Recovery after PRK surgery

Recovery after PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) surgery requires diligence, patience, and extra care. There are several different stages of recovery with specific guidelines and amount of time involved. Although many people go back to work within days after their surgery, full recovery can take 6 to 12 months. Successful PRK recovery depends on many factors such as natural ability to heal, careful diligence in taking medication and using eye drops, and keeping all follow-up appointments with the eye doctor.

An excimer laser is used to correct the corneal surface, which removes the corneal epithelium. The corneal epithelium will regenerate in 3 to 5 days. During this time, a clear contact lens over the eye will protect it and help the healing process.

Contents 1 Immediately after the surgery 2 After getting home 3 First 3 days after surgery 4 First week after surgery 5 First month after surgery 6 After about 3 months 7 After about 6 to 12 months 8 Possible recovery complications

[edit] Immediately after the surgery

After the PRK procedure, the patient will sit with their eyes closed for about thirty minutes. The doctor (the ophthalmologist/surgeon) will examine the eye. Blurry vision and possibly some pain or discomfort is expected, but medication is given. The feeling has often been described as “increased sensitivity”. The eyes should never be rubbed for the duration of your recovery for the next several months.

[edit] After getting home

Taking the medication prescribed by the doctor is an important step in recovery. For people who experience discomfort, usually aspirin and other OTC pain medications suffice. The doctor and pharmacist are trained be able to give specific suggestions in case of any pain. Typically, patients receive antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and lubricant eye drops. Sometimes, anesthetic eye drops are given but they should be avoided since they can be toxic to the cornea in excessive amounts and prevent healing. A clear contact lens will stay in place until the appointment to remove it.

Taking a shower

When taking a shower, the eyes should be protected from getting wet. Swimming or otherwise excessive exposure of water to the eyes should be avoided. Many common sense precautions are necessary – avoid smoke, dust, and other irritants to the eye.

Sleeping

A clear plastic shield is usually given to use over the eye to prevent accidental trauma while sleeping. Closing the eyes and giving the eyes time to heal is very important. Whenever possible, eyes should be kept closed and bright lights should be avoided. Drops should be used consistently and accordingly; not waiting until they feel dry. They should always be lubricated. A cold compress over the eye can give soothing relief.

[edit] First 3 days after surgery

As the epithelium and cornea recover from surgery, vision may worsen or come and go. Some patients experience “blurry spots” in their field of vision. The healing process must be given necessary time. Using eye drops promotes rapid recovery. In these first few days, drops should be used every half hour. People should never drive with blurry vision.

[edit] First week after surgery

After the first 3 days many patients return to work. Quite a few patients still experience blurry vision, and use their other eye. The patient should have an appointment to have the protective contact lens removed and, if necessary, preparations for surgery on the other eye. The patient should tell the doctor about his/her visual progress when the doctor inspects the eye for infection. During the first week, drops should be used every couple hours.

[edit] First month after surgery

As the eye recovers, it may regress. In the unlikely case of significant regression, the patient may need further operation. For the next 3 months, drops should be used 4 times a day. It is important to keep the appointment for the one-month eye checkup.

[edit] After about 3 months

Patients are usually able to see more clearly after 3 months in successful PRK recovery. There should be another checkup with the ophthalmologist who will measure visual progress.

[edit] After about 6 to 12 months

In this time period, vision should be stabilized and require few if any eye drops. How well the eye is cared for during the recovery process is an important factor in healing.

[edit] Possible recovery complications

If bleeding in the eye occurs or there is excessive pressure or pain, it should be considered a serious medical emergency. There are several severe eye conditions which must be addressed within 24 hours or else the patient will face a risk of blindness. There are some rare complications that is often unrelated to the PRK recovery, nonetheless, important in order to recognize the symptoms and for the patient to receive immediate treatment.

Complications of the PRK surgery include:

• Blurry vision
• Dry eye
• Night glare and halos (light sources become large balls of blurry light)
• Flaring and starbursts (light sources become multiple beams in starburst formation).
• Regression (usually small)
• Haze (most common complication)
• Induced astigmatism
• Under or overcorrection
• Infection or inflammation

If any of these symptoms are experienced by the patient, his/her doctor should be notified. In some cases, such as haze, further surgical procedures may be required.

Many patients experience a long recovery time and this is normal. However, with diligent care by the patient and his/her doctor, the eye (or eyes) should recover successfully and vision can be maintained without the need of corrective lenses. Some patients improve their vision, but are not able to achieve 20/20. Doctors are trained to discuss what to expect with each patient's eye.

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