilots couldn’t even get close to flying a plane for three months. Also, I have to be on restassis for a year. We are lucky enough to have insurance that pays for it, but I think the prescription costs about $250.00 a month out of pocket for it. Just be prepared for extra expenses. The blink is close to $9.00 a bottle, and I go through about three bottles a week. So, there are hidden costs you need to be aware of. Anyways, I am happy that I did it, but I wish they had prepared me a little more than watching a video. I am not exaggerating when I say that is about it. I was lucky to have very little pain, but I have heard people say it is very painful. I think as long as you know what to expect, you can deal with it. While I was waiting to see the eye doctor, I could hear the technician telling a patient it might be a little uncomfortable. Just tell the truth. It can be painful, but they give you meds to help it.
Interesting, did the doctor explain why you had to be on Restasis for a year? I haven’t heard anybody else having to be on eye drops for that long.
Ralph –
I had PRK about 18 months ago, at about your same age. I was very near-sighted, had worn contacts for about 40 years and had had radial kerototomy about 25 years ago. As I aged I could no longer see well at all. Had varying diagnoses from 3 different opthomologists (including a corneal transplant), but went with the one I trusted the most. The process was very long for me as I had to be out of contacts for over 4 months. That said, the surgery was fairly easy with pain only that first day. Recovery was a very long process (8+ months) but today I can both see distances and read without contacts or glasses. Will have some enhancements next year with cataract surgery, but today I am relatively satisfied with the outcome. The one thing you will learn from these posts is there is no one standard for recovery except that extreme PATIENCE is required. Good luck – hang in there and it will get better.
I am scheduled to have PRK surgery in bth eyes tomorrow. I am far sighted and 56 years old. I am definitely anxious about the surgery. I have been wearing classes for most of my life, but can drive without them although that is getting more difficult the older I get. I can still pass DMV’s eye test- barely. Reading is all but impossible without glasses now. I was told this surgery will correct my farsightness to 20/20 or better and I may still need reading glasses. Is it worth all the pain and time. I am doing this because my doctor said I was an excellent candidate for PRK and I am terrible at taking carevofnglasses. Thank you all for your posts. I now know what to expect, but still scared of coming out worst than before.
Hi Ralph,
Since you’re having PRK tomorrow I thought it was important to comment ASAP.
My situation was very different than your situation. I am 44 yrs old and had PRK Sept. 14. I have been 100% dependent on contacts for 30 years. I was very nearsighted w/ a v. high astigmatism. Over the past couple of years I have grown intolerant to contacts. In July I was diagnosed w/ inflammatory keratitis in both eyes, especially my right eye. I was told to discontinue my contacts and wear my glasses and put anti-inflammatory drops in my eyes. When the infection cleared, I could have Lasik (if I was a candidate).
It took a few months for the infection to clear. During that time, I had difficulty adapting to the glasses. I had daily headaches that often morphed into migraines. Going w/o glasses was not an option as I cannot function w/o corrective lenses.
Once the infection was cleared I made an appointment for Lasik. The first clinic told me I was not a candidate due to thin corneas. They recommended contact lens implants at approximately $10,000. I was surprised by this news bc I had been told I was a candidate 3 years ago when I first started developing intolerance.
The clinic I had gone to previously was no longer open so I went to another clinic. They did the work up and told me I was a candidate for PRK, not Lasik due to thin corneas. They explained the procedure in detail, and left nothing to chance. I was well prepared for the pain and the long recovery of PRK.
PRK will take patience. You may not see well at first. There is no pain during the procedure. But, for me, there was quite a bit of pain afterwards. I was also extremely uncomfortable for approximately 5 days following the procedure. It varies for everybody, but for me the first 3 days were quite uncomfortable and the pain was present. I definitely needed the painkillers prescribed.
Having said that, it was also definitely worth it. It is a very personal thing, and I was out of options. Glasses were not an option for me as I was experiencing daily headaches and not functioning well.
I am still healing. My sight flucutates still. I have some problems w/ night vision, like ‘bleeding’ lights. I have a ‘haze’ over my eyes that is supposed to clear up, and I am taking FML anti-inflammatory drops for this. But, patience is the name of the game.
I hope this helped.
I am 8 months out and STILL in pain! I feel like I have rocks in my eyes just about every day! Anyone else have this happen? The DR switched me from Lasik to PRK the day OF surgery as I was already looped up on drugs to make the decision on changing. I was very upsest that the recovery time was not explained one bit!
One of my friends had pain for about six months and then it gradually got better. She said about a year out was when she felt 100% recovered and pleased with her results. I hope that brings some comfort knowing there have been others who have experienced longer-term pain.
What has your doctor said about the pain lasting for eight months?
I am on 4 weeks for the left eye and I had my right eye done three days ago. I could see really well the first day and then started getting fuzzy today. Not bad though. The surgeon looked at my left eye and said there is a ridge of cells right on my line of vision. He started me on res
tasis and scraped the eye. I have double vision and bad glare at night. He said it will clear up in time. Pretty nervous about that, but it is what it is. Right eye is more sensitive, but not really painful. Slept a lot this weekend. Main problem was the pain pills didn’t agree with me. Ibuprophen works as well for me.
Yeah, the pain pills didn’t agree with me either. They make me extremely nauseous. Luckily I only need them the first day.
Thanks for posting. Hope you heal up nicely!
I had the double vision thing for a little while too and was nervous of the “it’ll go away eventually” speech my eye doc said too – but honestly, it did! i think around the 3 month mark any/all side effects (super dry eyes, random double vision, night glares) were all gone.
