Epithelium and stroma of the cornea; Image by StemBook (CC BY 3.0) / modified from original. In addition, there is a large chance your vision can revert back to what you had pre-surgery as you age. But even if you can see 20/20, vision just may not seem very clear. I had PRK 3 days ago. Im so sorry youre going through this as well Kristy. Oh Ariel, I am so sorry you are going through this. LOL). I dont know when my reading vision will be ok. It is my opinion that no one should risk their precious eyes! Whenever you are going for PRK, be sure to conduct a thorough research about the clinics in your area and the expertise of the doctors who are going to conduct the surgery. I dont feel like I am seeing any improvements but some days are better or worse than others. Angela. Another benefit is that PRK can be performed on individuals who have thin corneas as well as individuals with severe nearsightedness. FlexOffers Affiliate Disclosure Dang Travelers also participates in the FlexOffers affiliate network and uses links within our content to earn a commission. I dont know if I could have taken any more than that. It would just be overwhelmingly depressing to return and confront my condition. Believe it or not I actually saw 20/15 with glasses pre-surgery. After the procedure, your eyes will be treated with a sponge containing mitomycin-C (MMC). The doctor give me bunch of other eye drops and hopefully can help the healing process. All Rights Reserved. So anyway the ointment helps maybe 60% of the time the other 40% I still wake up in pain. He wanted to see me in another month, but I reminded him I was leaving on a three month trip to Spain and Portugal. That and lets say a over or undercorrection could result in a worst case scenario like yours. I would recommend LASIK to anyone based on my experience. But my doctor said before surgery that I would get better but always be sensitive to bright light. Its not terrible since my old prescription pre-surgery was -5.50 in both eyes BUT my vision is not as crisp as before with contacts (and Ive been used to that clarity for my entire life), I do not feel comfortable driving without glasses, and now that my eyes are so dry I cannot wear contacts which annoys me because I cant stand glasses. Can't avoid it. Because it will keep you from having reading glasses until older age! Just when it would get bad it would be time for more drops which made them feel better. When I decided to have surgery, I had about 20/80 distance vision corrected to 20/20 with glasses/contacts, needed a +2.50 correction for reading, and used yet a third pair of glasses for computer work. When the retina pulls away from the layers of supportive tissue, surgery must be performed to return it to its normal position in the back of the eye. I cannot think straight. Just like the question, I woke up this morning some eye pain. Mine are still so sensitive too! I paid $3,363.12 including a discount of $1,000 for my type of insurance to correct my nearsightedness (-5.50 in both eyes). But being so affected seems indeed to be quite rare. LASIK has little downtime with only a day or so for recovery whereas PRK is much longer. 6. Double vision as well as severe and even permanent dry eye can also occur. Light sensitivity is no joke. Ive literally gained 20 lbs in the last 2 months from stress eating and even started smoking again to try and cope with the stress. Although PRK surgery has a 95% success rate, it's important to know that there are risks associated with laser eye surgeries such as PRK. How Long Do You Have to Wait After Cataract Surgery to Play Golf? Your cornea is only so thick and each time you have LASIK/PRK you are thinning your cornea. There are so many more reasons that I could go into as to why you shouldnt do this but I dont feel like writing anymore. My experience has been almost identical to yours. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. B) i got 0.25 astigmatism will this also go away ? This will lead to an increased amount of symptoms such as glare and the ghosting of images as well as an increased difficulty with lower contrast details. But, even if I wake up tomorrow with perfect eyesight, I will regret having had prk. Time and time again, I find myself so astounded that there are so many of us with issues and unfortunately, I dont think any of the side effects are recorded anywhere. First, make sure to follow all directions including going right home and sleeping for a few hours. I had been very excited for Lasik for many years while I saved up for the surgery and especially excited for the months prior to the surgery, once the appointment was made and it was becoming a reality. When the eye shield is removed, the eye might be red, swollen or tender, and blurry vision is possible. Both PRK, which stands for Photorefractive Keratectomy, and LASIK are laser vision correction procedures performed to correct eyesight. I run a startup company so I have that luxury. And if an eyelash gets in there, watch out because it feels like someone is gouging them. And then had to wait about an hour to be taken back which is when I started feeling a little nervous. I had issues and I highly doubt they were ever recorded anywhere. The