PRK Recovery: Timelines, What to Expect, and Tips to Heal

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PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is a laser vision correction procedure that is a great alternative to LASIK, especially for patients with thinner corneas. While PRK involves a slightly longer recovery process, many patients find the outcome to be just as rewarding. In this article, we’ll provide a clear overview of what you can expect during PRK recovery, including key timelines and helpful tips to ensure a smooth healing process. Schedule a consultation with Brusco Vision to find out if PRK is right for you.

What should I expect in this first 24 to 48 hours after PRK?

In the first 24 to 48 hours after PRK surgery at Brusco Vision, you can expect your vision to go through some changes. While your vision may seem relatively clear right after surgery, it will likely become blurry and fluctuate as your cornea begins its healing process. This is a normal part of recovery and nothing to be concerned about. During this time, some mild discomfort is expected, including a scratchy sensation, burning, tearing up, and sensitivity to light. Pain levels vary from patient to patient, but Dr. Brusco will provide pain management options tailored to your needs to help alleviate any discomfort you may experience.

Rest is key in these early days. It’s important to avoid activities that could strain your eyes, such as reading, watching TV, or spending time on digital devices. We recommend staying in a dimly lit environment and using ice packs as directed to reduce any swelling or pain. You’ll also need to follow Dr. Brusco’s instructions on using prescribed eye drops, which include antibiotics, steroids, and lubricating drops, to ensure your eyes heal properly.

Within the first 24 to 48 hours, you’ll have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Brusco to check your healing progress. It’s essential that someone drives you home from the procedure, as your vision won’t be ready for driving yet. By carefully following the post-operative instructions from Dr. Brusco, you’ll be on the right path toward a smooth recovery and excellent visual outcomes.

What should I expect in the weeks after PRK?

In the weeks following PRK surgery at Brusco Vision, you can expect gradual improvements in your vision. During the first one to two weeks, your vision will begin to improve, though it may still be blurry or fluctuate throughout the day. Discomfort and light sensitivity should decrease, and most patients can resume driving, working, and other daily activities within about a week. However, it’s important to avoid activities like swimming, high-impact sports, and exposure to dusty environments during this time. You’ll also continue using the prescribed eye drops as directed by Dr. Brusco.

From weeks two to four, your vision will continue to improve, with most visual side effects, such as glare and halos, resolving. By this time, you can usually return to normal activities like wearing makeup or coloring your hair, but you may still notice occasional night glare. Prescription eye drops will likely remain part of your routine during this period.

By weeks four to eight, you should notice more significant improvements in your vision, with side effects like halos and glare diminishing. Night vision typically improves as well, though some dryness may still persist. It’s important to remember that complete healing can take up to three months, and during this time, your vision will continue to stabilize. Most patients achieve excellent visual outcomes, such as 20/20 or better, by the end of their recovery. Dr. Brusco will guide you throughout this process to ensure optimal results.

How long does it take to see significant improvement in vision after PRK?

Significant improvement in vision after PRK typically occurs within the first month, but it can take up to three months for your vision to become fully clear, sharp, and stable. By three to six months after surgery, most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. While you may notice better visual acuity each week, it can take four to six weeks for your vision to reach its optimal state. It’s important to remember that recovery varies from person to person, so it’s best not to compare your progress to others. By the end of the recovery period, most patients achieve excellent vision, with many reaching 20/20. Dr. Brusco will monitor your progress to ensure you’re on track for the best possible outcome.

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10 Tips to Help You Heal After PRK

  1. Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
    Carefully follow all post-operative instructions provided by Dr. Brusco, including using prescribed eye drops, medications, and adhering to any activity restrictions.

  2. Get Plenty of Rest
    Allow your eyes to heal by getting enough sleep, especially in the first few days after surgery. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to support your recovery.

  3. Protect Your Eyes
    Wear UV-protective sunglasses when you’re outside and use the provided eye shields at night to prevent accidental rubbing while you sleep.

  4. Maintain a Clean Environment
    Keep your living space clean and free of dust, allergens, and other irritants to minimize the risk of infection and irritation as your eyes heal.

  5. Stay Hydrated
    Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help alleviate dry eye symptoms and support your body’s overall healing process.

  6. Use Artificial Tears
    Use lubricating eye drops as prescribed to keep your eyes moist and comfortable, reducing dryness and irritation.

  7. Avoid Screens
    Limit the time you spend on devices like phones, computers, and TVs during the first few days after surgery to reduce eye strain.

  8. Use Cold Compresses
    With Dr. Brusco’s approval, apply cool compresses (not freezing) over your eyelids to help reduce discomfort and irritation.