I have had both lasik with intro lace and PRK 5 years later for a touch up. I am on day 12 of my PRK. Let me tell you, lasik was a cakewalk!!!!!!! You go in get your flap cut get laser get the flap put back and bam! Perfect 20/10 vision. A little scratchy for maybe 4 hers after and your fine.
PRK….. Other than the comfort of my same surgeon that did my lasik and a very informative team at the Mount Ogden Eye Center letting me know about the pain and the slow visual recovery time what stress!
For the post op pain I was given Lortab, (which make me nauseous), and Ambien to sleep. I was a good girl and took the Lortab even though I really didn’t want to… and was OK until I decided at 10 pm that was so OK I didn’t need to take another dose of Lortab. Ugh! I woke up around 4 am with such burning and stinging in my eyes that I could hardly walk! Banging around walls and clinging to countertops I finally found the Lortab took it and waited an hour for the burning/stinging to reside. When it did I learned my lesson.
Day 2 was ok, I was fine if I took the pain meds, but I was so sensitive to light I had to close all the blinds and wear sunglasses on top of it.
Day 3, still on meds and sunglasses. The worst part about the light sensitivity and constant background pain was that opening you eye to put eye drops in was torture! It just didn’t was to open that wide and day three was definitely the worst as far and the burning stinging pain goes. It was to me like having onion juice in your eyes constantly.
Day 4 the previous night I didn’t have to wake up to take a Lortab from pain (I learned my lesson from the first night and set my alarm to get me up so I could take the pain meds before they wore off, and I also absolutely refused to take the Ambien.) I decided to test the waters and not take any pain Lortab, wow! Pain not to bad! FINALLY!!!!!! Still way sensitive to light.
Day 5 first time I am not on any pain meds, not even a tylenol! And I don’t have to wear my sunglasses in the house! I even got to the point later that day that I didn’t even need to keep the blinds closed. But my
contact in my right eye totally felt like it was sliding around.
Day 6 my post op appointment. They tested my vision with my contact band aids still in, 20/40…. same vision I had prior to the touch up….. but the medical assistant said it was from the contacts. Dr. Wilcox came in and took a look at my eyes and said my tissues looked great and that they had grown back! Yay! He took my lenses off and it felt like sand was in my eyes, very scratchy every time I blinked. I went off to work for the first time that day and struggled to read due to blurry and double vision, but the vision dramatically improved once those lenses were off.
Day 7 best vision so far! This is great! Its starting to feel like its working, although several times through out the work day, ever since I have gone back to work I can tell the powers in my eyes change, sometimes even every hour. The left its more blurry/double vision, then the right… back and forth, back and forth.
Day 8 my right eye seems a little more scratchy and hazy/blurry than the left. Hmmmm…… is this normal? Did I smash it in my sleep with my pillow? Other than that it was a worse vision day all around. Computer screen was thought to read that day. And my eyes were still shifting powers.
Day 9-12 pretty much the same story. And I won’t have another post op until December 26th.
So… its less stressful than lasik because I don’t have panic attacks everyday for a month about displacing my flap. But I stress about the visual fluctuations! You win some you lose some I guess. But thank you for all your comments! It does make you feel better. I also suffer from dry eye from the first lasik procedure, so I’m not sure if that’s why my vision is so up and down through out the day. I would love to know if anyone else suffered from dry eye too. I can get through the day with out using like 8 tear packets.
Thanks for sharing your recovery timeline! I know dry eyes are a common side effect. I don’t personally deal with it, but I know other comments have had a minor case of dry eyes. But nothing that adversely affects their day-to-day life.
Its been six months!!! Best vision of my life continues. Just need an occasional eye drop of refresh plus and that’s it!
A little over three weeks. Still pretty blurry. It is getting better, because I spent the day without the contact in my right eye in preparation for my surgery on Thursday. -7.50 in that eye. I can’t drive, but I was able to go grocery shopping (with my husband helping) made Christmas cookies, cleaned house, and made dinner without glasses or contact in. Kind of strange, because far away it is pretty blurry, but it was better than wearing clear glass for the left lens and presciption for right eye in glasses. I have never gone without glasses or contacts since I was 7 years old. So pretty cool. It is slowly getting better. Better not be faint at heart with this procedure though! They don’t prepare you very well upfront for how long it takes..
Thank you for your timeline. This give me a little comfort that my vision will get better. Thank again for sharing.
Alex,
Thank you SO much for this blog. I am thinking hard about PRK and I’ve had 2 appointments, the 2nd was yesterday. There was a slight glaucoma scare due to pressure but it seems I just have large nerve heads in my eyes. The Dr put me on lotemax for 2 weeks before my 2nd visit and restasis drops. He had to check my left eye several times to get a number down ( dont know what it was ) but he said he could see something on my left eye, but it wasnt all the way through the layers. he thinks it might be an artifact in the machine but after many tries, he got what he was looking for and he had to hold me eye open and I had to put in thick drops to keep it from drying out while getting the image.
Right now with glasses i am 20/25 +2 and 20/25 -1 and combined 20/20 -1 with my glasses on. I am very nearsighted and I am not sure the exact numbers but from what my contacts say is -6.5 and -5.0. I can’t really wear these contacts due to dry eyes ( feels like sand) and it doesnt seem that my prescription has changed any in the past 3.5 yrs.
My close up vision with my glasses on was really good, the nurse said that since I am almost 40, I could go several years without needing reading glasses after the surgery.
I am really nervous about having this done, and I am going to go in january, after i get funds put in a flexible medical spending account.