only reason Im posting this is to ask that if you are considering doing this please do not. I can drive in the Cape Town summer days with our extremely harsh lighting. Our eyes are nothing to mess with is what Im walking away with except when absolutely necessary. Vision at the end of the first week will generally be somewhere around 20/30 to 20/40. Im wondering how I am going to live the rest of my life like this. My left eye is 20/20, not blurry at all. .y eyes feels like they dont work in sync because of this discrepancy. I too am having problems look straight on or upwards. I have myopia and astigmatism and both eye -4.25. They never explained the difference between Lasik and PRK to me and I actually realized they had done PRK after my procedure. There are two types of corneal haze that patients may experience after the procedure. no pain etc. I had PRK in November 2021. Long story short, Im on month three now since prk and I still have blurred vision that comes and goes but never complete sharp vision. Day time vision is functional, though not very crisp. After your PRK surgery, it is wise to use lubricating drops or a moisturizing contact lens in order to keep your eyes comfortable during the healing process. Then the day of the surgery he told me I was getting PRK. While some of these symptoms are normal after eye surgeries, none should continue indefinitely. 4. Blurry vision even 6 months after PRK Had my PRK 6 months back along with CXL for my left eye. PRK surgery lasted for less tham 10 mins both eyes. Its been painful, its made normal life impossible, and often I wear a patch over my right eye to prevent headaches from the constant blurred vision. Your email address will not be published. I slept off and on for most of the first two days with mild discomfort here and there. I never felt at any point during this time that I could see as good as when I had contacts, but I expected the first week to be like that. lady at dr office told me it could be 8 months or more before i no longer will have an issue with the sand feeling. Furthermore I got diagnosed with a bacterial sinus infection a few days ago, so Im now wondering if my symptoms are FROM Sinusitis, or did I get it from having the surgery? If blurry vision continues beyond that timeframe, it's time to visit your eye doctor. I cant imagine how I lived for the past 6 weeks because I cant see! And now to begin my infuriating experience. Im not sure if that was case with me but hindsight is 20/20, pun intended. I didnt want to get my hopes up so I took that with a grain of salt and prepared myself for the worst. I wear glasses 100% more then before it. Many patients who undergo PRK, LASIK or Bladeless Lasik experience vision problems such as blurry vision, glare and dry eyes during the initial days after surgery. Be sure to attend regular follow up visits to ensure your eyes are healing properly. I went through the same light sensitivity issues but it lasted only about ten days. LASIK vs. PRK: Which Laser Eye Surgery Is Right For You. Hello I've had PRK 10 days ago. Anywhere I inhabit is littered with the tiny plastic bottles of preservative free eye drops. Somewhat blurred vision for close distance THIS BOTHERS ME THE MOST! And according to some clinical cases, your vision will constantly improve as time goes by, and it would take you 3 . I was treated horribly by the surgeon, and I am also now in glasses too with prism and a Rx of about -1. First, lets discuss why I got PRK instead of LASIK and why you might have to do the same. Where do you live? I (so far) have not been so lucky. Anyone who has laser eye surgery will have an increase in the amount of dry eye within the first few months after the procedure; PRK patients arent spared from this. Most patients who undergo PRK achieve 20/20 vision, with many even seeing better than before their procedure. What do the numbers on your eyeglass frames mean? Since epithelial cells reproduce rapidly within the human body, they typically regenerate within weeks to months. As much as I love not wearing glasses the dry eye pain that comes on without warning is so horrifying. THESE PROVIDERS DEFINITELY DO NOT DISCLOSE THE REAL ASPECTS OF PRK they make it sound semi easy compared to lasik and that simply is UNTRUE. Anyone considering Lasik or PRK should go to look at website Lasik Complications. Here are some of the most common things: (but this doesnt include everything and its important to visit your doctor if things continue to be blurry). Eye surgery offers many solutions for correcting refractive errors, such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. During the first 24 hours after PRK, its important to rest your eyes. If we look at someone treated with PRK and someone treated with lasik, objectively their vision is finally equal 3 months out. Vision works best when looking through a clear surface. But the difference was, I was driving the next day and I could see perfectly when I woke up after the first day. If that doesnt work, it in for a second procedure. Lets find out. If youre experiencing a medical issue, please contact a healthcare professional or dial 911 immediately. Its difficult not to be frustrated or think I shouldnt have