  9. Avoid Strenuous Activities
    Refrain from heavy lifting, intense exercise, and contact sports for at least a week after surgery to give your eyes time to heal properly.

  10. Be Patient
    Understand that full visual recovery may take several weeks. Your vision may fluctuate during this time, so be patient as your eyes continue to heal.

By following these tips and maintaining open communication with Dr. Brusco, you can help ensure a smooth and successful recovery after your PRK surgery.

FAQ’s About PRK Recovery

How long does PRK recovery take?

PRK recovery varies, but most patients can expect to see significant improvements in visual perception within the first month. Full recovery, where vision stabilizes and the epithelium has fully healed, can take up to three months. Brusco Vision provides personalized guidance during this process to help achieve the best possible outcomes for your visual impairment.

Is PRK recovery painful?

PRK recovery can involve some discomfort, such as burning, scratchiness, and light sensitivity. Dr. Brusco will prescribe pain management options and lubricating drops to help alleviate discomfort during your recovery period at Brusco Vision.

Can I drive during PRK recovery?

Most patients are advised not to drive for at least a couple of days after PRK surgery, as vision may be blurry or fluctuate. Dr. Brusco will assess your vision during follow-up visits at Brusco Vision to determine when it’s safe to resume driving.

How long should I avoid exercise after PRK?

It’s recommended to avoid strenuous exercise for at least one week after PRK. Activities like swimming or contact sports should be avoided for several weeks to protect your healing eyes. Dr. Brusco at Brusco Vision will advise you on when it’s safe to return to your usual activities.

When can I wear makeup after PRK?

You should avoid wearing makeup for at least one week after PRK surgery to reduce the risk of infection or irritation. Dr. Brusco will provide specific guidance based on your recovery progress at Brusco Vision.

Will I experience dry eye syndrome during PRK recovery?

Dry eyes are a common side effect during PRK recovery. At Brusco Vision, our experienced eye surgeon, Dr. Brusco, will recommend lubricating eye drops to help manage dryness and keep your eyes comfortable throughout the healing process.

Can I work during PRK recovery?

Most patients can return to work within a few days, depending on the nature of their job. If your work involves extensive computer or cell phone time, Dr. Brusco may recommend waiting a little longer to reduce eye strain. Brusco Vision provides personalized post-operative care to help determine your return-to-work timeline.

How do I manage light sensitivity after PRK?

Light sensitivity is common after PRK eye surgery. Dr. Brusco recommends wearing UV-protective sunglasses and staying in dimly lit environments during the initial recovery period. Brusco Vision will guide you on how to manage this sensitivity as your eyes heal.

Is it normal to have blurry vision at night during PRK recovery?

Yes, night vision issues like glare or halos are common during PRK recovery, particularly in the early weeks. These visual perception issues are due to temporary irregularities in the corneal surface and refraction as the epithelium heals. These typically improve over time. Dr. Brusco will monitor your night vision progress, including any signs and symptoms of complications, during your follow-up visits at Brusco Vision.

How soon can I shower after PRK surgery?

You can shower the day after surgery, but avoid getting water or soap in your eyes for at least the first week. Brusco Vision will provide detailed post-op care instructions to help you protect your eyes and ensure a smooth recovery.

What happens to the epithelium after PRK surgery?

During PRK, the surface layer of the eye, known as the epithelium, is removed to allow the laser to reshape the underlying tissue. This differs from LASIK, where a flap is created. The epithelium regrows over time, contributing to the longer recovery period. A bandage contact lens is placed over the eye to protect the exposed tissue and help with healing. Dr. Brusco at Brusco Vision monitors the regrowth to ensure proper healing and visual recovery.

Will I need a corrective lens after PRK?

PRK is a type of refractive surgery designed to correct common refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. Most patients no longer need corrective lenses like glasses or contact lenses after PRK, but individual results can vary depending on the initial degree of visual impairment. Dr. Brusco will perform thorough ophthalmology assessments to determine your refraction and the likelihood of achieving 20/20 vision without corrective lenses.

Michael A. Brusco, MD, FACS, is the founder and medical director of Brusco Vision – the premier practice dedicated to changing lives through vision correction in Washington DC and the DMV. He is a board-certified and award-winning refractive surgery subspecialist who has successfully performed over 40,000 corneal-based vision correction procedures, such as high-definition all-laser LASIK and PRK. Dr. Brusco graduated with honors from Harvard College, was awarded the STAAR Top 100 International Surgeon honor multiple years, and is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons, the American Medical Association, and the Refractive Surgery Alliance. He is a founding member of the World College of Refractive Surgery & Visual Sciences, an organization on a global scale. Most recently, Dr. Brusco personally was performing close to 1% of all LASIK procedures in the US annually.

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