I am worried about the haze, starburts and not being able to drive. I am an I.T. professional and I have to stare at a PC all day, but my employer will be flexible as he knows what’s going on.
What kind of pain should I expect? What medications will I be prescribed? If prescribed a steroid, is it systemic or topical? I can’t have systemic steroids..
Alot of what-ifs, and doubts running through my mind.. Maybe I am over analyzing it. I just want to loose these glasses I have had for over 30 yrs. I want the freedom of wearing normal sunglasses.
Thanks everyone for their stories..
Hi Jim! Thanks for stopping by!
I’m sure it’s not the answer you’re looking for, but it’s hard to say how much pain you will (or will not) experience. The surgery itself has zero pain.
It’s the recovery process that may or may not have pain. I had zero pain, but from the comments, there’s definitely people who range from zero to moderate pain/discomfort.
I was prescribed pain meds for post-op and steroid eye drops. I don’t think you’ll be prescribed any systemic steroids, but that’s definitely something to talk with your doctor.
There’s definitely a lot of uncertainty that goes with the surgery, but know this type of surgery has been done a gagillion and a half times. It would not be that popular if the end results were not worth it.
Jim
I had the PRK surgery April 2012. I can see 20/15 but my reading very fine print I need the help of reading glasses but for the majority I do not need any assitance from th reading glasses. I am 40 yrs old. I work in IT as well I am on a computer all day. I had my PRK done on a Friday went back to work on Monday. I struggled a bit that first week but I made it through. Change your screen resolution to a bigger font and it will make it much easier. As for sunglasses they become your best friend. I have gon through two pair already. You will need them when outside. It will get better as time goes on but at first you will be ery sensitive to the sunlight. I am doing pretty well now and dont need tham all the time in the sun but I prefer them. Good luck and you will not regret doing it but be paitient teh healing proccess is very long and has its good and bad days..
John
I am at 2.5 weeks and I am seeing better each day. Still blurry, but I am able to see faces and I don’t seem to notice that I am looking out of two eyes. Like looking through a bad piece of saran wrap. I still can’t drive at night. Blurry and gare, but it seems to be getting better. I pushed out my doing second eye for two more week as I use the computer a lot too. By the end of the day after looking at the computer I really can’t read it at all. No pain, although I wake up with a dry eye. I keep blink next to the bed and that takes care of it. I am so lucky I have family to drive me to the bus and pick me up. I could drive during the day, but not at night. The one thing that is weird is that in the dark, I can see very well out of that eye. Must be the glare and light that interfere. Just an update
I am here to give a follow up. I was the one who was having a really hard time with not being able to see up close. Well, last Friday was like a dream come true! It was all of a sudden I went from everything being blurry to seeing more clear that I had ever in my life, even with glasses! That was exactly 3 weeks and 6 days after my surgery! I am still very upset that the doctors never told me that PRK was different from Lasik in so many ways but I am happy I am better. Again, thank you all for your support and good luck to everyone!
Meg..My wife had her prk on sept 27 and her one month check up on oct 24..several visits the first week . She was having what she would call days that were “pity parties” as the vision wasn’t what she expected…she that it would return quicker..however on her one month checkup the dr told her that now that she had taken all the antibiotics and anti-inflamatories..that she would probably heal faster …because of the preservatives in the meds….i might add that prior to the prk she was 20/400 and astigmatism and in her mid fifties…she is driving some now and i think doing quite well…dr said when she returns in dec she will probably be 20/20…hang in there as it is a process and the vision just gets better..however slowly…age, enviroment, and previous eyesight are some considerations for healing…take care
Had my surgery on Thursday and all went well. I actually ended up having lasik instead. I was just having too many reserves about the PRK. SO glad I changed my mind! All went well and as of yesterday I was 20/25 in my right eye and 20/40 in my left. How amazing to wake up and be able to see!
It is me again, I figured I would give another update. It has now been 12 days since my surgery, I am having no pain but am still unable to see my computer or phone or distances. On Monday, it was the point to where I could get inches away from my computer and still barely make out my work. I called the doctor and made an appointment and they prescribed me Restasis because my eyes were dry. However, I have been using my drops every 30 minutes to an hour (!!!) since I had my surgery! I am really trying to remain patient but if I am going to pay this bill for the PRK, I need to be able to do my job! Since the Restasis and gel eyedrops I still have not noticed any difference. Please advise if anyone has had an experience like this or even just to give some support. I am struggling over here. Thank you all.
Early on you do use a lot of drops. But that’s normal.
12 days is _so_ early in the recovery. While it is unfortunate you’re not able to go back to using a computer, it’s not abnormal.
Each person heals so differently. Give yourself another two months before you start being overly concerned with where your vision is.
Hi Meg,
I wouldn’t freak out if I were you. I had PRK September 14, exactly 3 weeks ago, and today is the first day that I don’t have any discomfort and can look at my computer screen for longer than an hour at a time. Also, my vision is not perfect yet but it is improving by the day. I had what I call a big burst of improvement on Wednesday night – all of a sudden I just could see really, really well. But my vision is still sometimes a little off at times.
I have had to use the drops A LOT. Today is the first day that I have not been dependent on the drops, but I don’t know if it’s permanent or a respite. over the past week or so I would have a few good days where the discomfort was not so bad and then several days of discomfort. Also, my eyes are very sensitive to light, this includes computer screens, movie screens and our TV screen.
The recovery process is defintely a long road.