but the doctors are always so confident and they rarely focus on the risks. It can be very frustrating dealing with blurry vision and mild pain from time to time. +5 and +5.5 with a high astigmatism. for a week i couldnt even consider driving and could just barely get through the work I needed to do. Yeah, I honestly do believe that my vision is getting worse as Im supposedly healing. My vision would come and go so I was not confident enough to drive yet. I mean after all that was the purpose of it. As the doctor reminded me after the surgery- all surgeries have the potential for unforeseen complications. All I can say is, I know exactly how you are feeling and unfortunately the only way out is accepting this. After your PRK surgery, you should be able to see clearly again; however, your vision will continue to improve as the cornea heals and the new epithelium beneath your contact lens re-epithelializes. Since different people have had different recovery timelines, it is important to remember that the timing is extremely variable. Ive had a very similar experience and after 6 months of my first PRK, Ive just underwent a second PRK plus PTK few days ago in my right eye. Consulting with an eye care professional in order to determine candidacy is the most important first step an individual can take when considering PRK surgery. I need glasses for everything, but cant really go get a prescription because things are supposedly changing still. After a few weeks, everything was good for about six years. I didnt think it was funny and Ill be damned if I go back to him. There are several eye surgeries and procedures including cataract, laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and certain restorative eye surgeries like retinal detachment surgery that can cause temporary blurry vision. No reading glasses just yet! I was so excited and thought this was a great sign. My PRK Recovery Timeline. I hope this helps and is a little bit of encouragement. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 26.99%. Good luck with your recovery. Lasik creates a lasik flap to get past the epithelium. I too was so exited about the idea of no contacts or glasses, but my outcome from the surgery is constant discomfort from dry eyes, astigmatism, starbursts at night making driving difficult, overall decreased vision in dim light, I require bifocal glasses to see clearly (I cant wear contacts because my eyes are too dry), I battle MGD and blepharitis (which I had never heard of before the surgery), and my right eyelid is droopy. Im pretty much going to be honest and up-front with them, as I always have been. Before LASIK I was about -8 in both eyes and thin cornea. In addition to all these new expenses, I have been forced to decrease my work hours due to the pain and burning in my eyes. I am recovering slowly. This will help to promote a complete and fast healing process. My only issue was small road debris at night that I couldnt see until it was too late. Good luck mate! Please any additional advice would be greatly appreciated. As the epithelium continues to become smooth again, the vision continues to sharpen up over the course of the rest of the week. Here I am, shortly after the 3 month-post PRK surgery mark. PRK involves using cutting edge laser technology to destroy the entire outer layer of corneal tissue, known as the epithelium. If you are experiencing persistent ghosting after PRK, the first step should be to contact your doctor. In fact, 9 out of 10 people who get PRK to improve their vision experience 20/40 vision or better within six months of the procedure. The discomfort can be alleviated to some degree by using eye drops that work towards numbing the eye and stopping the tears. I can see and function better than after the first but everything is still blurry. How could it just reverse overnight?? Please speak with your NVISION Eye Center for additional details. Theres no way I would have had the procedure if I had just known the basicsthat a month of recovery was typical, not the exception, and, as your blog demonstrated, complications should not be discounted. This epithelium must then heal back. I went back to the place where I did the surgery and the doctor said it was unusual for my eyes are like this because I did a really small prescription now its way worse than before. I was thinking how many days do i need to take off from my job? [Read more about cataract surgery recovery.]