How Long Will Vision Be Blurry After PRK?

If you have been told you are not a good candidate for LASIK and are considering correcting your vision with PRK, you may be wondering about the recovery process. One of the most common concerns among PRK patients is how long they will experience blurry vision after the procedure.

Understanding the PRK procedure and the recovery process can help you prepare for what to expect and plan for your recovery. Keep reading to learn more about how long your vision will be blurry after PRK and what you can do to ensure a smooth recovery!

What is PRK?

PRK, which stands for photorefractive keratectomy, is a procedure that corrects vision by reshaping corneal tissue. It can address the most common refractive errors: myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

It is similar to LASIK, with one significant difference: During LASIK, a flap is created on the surface of the cornea to access the corneal tissue, but during PRK, the outer layer of the cornea is completely removed and then regrows as the eye heals.

PRK can be a safer alternative to LASIK for individuals with certain eye conditions, such as thin corneas or dry eye, or those with active lifestyles, including athletes who play contact sports. These individuals may be at a higher risk of flap complications and are usually not considered good candidates for LASIK. 

What Happens During PRK?

During the PRK procedure, the outermost layer of the cornea, the epithelium, is removed using a computer-guided laser to expose the stroma, or middle layer of the cornea. The tissue in the stroma is reshaped to correct refractive errors by directing light to focus precisely on the retina.

Once the procedure is complete, a special contact lens is placed over the eye to protect it as the epithelium regrows. The PRK procedure is completely painless as your eye doctor will apply numbing eye drops before beginning the surgery, and it takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes per eye to complete.

What Will My Vision Be Like After PRK?

Immediately after the procedure, patients typically experience hazy or blurry vision. However, this hazy or blurry vision after PRK is normal and is caused primarily by the regeneration of the epithelium.

The new epithelium layer can take several days to form, and during that time, vision is often blurry or fluctuating. Most patients usually notice improved vision within the first few days.

Over the next month, vision should gradually improve, although it may not fully stabilize for several months. After undergoing PRK, most patients end up achieving 20/20 or better, completely eliminating their reliance on glasses and contacts for clear vision at all distances.

Tips for a Smooth PRK Recovery

Recovering from PRK can take longer than other procedures, like LASIK, due to the removal of the epithelium. Here are some of the things you should do to ensure your recovery process goes smoothly:

Closely Follow Post-Operative Instructions

One of the most critical steps in your recovery is closely following your eye surgeon’s post-operative instructions. These instructions will likely include the use of prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and manage pain

Your eye surgeon may also recommend using artificial tears to keep your eyes well-lubricated. Be sure to adhere to the required schedule for any medications and attend all follow-up appointments so your eye doctor can monitor your healing.

Protect Your Eyes

After your procedure, your eyes will be very sensitive and should be protected from bright lights and potential irritants to reduce discomfort and prevent complications. You should wear sunglasses that block UV light to shield your eyes and reduce light sensitivity when spending time outdoors.

You will need to keep the ocular bandage in place for the first few days to help the epithelium heal. You should avoid touching or rubbing your eyes as this can disrupt the healing process and increase the risk of infection.

Avoid Strenuous Activity

During the first few weeks of recovery, avoid engaging in any strenuous physical activities, such as heavy lifting, high-impact exercise, or activities that could cause excessive sweating. Engaging in these activities too soon can put you at a higher risk for complications and slow your recovery.

You should also avoid activities that involve water, such as swimming or sitting in a hot tub. Water can contain chemicals, bacteria, and other contaminants that may irritate your eyes or cause infection. 

Limit Screen Time

You are more likely to experience eye strain after a PRK procedure, especially when using digital devices. The glare from electronic screens, combined with increased eye dryness that often occurs after PRK, can worsen eye strain discomfort.

You should limit your screen time for the first few days after the procedure and take regular breaks if you need to use a computer or an electronic device. Remind yourself to blink frequently to ensure your eyes are regularly re-moistened.

Be Patient

Patience is a crucial component of PRK recovery. Remember that patients’ recovery timelines vary, and while most patients notice visual improvements within days, it could take several months to achieve peak vision.

While you recover, you can look forward to enjoying crisp, clear vision for decades to come and finally ditching your glasses and contacts, along with all the hassles that come with them.

Do you want to learn more about PRK and find out whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure? Schedule your appointment at Atlanta Vision Institute in Atlanta, GA, today!