I had my PRK on Saturday and was really starting to worry until reading this blog. I am nearsighted and wanted to be able to read street signs without the use of glasses. However, being in the ‘thin cornea’ club, I was told that lasik was not an option for me. Now, I think I would have not worried if my long distance vision had been blurry for a time because I am used to that. However, I have never had any issue with seeing up close until now. I can hardly see my computer or read or even see numbers on my cell phone. I had started to panic until I stumbled across this blog. Thanks so much Alex for helping us all get through this and helping us to see we are not alone. You are great! :-)
You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for your response guys. I’m still super nervous lol. I’m not exactly sure what my prescription is off the top of my head but I can tell you that I cannot see the giant “E”. I’m concerned that after I have the PRK surgery I’m still going to be THAT blind for the 3-6 months (or what not) of healing time. I definitely know I will not be able to do my job if that is the case.
Can you guys give me a rough estimate on how much of an improvement it makes immediately following the surgery? Will I be even in the range of 20/40 (you know, street legal lol)? Or am i doomed to be completely blind until weeks and weeks post op?
Just getting more and more nervous as the days go by… looking for something to soothe my anxiety lol.
Thanks again!
You are not doomed at all to being blind during recovery. ;)
In my recovery, I felt comfortable driving a few blocks on my second day. Granted, I wasn’t in the legal limits of vision and I was on non-major roads.
The main think about PRK is that your vision doesn’t stabilize for 3-6 months. It’ll feel like 3 steps forward, 2 steps back a lot of the time.
But it doesn’t mean your vision will be terrible for 3-6 months.
During most of your recovery you will be between what you were with glasses/contacts and without. I’d say closer to your contacts vision with blurriness and fluctuations backward/forward in progress.
But still good enough to allow you to function day-to-day.
Jordan,
The day after I had my PRK I read the chart at 20/25 now that was not crisp sharp 20/25 but it was not like when I did not have my glasses on prior to the procedure. I can tell you I could not see the huge “E” without my glasses either prior to The PRK procedure. Honestly the day you get it done you will see a huge improvement. But follow the docs orders and do what they tell you. The second day for me was pretty bad a lot of hazing and blurriness I had mine done on Easter weekend good friday. By sunday It was liek i described above the day after is when I went in and had myu eyes checked Sat. 20/25 i went to work teh following Monday had my wife drive me that first day. It was a challenging week and I set my fonts on my computer to as huge as possible to help out. You will be able to see pretty well but it will be up and down for teh first 3-6 months Good Luck!!!
John
I agree w/ the others. I had my PRK on September 14 (2 weeks tomorrow) so I’m still recovering and it’s still fresh in my mind.
Like you, I was bascially blind and helpless w/o glasses or contacts. I couldn’t see the big E, I couldn’t find a restroom in an airport or bathroom. After PRK, I could function fine. I didn’t feel comfortable driving until a few days ago, but maybe that’s just me. My vision is still a bit doubled in my right eye and I can’t spend too much time on the laptop (my eyes get tired and burn and sting). But, I am VERY happy with the results so far. Compared to my terrible vision before, it’s a miracle.
Well – I just hit my 4 month mark. I am no longer on the steroids (flarex/FML). Only needing the re-wetting drops (refresh plus) every 2-4 hours on average. My eye sight is now 20/15 in my left eye and somewhere between 20/15 and 20/20 in the right. By far, this is the best I’ve seen in a LONG, LONG time! 19 years of glasses….goodbye!
Some “side-effects” per-say, that I’ve noticed…..since I have to wear sunglasses all the time outdoors, I have a racoon tan on my face now (the sunglasses they gave me block out ALL UV radiation…pretty sweet).
My eyes are a little dry in the morning, but nothing like they used to be. and one drop does it and I’m good for an hour or so.
overall, I’m very happy with the decision. I was really wanting LASIK so I didn’t have to go thru these months of recovery, but long-term I know this was a better decision to have PRK.
One thing I have noticed is that as time goes on, my very-near vision has blurred. whenever I put eye drops in, now, the vial is blurry; where as it didn’t use to be. no big deal – and if I need reading glasses in 10 years, well, I guess that’s just life. but I’m enjoying it for now!
Jordan,
Blurry is blurry. It’s going to take a lot of time. I had PRK done last January, March and an enhancement to January’s surgery in June. I would very STRONGLY recommend that you only do one eye at a time. You’re going to need a great deal of patience as your eyes heal. I now see 20/15 with both eyes and I am very happy with the result. I often joke that my vision is now in HD…but it took some time to get there. One eye at a time will allow you to at least function with vision correction (a contact), in they eye that you didn’t have surgery on while the other heals. My job requires heavy computer use too. You can do the other in a few months after your comfortable with the progress of your corrected eye. I hope this helps… Good luck.
Hi everyone,
So I am scheduled to have a PRK (due to thin corneas) at the end of October (the week of Halloween I believe) and then I am scheduled to go back to work around Nov 11. Thats about 2 weeks (maybe a little less) of healing time. Is it realistic for me to be able to function normally at work? I work in a medical lab I have to deal with pretty heavy computer usage and things that have small lettering (think the size of print from older books)… I’m concerned that i am not going to be able to see our labels and that my work will suffer… Could you guys see well enough to read after two weeks? and if not, are reading glasses an option? How blurry is “blurry”?I’m starting to get really nervous about this procedure and the effects it will have on my life.
Thanks so much!
Are you able to increase the screen resolution of your work computers so that words are bigger? And how often are you required to be at a computer?
In general I think you’ll be fine going back to a computer after two weeks. It’ll help a lot if you’re able to increase the resolution on your work computers so text is bigger. And if you’re able to rest your eyes frequently.