. if youre not in the Dallas area, do some research and find a group of cornea doctors that just do corneas for a living. You might be considering the same option so I want to share my lengthy and not-so-great experience so you can make an informed decision. I was DEVASTATED when I was told I had to re do PRK almost 8 month later due to blurry vision amoung other things like dry eye and light sensitivity. That day I also went for another follow-up appointment where they removed the contact bandages. While most patients see very well within a month after the procedure, complete healing can take 3 months. I luckily had a great outcome, but would like to see if there are similarities with the people who have had bad outcomes. Required fields are marked *. The pain was not moving when I was moving my eye around either. I have astigmatisms in BOTH eyes, essentially, 2 different shadings (shadowing), and blurred vision all the time. Qualified patients must book their procedure by 2/28/2023. As recovery continues, your eyesight will gradually start to improve. Had the exact same experience with my first prk surgery and might have to get an enhancement because theyre not doing too hot. I cant imagine going through all that. did you have a prior surgery before prk. Posterior Capsule Opacity (PCO) is another common complication that can occur when a cloudy layer of scar tissue forms behind the lens implant. The doctor told me, I was not done healing and to give it time. Welcome! I couldnt wear glasses because the eye that had already been done didnt need any sort of glasses and I couldnt wear them with just the lens in the one eye because the glasses didnt sit right on my face. I had PRK in March 2020 on both eyes, an enhancement done on the right eye in Sept 2020 and on the left eye in Jan 2021. I suggest you get a second opinion from a doctor who is not in the office where you had your LASIK done. My story is very complicated. Five years ago, I had an acute rejection of the corneal transplant and my vision went to 20/1000. Past 6 months onwards i am using FML eye drops. I had PRK in June 2020. Dry eye it varies, but hadnt such a problem before. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases. Light sensitivity typically only lasts a few days after surgery, after which your blurry vision should diminish. Remember as you get older your eyes will form cataracts at some point so you will need to plan for that if the need arises. This layer serves as the skin-like layer of our cornea. While LASIK is the most popular type of refractive correction, PRK (precise refractive keratome) is another popular choice. Im sure you can guess what comes next. After the surgery, I went to another eye physician for a consultation, and he told me, that small numbers (around 1) ARE A GIFT! Ill never recommend it to anyone, and Im most likely never letting those con artists touch my eyes again! If you experience any of these effects, contact your surgeon promptly. I has LASIK in 2001. The only time I have issues now is when driving. Now all I can think of is the music I cant play and the art I cant create because I cant see well enough. There was astigmatism in my left eye that was causing me to go back into glasses to see sharply again. Because I cant see I feel like I cant think clearly either! On my 3 week check up, they made me do standard reading tests and said I can read properly so alls good, despite telling them that ALL IS NOT GOOD. Bought some cheaper ones online especially since I cant see shit clearly anyway. Im glad it all worked out. Last September I had cataract surgery plus intraocular lens (IOL) implants (right and left eye three weeks apart). Many thanks for the warnings, and best of luck to all. You should see some improvement in the next 2-3 months. My left eye is still great. I wear sunglasses outside but I see better with more light. The information on RealSelf is intended for educational purposes only. The more they scrub at the surface of the eye the more sensitive and slower the recovery seems to be (also keep in mind that everyone heals a bit different too). I work for an eye surgeon and also had PRK) With a correction that is extremely high like hers, I would think she wouldnt have enough thickness left for a touch up. I was not relaxed in the preparation for this surgery. When I drive and it just starts to get dark it literally hurts my eyes. I had friends who had done Lasik with no problems and with the slight research I had done and the reassurance I had from my friend who is an opthamologist I gave my fate to the wind and expected good results. Who do I talk to, to get reimbursed for the prescription because there is NO WAY Im paying for all this again! My three month follow up appointment was a lot of the same responses from the doctor. Fluctuations in your vision during the first few weeks after surgery is expected; it can take up to six months for your vision to stabilize. I had PRK surgery 1 year and 1 month ago and I have exactly the same experience. Beware if you have an astigmatism, and or strong prescription because you will need further adjusting which leaves more room for error. 8 month update I went to my ophthalmologist and he stated that I now have +4 farsighted in both eyes with astigmatisms. Prior to these surgeries, your eye doctor will explain what type and duration of blurred vision to expect. I am hoping that your eyes just need time to heal but I would think by week six youd be stabilized. All in all, if I could do it over again, I wouldnt. Here are some questions to consider post eye surgery. I do have a possible procedure to brush the cornea again as something (i cant remember the term he used) is 60 microns thick, while a normal (insert term) should only be 40 microns thick its something on my cornea. Im relieved to hear you havent seen any of these issues, but based on all the comments and people Ive talked to since my procedure it seems like its not all that uncommon. My left eye is still blurry and I have been out of work since!!! Consult with a doctor virtually or in person. It usually takes a few days to weeks for these new layers to cover and thicken your cornea, eliminating ghosting in the process. This can lead to some residual remaining prescription and / or fluctuation of prescription. 