Also, the suggestion Allyne shared about doing one eye at a time is also a viable option…
Two weeks should be fine – remember, everyone heals differently. on AVERAGE, though, you can function at two weeks. driving at night may be difficult. but the big thing to remember is DROPS! Every 15 minutes while you’re awake, keep putting them in.
at my two week mark, I was using them and whenever I put one in, my vision got amazing…then I would blink and about 5-10 mins later it would be back to the normal “fuzz”. but another drop in and it get clear again.
sitting at a computer, though, you should be able to read the screen pretty well. if anything, you can close one eye if you need to. good luck!
I had a unique situation. I had really bad vision, about -10/-11 with thin corneas and a severe astigmatism. I was not a candidate for Lasik or PRK alone. I actually had ICL’s(implanted lenses) put into my eyes with LRI on both and PRK in the left . I would have to say the PRK was the most difficult recovery of all. The first week was rough and I don’t know how I could have functioned if both eyes had had PRK done. I do think it depends on each person, but I would definitely advise at least 4-5 days off after the surgery. I had my 7 week follow up last week and was doing well at about 20/40 but have regressed a little in my left eye this week. My right eye has been consistently 20/15 after the ICL/LRI. I just have to keep reminding myself that it is a longer process and to be patient. But I am very grateful for this blog. I was in tears on day 2-3 with not knowing what to expect and this blog was very comforting. So thank you for that Alex!
You’re welcome!
Hang tight and the chances are great your PRK eye will catch up with your left!
Hi Alex,
I am going for my surgery on this Friday, Sept 21….I am little freaked out but I have to say your log shade some lights :)….thanks,
My vision right know is -7/-6.25 and my corneas are very thin just 500….so fingers crossed :)
You’ll be fine!
Just keep reminding yourself not to freak out when your eyesight fluctuates on a daily basis and the recovery process is dreadfully slow.
You did not make a terrible decision. ;)
I got PRK done June 2012 and I had really positives results. After the initial 2 week healing period, I was great (and even during the healing period I was fine after getting the contacts removed. I had none of at the symptom including no dry eyes which I was really surprised considering I had dry previous to the surgery when wearing contacts.
However, at just a little under the 3 month mark I was awoken around 2-3am from the excruciating pain from extreme dry eyes. and it took about 5mins after putting tones of drop for it stop stinging. I figured it was because I was moving/packing and it was dusty environment and I was also started reading a lot. However, its been over a month now and I have this problem every single night and I usually wake up a couple of times a night to put drops otherwise it’s going to hurt like hell.
I have spoken to my optometrist and he doesn’t seem to concerned. He told me to use Systane, a really thick lubricating drop but doesn’t make that much of difference.
I’m really concerned about this and I haven’t read this happening to others. I’m more concerned because this problem started at almost the 3 month mark . I wakeup with crusty eyes now when I never had a problem before. Just want to know if this is normal and if it will go away.
Overall I WAS happy with my results because I USED to be symptom free and have 20/20 in right eye and still 15/20 in the other eye. My reading vision has been severely impacted, will definitely need reading glasses shortly.
Thanks for any insight you can provide.
SP,
I had something, somewhat similar to what you are describing, but it was during the first month and a half or so….that horrible pain in the middle of the night and/or whenever I first woke up….it felt like I couldn’t get to the drops fast enough.
The systane drops were what they gave me to use on the first week – they are definitely more “gel-like” and provide a little more comfort during the nighttime….but a side effect is the crustiness you get afterwards (or sliminess too before they dry out).
I don’t know why this happened to you later on – but everyone heals differently. most people don’t have pain after the 3rd day….and that’s when mine STARTED.
all the doc’s I’ve seen (both at the surgery center and my own eye doc) said that healing can truly take up to 6 months or so with PRK, which is why your doc is probably not too concerned.
hate to say, “hang in there….” but when it comes to healing, that’s all your eyes can really do :/
Thanks – that does make me feel better that I’m not the only one but I’m so frustrated because I can’t sleep properly :s
I had a friend who experienced pretty bad pain (similar to what you’re feeling from the dry eyes) during her recovery. I can’t remember if it came out of the blue like yours, but I do know she said it eventually cleared up after about six months.
All that to say, I wouldn’t be too worried. Especially if your doctor isn’t.
Keep your outlook positive. Your first three months were great, so there’s nothing that should keep you from believing your final results will be as well.
Thank you all for the info! I realize that everyone is different, but it is nice to hear people’s experiences.
I am having PRK done Oct 18th. As of right now, I am planning on going back to work (at a hospital) the following Tuesday (4 full days off after). Is this realistic or should I plan on longer? How long should I expect it to take to be able to drive?
And when they say it is uncomfortable is it painful or just feel like you have something in your eye?
Jalinda,
Four days you will probably be ok to drive but.. Your sight may still be a bit “off” It takes some time to really start seeing well. the first two days were the worse for me. Right after the procedure I was really in aww of how much better I could see without glassses however it does fluctuate quite a bit. One day you will see pretty well out of the right eye then the next not so much. The healing process is different for all. I was able to drive on the third day but I certainly would not advise any long trips or anything like that. If you use the computer a lot it will be tough at first you will need to change the screen resolution to larger font sizes and such it gets better as time progresses. The main thing is to keep positive and realize that the healing process takes a long time. I had my PRK done in April 2012 I am seeing 20/15 on the snelling charts. I am in my 40’s so the reading very fine print is tough for me but… I also refuse to by reading glasses just yet. I can read the computer screen just fine and that is what I do for work is computers so it is all good.
Best wishes to you on your procedure and always remember with PRK patience is teh Key.
John
Jalinda I forgot to mention about the pain. I had absolutley no pain at all. It at times felt like kind of like there was soemthing in my eye and soem slight burning but for the most part no pain at all. This is only my expierence though. I would say pain wise you will probably have some burning and discomfort not really any pain. Again this is only my opinion but I have not seen to may folks have actual pain.
John
Give yourself a week. You will need down-time after the surgery and the best thing for your eyes is to just be dormant, and let the healing process start. you will be on steriod drops 4x a day, antibiotic drops 1x a day, and re-wetting drops every 15 minutes while you’re awake. Give yourself the down-time you will need that first week to just adjust, and let the healing process really start. It’s so slow….and you’ll want to go out and do stuff….but it’s best to just sit at home, relaxing, and taking care of yourself.
Also, as mentioned above, everyone’s pain is different. I was in pain (6-7 on a 1-10 scale) on days 3 thru 5. day six it got better, and day 7 was gone. it felt like my eye lashes were scraping my eye lids every time i blinked. i can’t imagine trying to work under those conditions. glad i took the time off.
Both John and William gave you great advice. I echo what they said.
It’s hard to say where you’ll be at 4 days later since each person’s recovery is so unique. John and I didn’t have pain. William did.
If your work allows you the flexibility, I’d see how you feel at four days and take more time off if you needed. But do your best to let your eyes recovery. Don’t try to go back to work prematurely if you feel like your eyes can’t handle it.
Hope your surgery went well yesterday, Jalinda. My surgery is scheduled 3 hours from now, but I still may end up with Lasik as the doc says he won’t know until he gets in there – I’m scheduled back in the office on Monday. Oh my!
I wish I had more time to read the responses to your blog, Alex, but I just found your site. I wanted to say thanks tons for providing a place for people to share our experiences with one another and hopefully be able to help an anxious person, such as myself.
*Cheers to a bright future*
Hope everything went well! Keep us updated!
Update… It has been about 5 months since my prk procedure. My vision is 20/20! Some nights my eyes are very dry still, while others are fine. The Dr. said that they still have a little healing to do, and once completely healed, the drying should cease. I am still using blink eye drops. I have been reading more than normal over the weekends and have noticed my vision is a bit blurry when done. It clears up though after a short time. I can also see fine print again, which was a big concern of mine. Because I am 41 the doctor suggested only doing one eye, instead of both, which he said would help in the long run from needing to wear readers. After I spoke to my Doctor, he suggested getting both eyes done, so did. I told my LASIK eye Doctor about this blog and he asked that I share it with him, so I did in hopes that this blog is helpful to others.
That’s great news! Congrats on making it to 20/20!
And thanks for sharing my blog with your doctor!
Today has been one month for me. Before the surgery I did zero research. I was afraid to do so. But let me tell you I am experiencing exactly the same you are. But sometimes I see like a flashing that last like three seconds when I wake up and open my eyes. I don’t know if its anxiety from my part but it’s very weird to see in only one eye that flashing. Again it has happend like twice and lasting 2-3 seconds. The feeling of not seeing nothing in the dark just started happening to me about 4 days ago. It is a weird scary feeling. I got scared and turn on the light so fast it hurt my eyes. LOL! I trully hope this is all common side effects. Thank you for your blog. It was very helpful to me. I do feel my vision is getting better…but way to slow. It is hard when sometimes in the day I can see better then by late afternoon….weird. Today, 9/1/12 I see the television much brighter and crisper….it’s a great feeling. So one month for me….I do hope it gets 100% SOON!!!! Great Day!
Happy one month to you!
I thought cataract surgery gave you a new lense on the inside of the eye, which would basically give you “brand new eyes”…at least that’s how it was always described to me….why would you have PRK done on top of cataract surgeyr?
Wlliam,
I had the multifocal lens implanted because of cataracts in the center of my eye. I was warned ahead of time that because of the shape of my eye I might need additional work. And I did. I’ve just had PRK – 5 days ago – and the bandage came off today. Except for the on and off blurriness,which after reading the comments and Alex’s blog I know will go away, all is great. I couldn’t read well in normal light and the off the shelf reading glasses didn’t work at all. I can read the newspaper now (although my eyes get tired quickly) and expect the vision to keep improving. I’m 59 and would not have had the cataract surgery if the cataracts were “normal” and started at the edge of my vision instead of dead center!
I had lasik 13 years ago with satisfactory results. Not perfect but OK. I’m now 71 and required cataract surgery in April if this year. I had a package deal with the cataract procedure followed by PRK last week. PRK has a much longer and difficult recovery but just after one week, my vision at times is better than it was after the lasik 13 years ago. I opted for multiview cataract lenses and can now read without reading glasses. Assuming my vision continues to improve, I think that PRK can give a better result than lasik,
Thanks for sharing Joe!
Hi!
I am so happy to have found this page!
I have high prescription; -7.50 in both eyes. Doctor advised TansPRK because I have thinner cornea (486)
Anyone who had high prescription and had PRK or TransPRK? Compared to lower prescriptions does it take longer time to heal, see better? Is it more painful?
Please share your experiences, I am so desperate! I have had contacts for 10 years, glasses before that. My eyes are not accepting contacts any more and glasses are so uncomfortable with high prescription.
I am so scared of the pain and the time it would take to heal with PRK/TransPRK and risks for night vision, at the same time getting rid of glasses/lenses would be such a great feeling…
Thanks! Christina
If you read through the other comments, you’ll find a handful of others who have had high prescriptions as well.