2.5 mos after wavefront optimized PRK with alcon excimer 5000. When we use glasses and surgery to correct vision, we correct two prescription measurements: sphere (how nearsighted you are) and astigmatism (how much your cornea resembles a cylinder or football). Luckily this doesnt happen very often. Wow, I am so sorry to hear of how horrible your PRK experience ended up being for you. But it is still normal to have blurry vision one month out. . Your experience is exactly like mine. It is possible for vision to remain blurry for one to two weeks. i consulted with my doctor, he was saying it will be recover itself. In rare cases, more extreme side effects can occur. I went to my optometrist, hoping I could just get a cheap pair of glasses to hold me off for the next 3-4 months of healing and everything was WAY overpriced. I regret doing prk . These nerves usually regenerate in the first three to six months after surgery. I lived for the past 6 weeks because I cant create because I cant see pun intended three... Get through the same light sensitivity typically only lasts a few hours wondering how I am now... Moving my eye around either with PRK and someone treated with a of! Your eyeglass frames mean next 2-3 months like they dont work in sync because of this discrepancy take 3 out! Get bad it would be time for more drops which made them feel better we look at someone treated PRK! Months back along with CXL for my left eye three weeks apart ) are your. Look straight on or upwards and thicken your cornea, eliminating ghosting in the next 2-3 months excited... Functional, though not very crisp 0.25 astigmatism will this also go away mild pain from time visit! When absolutely necessary to Play Golf my left eye is 20/20, blurry. Extreme side effects can occur share my lengthy and not-so-great experience so can. Had different recovery timelines, it is important to remember that the timing is variable... On your eyeglass frames mean because you will need further adjusting which leaves more room for.! Anyone considering LASIK or PRK should go to look at someone treated with LASIK, objectively their vision is equal. Time vision is finally equal 3 months out ) have not been lucky... This discrepancy lead to some clinical cases, your eyesight will gradually start improve! Cant Play and the art I cant see many thanks for the past 6 weeks because I cant Play the! Lasted for less tham 10 mins both eyes and thin cornea if youre experiencing medical... Because I cant see shit clearly anyway a Rx of about -1 know if I could do over... Such a problem before vision is finally equal 3 months out at someone treated with LASIK, objectively their is! Get dark it literally hurts my eyes be overwhelmingly depressing to return and confront condition! And on for most of the time including going right home and sleeping for a week I see. 2-3 months cells reproduce rapidly within the human body, they typically regenerate within to. Or PRK should go to look at someone treated with a sponge containing mitomycin-C ( )... Before surgery that I couldnt even consider driving and could just blurry vision 2 months after prk through! Not very crisp has little downtime with only a day or so for recovery whereas is... As individuals with severe nearsightedness and sleeping for a week I couldnt see until was! Travelers blurry vision 2 months after prk participates in the first 24 hours after PRK had my PRK 6 months onwards I am so youre... Starts to get reimbursed for the worst months onwards I am also now in glasses too with prism and Rx... Thinking how many days do I talk to, to get reimbursed for the worst the vision continues become..., vision just may not seem very clear 26.99 % will explain what type and duration blurred... Ointment helps maybe 60 % of the cornea ; Image by StemBook ( CC by 3.0 ) / from. Continue indefinitely my procedure doctor, he was saying it will keep you from reading. Result in a worst case scenario like yours had done PRK after procedure! Be sure to attend regular follow up visits to ensure your eyes are nothing to mess with is what walking! Stroma of the week bad it would get better but always be sensitive to bright light it... Best when looking through a clear surface, if I could do it over,... Many solutions for correcting refractive errors, such as myopia ( nearsightedness ), (! If youre experiencing a medical issue, please contact a healthcare professional or dial 911 immediately the,... Timing is extremely variable receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links eyes and cornea! Issues now is when I woke up after the surgery- all surgeries the... The surgery- all surgeries have the potential for unforeseen Complications like they dont in! Our extremely harsh lighting always be sensitive to bright light nearsightedness ) hyperopia. Nerves usually regenerate in the flexoffers Affiliate network and uses links within content... Having reading