From my understanding of the surgery, your prescription doesn’t affect healing time. Someone with a -1.00 prescription will still take as long as someone with -8.00.
In PRK, the outer layer of the cornea is removed so that the laser can re-shape the deeper layers of the cornea. The lengthy healing time is for the outer layer of your cornea to grow back and smooth out.
I’d recommend talking with your doctor about all these concerns. His job is to help walk you through the process and ease your concerns.
Hi!
Thanks Alex, yes i will talk to my doctor. Hope it will be fine. I think i just need to relax and have some trust that everything will be fine rather than focusing on what might go wrong or the moment when you lie there and laser machine on top…iyyy..
Christina
Thought I’d chime in here. I was extremely nearsighted with a prescription of -13. You can read my experience by looking through my older posts. I had PRK 15 months ago. I would say my eyes are pretty stable now. My right eye is 20/20 and my left is 20/30 but both eyes fluctuate slightly from day to day. Overall though, I couldn’t be happier. The only problem I’m experiencing is slight dry/red eye but it’s really not that bad. Night vision is good and much better than when I wore hard contacts. The healing process took a while but I would say that I leveled out around the 6-month mark. I’m not really sure if the longer time was due to my prescription being so severe. Let me add that two other eye surgeons said they wouldn’t recommend any type of laser surgery for me because of my prescription. It just worked out well for me. My corneas were not that thin (~550) so that worked in my favor.
Thanks for the follow-up!
Good to read about the recovery process for someone with a high prescription like yourself. I know many others have asked about the recovery process for people in similar situations.
Happy I can report I know of at least one successful PRK surgery!
I had PRK 8 days ago on my left eye. My prescription was -8.50. Pretty blurry but less double vision and halos. Can’t drive yet. No pain from the surgery. More scared about having the second eye done this week, because of such poor vision in my left eye. I am so glad to see these postings as the anxiety about not getting better is the worst part. I am typing with my left eye closed, because I have a clear lens in my glasses on the left and my -7.00 lens in the right. Getting ready for the next eye so no contact in the right. Talk about screwing up your depth perception. Left eye seems to be a lttle better everyday, but it is hard to see it right now. Going to work with both eyes done is scaring me right now. Luckily my husband or son take me to the bus and I can see good enough for that. We’ll see next week.
Hi Christina,
I wanted to chime in because it sounds like my situation might interest you.
I have am (was) nearsighted with a prescription and a fairly high astigmatism. I have been 100% dependent on contacts since I was 14 years old (I am now 44). I have recently become intolerant of my contacts, developing inflammatory keratitis. Due to this, I have been forced to wear my glasses (a very foreign concept to me) for weeks and weeks, which has caused almost daily migraine headaches. Not a fun summer.
The keratitis finally cleared up and I went in for PRK a little over a week ago, on September 14, 2012.
I was not a candidate for Lasik due to thin corneas, I believe they were around 490-500. One place turned me down and recommended contact implants, which I didn’t even consider. Two other places recommended the PRK.
The surgery itself was not painful but the recovery was pretty painful and intense. I am at day 9 now and my vision is not where it should be. My right eye is my weak eye and I see double vision. I still have a lot of discomfort (burning and stinging) in my left eye – maybe because it is compensating for my right eye.
I do feel that I am still recovering and I am not panicking. I am thankful to Alex for this blog and others who have commented because it has helped me in knowing that the w/ PRK is definitely a process and one must be patient.
I do have to say that PRK is not for everybody and the patient has to be dedicated and know what they are getting themselves into. For me, it was pretty painful. But I was out of options and I really wanted the surgery and I was dedicated.
I hope this help and I’ll keep you updated if you want.
Hi,
I wAnted to give an update on my stiation. I had the PRK surgery on August 29. After the initial pain and close up vision problems during the first 2 weekS mostly, i mainly have problems with my far vision, meaning that i can see close up or computer screen fine as before the surgery, however my far vision is not clear. ..
Right eye is sligtly better, but still not same as i saw with contacts/glasses. Left eye is more blury maybe even double vision problems,but it is kind of foggier.
I see best when i get up in the mornings. Then it gets worse. I work with computers, so maybe that doesnot help either. You look at a distance of some 40 cm or so for a long time…
When i move my head and look at some far point, not necessaryly meters away but even at 2-3 m distance things are blury…
When i use lubricating drops i see better for a few seconds then it gets worse again.
Doctor says that it is healing fine, and since i had high prescription it can take longer time. However it feels like he says this just to calm me down… I dont know…
On my left eye, it feels like i see some transparent line. Difficut to explain but as if some kind of distortion on the cornea or something like that.
I am extremely worried that my vision will stay like this and not get better. I know that many of you on this blog mentioned patience. I try my best, but i get so depressed when i do not see clear…
I hope to get back with good news!
Steph, how is it going for you?
Dave, till which month did you have blurry vision?
Thanks for sharing!
Christina
Christina,
I don’t remember exactly when my vision cleared up, but to be honest with you, even today my vision is not razor sharp. I wasn’t expecting it to be razor sharp, but I am very happy with my current vision considering my original prescription. It is definitely better than wearing hard contact lenses, because then my eyes would get dry and red and my vision wouldn’t be so great. Your recovery seems pretty typical to me, and I think you’re doing fine. I would say my eyes kept changing for around 8 months. Again, that could be due to my original prescription. You’re only at around 6 weeks, and I can say for sure that my eyes were going through a lot of changes at that point in my recovery! Hang in there and feel free to keep posting (I hope Alex doesn’t mind!).
Hi Dave an Alex,
Thanks for your support!
I hope there will be positive changes and that i get back with better news!
Yeah, what you’re describing sounds normal.
I remember typically having better vision in the mornings as well. And also better vision with the eye drops.
Don’t fret.
If your doctor says you’re healing fine, I’d trust him. Especially since your recovery sounds pretty typical from what others have experienced.
Christina,
I had PRK in April of 2012. I too have great up close vision but my distance is a problem. At times I will see great, but at times the distance is not clear. Once the doctor said my eyes had settled I got a pair of prescription glasses that allow my “reading eye” to see distance. I use these at night to enhance my vision and used them when I went to the grand canyon this summer.
I have had issues with dryness and have plugs in my tear ducts now which helps. The dryness is mostly at night while I sleep.
I am certainly not done healing yet. My eye doctor had PRK and she really understands what I am going through and told me to expect changes up to a year from surgery.
Hang in there.
Wendy
Christina,
I had monovision PRK in April of 2012. I too have great up close vision but my distance is a problem. At times I will see great, but at times the distance is not clear. Once the doctor said my eyes had settled I got a pair of prescription glasses that allow my “reading eye” to see distance. I use these at night to enhance my vision and used them when I went to the grand canyon this summer.
I have had issues with dryness and have plugs in my tear ducts now which helps. The dryness is mostly at night while I sleep.
I am certainly not done healing yet. My eye doctor had PRK and she really understands what I am going through and told me to expect changes up to a year from surgery.
Hang in there.
Wendy
Hi Christina,
Wow, I don’t know how I missed this 2 months ago. How are you doing now?
My eyes are still fluctuating but getting better. Probably since I last wrote about my recovery, I’ve had a major breakthrough and then a setback.
One evening, out of the blue, my eyes cleared up and I had the best vision I had ever had in my life. It was amazing. At this point, my left eye was strong eye and my right eye was behind in the healing process.
A few days later, I woke up and I had trouble reading my laptop, the online guide on our big screen TV etc. Something had drastically changed. When I tested it myself, it seemed to be my left eye that was causing the problems. Luckily I had an appointment scheduled that day.
At the appointment they said I had a ‘have’ on my left eye. They said this typically happened in PRK. They prescribed FML anti-inflammatory drops, which I am still taking.
This happened a few months ago and my eyesight is not as good now as it was then, so I have had a setback in my vision. I have noticed that my night vision is not as good and lights ‘bleed’ a bit more than the did. It’s frustrating bc my strong eye is now the weaker eye. I’m hoping it’s going to go back to it’s previous condition.
Let me start by saying that I’m so happy that I came across this blog. I had my PRK on July 19th, 2012 and had my doubts about the results. Basically, my corneas were just at the recommended thickness for LASIK, but my doc decided to go with PRK day of just to be safe. So I went into the surgery with minimal knowledge about the healing process. One thing that I can relate to Alex’s experience was as the laser did its thing across my eye I got a brief glimpse of perfect vision and the hope of what the end result would be. I still have the image of seeing those tiny dots on the ceiling tile from that moment in my head.
Of course, reading up on the subject when I got home was out of the question as I couldn’t see and was doped up on Xanax. My first few days were like most of the contributors here: Very light sensitive, constant watery eyes, and blurry vision. My follow up the next day the doc said I was doing great and both eyes tested at 20-25. I wasn’t that impressed. I started at -2 in both eyes and slight astigmatism in my right.
Day six was when my BCLs were to come out. The right one did, but the left one needed a little more time. That change over to put in a fresh contact on my left eye was one of the most traumatic experiences in my recent memory. The doc accidentaly put the contact in upside down. Wow. Before taking out the contacts I tested 20/15 in both eyes. Now I was very excited. After the BCL came out of my right eye, I couldn’t see the chart. It was another four days before the left BCL was removed. Same deal. All blur…then – My right eye rebounded like a champ.
Day 12 after the surgery, I watched (lol) the vision in my right eye not only clear up, but sharpen throughout the day. It was wild. My left eye wasn’t impressed and remained blurry.
Fast forward to day 18. My right eye is still a champ, and thank goodness for that because I’m not sure what I would have done otherwise for work, play, etc. My left eye is still being obstinant, but I think it’s slowly starting to sharpen.
Days 19 – 20 I think I’m seeing improvement in my left eye, so I start testing by looking at the same object from the same distance throughout the day to see if its getting clearer. What do you know? It certainly is, but infinitessimal in progress. So slow that sometimes I doubt its changing.
Day 21 First day reducing FML drops (steroid). Down to three a day. My left has definitely taken notice and I’m seeing it improve hourly. I’m only now realizing how much my right eye was bearing the load as my vision is shifting to balance again.
Day 22 (today) My right eye has regressed every so slightly, but my left has almost caught up. I tested today at 20/10 in my right and 20/15 in my left. My doc thinks that I might settle at 20/12 overall. Freaky. This is just the beginning of week 4 for me and I’m truly excited. However, had it not been for all of the stories related here, I might have truly lost it in the beginning. My doc didn’t adequately explain the recovery time or the process that I’d go through in my healing. I know now that if I regress some over the next few weeks and months, that its nothing to freak over. I’m not the most patient person, but at least its comforting somewhat to know that I’m pretty much on the right healing track. Thanks again Alex and everyone else for sharing. You’ve saved me some from some needless worry.
Heya Tommy! Thanks for stopping by and paying it forward with your own personal timeline!
Sounds like you’re now in a healthy place with expectations. And also doing great with your recovery! 20/12 would be an amazing final result!