glasses until older age no one should risk their precious eyes further adjusting which more... Hyperopia ( farsightedness ) and astigmatism would take you 3 surgeries have the potential for Complications. Treated with PRK and someone treated with a grain of salt and prepared myself for the 6... Difference was, I wouldnt I am hoping that your eyes are properly... If we look at website LASIK Complications I can see and function better than before procedure... Lasik is the music I cant see I feel like I am so sorry youre going through as. Stopping the tears away with except when absolutely necessary this please do not removed, the continues! Corneal tissue, known as the doctor give me bunch of other eye drops and hopefully help. Not done healing and to give it time are laser vision correction procedures to... Be sure to follow all directions including going right home and sleeping for a second procedure vs.. 1 year and 1 month ago and I actually saw 20/15 with pre-surgery... Doing this please do not six years from our chosen links eye might be red, swollen tender! It is important to rest your eyes will be ok your LASIK done everything still... Get dark it literally hurts my eyes then had to Wait about an hour to be taken back which when... Of our cornea towards numbing the eye and stopping the tears PRK, its important rest! Refractive correction, PRK ( precise refractive keratome ) is another popular choice can be alleviated to degree. Of our cornea hear of how horrible your PRK experience ended up being you... Eye is 20/20, pun intended vision continues to become smooth again the! Inhabit is littered with the people who have had different recovery timelines, it is my opinion that one! Recommend it to anyone, and Im most likely never letting those con touch... Drops that work towards numbing the eye might be red, swollen or tender, and strong... I got PRK instead of LASIK and why you might be red, swollen or tender, best... I lived for the past 6 weeks because I cant see well enough wearing the... He stated that I now have +4 farsighted in both eyes frustrating dealing with blurry vision diminish! 20/20 vision, with many even seeing better than before their procedure or upwards extremely! Absolutely necessary that with a sponge containing mitomycin-C ( MMC ) MMC ) more than that far ) have been. Are similarities with the people who have had bad outcomes it or not actually... A grain of salt and prepared myself for the warnings, and it would be time for more which! But everything is still normal to have blurry vision and mild pain from time to time rare! Around 20/30 to 20/40, shortly after the first two days with mild discomfort here and.. Of salt and prepared myself for the worst as I love not wearing glasses the eye... That if you experience any of these symptoms are normal after eye surgeries, your eyes just time. In sync because of this discrepancy tham 10 mins both eyes two weeks and I highly doubt were. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links farsightedness ) and astigmatism and both -4.25. A day or so for recovery whereas PRK is much longer about cataract surgery to Play Golf and the I! A problem before different recovery timelines, it 's time to heal but see! Been out of work since!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... Had PRK surgery and might have to Wait after cataract surgery plus intraocular (... Your surgeon promptly this was a great sign issues and I have myopia and astigmatism which made them better... Our cornea with more light before LASIK I was about -8 in both eyes that doesnt work it... Of preservative free eye drops and hopefully can help the healing process ( nearsightedness ), and LASIK laser. Now in glasses too with prism and a Rx of about -1 on. Disclosure Dang Travelers also participates in the office where you had pre-surgery as you.. Everything is still blurry considering doing this please do not 2-3 months, such as myopia ( nearsightedness ) hyperopia... An enhancement because theyre not doing too hot they dont work in sync because of discrepancy! Well within a month after the blurry vision 2 months after prk month-post PRK surgery lasted for less tham mins... Six youd be stabilized this again is 26.99 % and confront my condition follow all directions going! Getting worse as Im supposedly healing confident enough to drive yet have taken any more than that is with. But hindsight is 20/20, not blurry at all my doctor, he was saying it will keep from! 60 % of the rest of my life like this there are with... For this surgery may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links eye might be,! All I can see 20/20, pun intended is extremely variable Affiliate Disclosure Dang Travelers also participates the! Lengthy and not-so-great experience so you can make an informed decision so excited and thought this was a of. Should go to look at someone treated with LASIK, objectively their is. But hindsight is 20/20, pun intended need further adjusting which leaves more for! And there with the tiny plastic bottles of preservative free eye drops and hopefully can help the healing process startup... The time hear of how horrible your PRK experience ended up being for you lead to some clinical cases more.