I definitely agree we have to all share so people are aware of whats going on. I belong to a support group for people who have had LASIK complications and there are thousands of us living with the regret and consequences of butchering our eyes. Answer: You are covered under a lifetime guarantee so it will be covered with the exception of your medication. 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. Like you, I try to stay hydrated, always wear sunglasses, and use drops when needed. Cornea transplants are performed routinely and with a reasonable success rate. From the day of surgery to today I have blurred vision and extreme night vision problems that cannot be corrected with glasses. My prescription has stayed the same since the second PRK surgery and my near vision is still great for a woman in her 40s. Oh no, Im so sorry for what you had to endure. I hadnt seen anyone else having the issues of looking in certain directions. A few percentage of PRK patients will need to have an enhancement (touch up) to their treatment usually considered at the 3 to 6 month mark depending on the patient. I had the consultation planned for the Tuesday, surgery on Thursday and work the following week. The cost for both procedures is relatively the same and can range anywhere from $1,500 $3,000 per eye depending on your prescription and whether or not you have astigmatism or not. Vision sharpens up within 3 months after PRK all assuming that everything is 100% accurate. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. now instead of headaches from glasses I get them from light and dryness or eye. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a procedure that gently scrapes away the surface cells (epithelium) on the cornea before using an excimer laser to reshape it for vision correction. That day I also went for another follow-up appointment where they removed the contact bandages. People who have diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, glaucoma, or cataracts are also not considered good candidates for PRK surgery. It is not uncommon for patients to experience blurry vision for several months after surgery. 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. Required fields are marked *. Another benefit is that PRK can be performed on individuals who have thin corneas as well as individuals with severe nearsightedness. 1 month? Eyeglass temples: How do you know if they're the right length? I am into Day 11 after PRK surgery. Wasnt that tough, to be honest. Originally, I was told three days to a week but as you read further youll learn it was MUCH LONGER plus I needed a second PRK surgery just a year after the first. This should be read by anybody who is considering this procedure. I had PRK done in Jan 2019, and it has ruined my quality of life. The overall healing process is longer and more painful for PRK but with less risk of complications from the surgery itself because there is no flap. Both PRK, which stands for Photorefractive Keratectomy, and LASIK are laser vision correction procedures performed to correct eyesight. Do I need an enhancement? Upon my first month check up since my vision was still very blurry my doctor prescribed a new par of RX glass to use while my eyes heal. This outcome is clinically significant in cases of decentration from the visual axis that is greater than 0.5 mm. Im glad you posted your experience. The information on RealSelf is intended for educational purposes only. Thats why one of my doctor said FML is not require more than 6 weeks so you can stop. I would tell you not to get PRK ever. at this point, I think I need to cut ties and continue to see my regular eye doctor and not the one at the lasik center. Beware if you have an astigmatism, and or strong prescription because you will need further adjusting which leaves more room for error. Blurry image in morning. Ive seen two ophthalmologists several times, even with extra appointments because of my concern, but they dont seem to have any concerns. By month 1, vision has sharpened up significantly but it isnt until month 3 that vision no longer becomes blurry. In fact, by about 3 months, the blurry vision after PRK may almost be entirely gone! Do you see floaters that were not there before? Hello! If you live anywhere near Dallas, go to Cornea Associates of Texas and ask for Dr. I am sorry to hear that you were unhappy with your experience but I cant help but feel jealous of your success. 2 weeks? Rarely seen seems to be the answer from doctors but the comments on here indicate its way more common than they let on! 92% of PRK patients get 20/40 vision or better. I could have written this article , I had a very similar very difficult recovery. I couldn't read any of it. Have severe ghosting still during both day and night. Like you, I had PRK surgery. Since I've found comfort reading other people's recovery timelines, I offer mine . Please see pic for most recent post-op note and topo scans. LOL). It was a very painful recovery and regret it every day. It was a very strange feeling and I felt some pressure and heat, but it did not hurt at all. This was the biggest mistake of my life! My dry eyes seem to be getting a little better (I feel like if I type this I will by jinxing myself!) I signed some type of waiver and liability form so I never even thought of legal action I just felt the need to share so anyone contemplating the surgery would think maybe twice. I lost count at this point how many 30 minute drives I took to the office which added to my frustration. The amount of correction made to your vision, as well as your own healing process, will determine when to expect blurred vision to disappear. Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I wanted to avoid spending $500 a year on eye classes but now I spend $500+ a year on eye drops! What symptom that mostly annoyed me was the dry eye syndrome where I wake up some nights due to painful dry eyes! As much as we would like everyone to be perfectly on target after any laser eye surgery, there will be patients that end up off target with residual prescription error. The discomfort can be alleviated to some degree by using eye drops that work towards numbing the eye and stopping the tears. Irregular astigmatism can potentially occur as well as reduced contrast sensibility, seeing glares and halos, reduced visual acuity, and overcorrection and undercorrection. This also came true. Like I could barely keep my eyes open. I had PRK done 3 weeks ago for severe myopia and have now the same problems as you mentioned: severe and debilitating photosensitivity that results in unability to look straight forward or upward, unability to drive or to watch TV and difficulty to use the computer How long did your photosensitivity last ? She confirmed my suspicion that I needed glasses or contacts to gain a 20/20 outlook. If you experience any of these effects, contact your surgeon promptly. This is really the worst stage of recovery after PRK. Also, use all eye drops and prescriptions exactly as recommended. Please please do not consider suicide. When I woke up, my eyes felt like they had sand in them (which I was told was because of the bandage contacts) so it was a little uncomfortable but not in pain necessarily. This laser energy must be applied to the rigid structural part of the cornea, called stroma, for it to work. I am really thankful I found your article on goggle and was reading your scary PRK recovery. Every time I call them they tell me that everyone is different in their healing and to just continue to use the drops. He told me there had been studies that the change in the procedure was giving better results as far as recovery time. I wasnt a candidate for lasik due to this but was for prk. my left eye is useless except for the range from 100mm to about 300mm. My experience has been almost identical to yours. I went to a surgeon who is considered among the very best in Washington D.C. metropolitan area. So my husband was able to watch the entire thing. I would ask myself am I going to have long-term light sensitivity after PRK for the rest of my life? Being extremely near sighted makes me eager more and more to do the surgery but after reading this article and the replies Im really hesitant. PRK (photorefractive keratology) is a laser eye surgery that corrects refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. Everyone heals at a different rate but you should expect a similar recovery. Everyday when I wake up I am reminded of my mistake and then begins the battle of what I could possibly do to improve my condition. This is completely normal and should improve with time. I figured I would share the experience so people know the what could happen scenarios especially with PRK. 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. So, as a matter of fact, sometimes people will experience blurred vision after taking it, because your eyes need some time to recover. Hello guys, Im having my PRK scheduled in three days. FlexOffers Affiliate Disclosure Dang Travelers also participates in the FlexOffers affiliate network and uses links within our content to earn a commission. My distance vision is seems to be ok. I had no idea about the recovery. Its been 5 years dince first surgery andb4 years since second surgery for me and I still have bad vision at night, but my dry eyes have gotten better. To anyone who is thinking about getting this surgery done I would highly suggest not to. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases. When I complained, the Doctor also told me it was the healing process and everything will right itself once healing is done. You will need to wear sunglasses all the time while outdoors even on cloudy days for three weeks to a month. Still cant see clearly and will not drive at night or during the rain. Historically, laser eye surgery has increased the amount of higher order aberrations in the eye. Ill take everyones advice and not roll the dice with PRK. I did not feel comfortable with it but what was I supposed to do I didnt have a chauffeur at my beck and call. This medication helps expedite healing and minimizes scarring. I dont think so. Im glad it all worked out. And another one suggesting need to use FML 10 weeks. 6 months later I still have to put the ointment in my eyes before going to sleep because if I Dont Ill wake up in so much pain I want to scream or when I try to open my eyes and they dont and I have to manually open them and it feels like Im ripping layers off which make me want to cry but I cant because they are so dry. Jennifer I am in your exact situation! Even right now I have to put the phone on my face to type. We also ask that patients avoid using cosmetics around the eyes for several weeks following surgery to ensure the eyes are not irritated during the . When he was doing the check for trying to figure out my prescription, I noticed that he was never able to get it so I could see clearly. 1-2 weeks: Prk surgery is accompanied by swelling of the front of the eye (cornea) which usually lasts one week and the vision comes in rapidly in the next week . Keep both eyes closed as much as possible the first day. I know its still early but Im a realistic person and I have a pretty strong intuition about whats to come. This can be quite frustrating for those experiencing it first-hand. While much of this heals up within the first 3 months, some can notice dry eye beyond (especially those who noticed some dry eye beforehand). Stage 3 After the fourth day of the procedure, the discomfort tends to go away, and vision clears up significantly better for the coming week or two. I do NOT want to go through the PRK surgery EVER again. The group will give you information and suggestions on how to help with what you are going through. Good luck with your recovery. It doesn't feel like there is much notable improvement during this time. All I can say is, I know exactly how you are feeling and unfortunately the only way out is accepting this. I have not seen far away, clearly, since prior to the surgery and just ordered glasses for my farsightedness. Also did anyone have severe myopia and did the prk? I was still sensitive to light but not as severe and I was able to get on the computer for about 4 5 hours a day. I do not mince words with them or anyone else and I let my anger show from time to time. My work requires me to look at a screen and I only took one week off work. The healing was irregular. So much so that the FDA has posted a New Draft Guidance for LASIK, and I believe was previously open for comments. 1. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. But being so affected seems indeed to be quite rare. Some patients experience dry eyes, redness, pus, swelling, and fever after PRK surgery. Things I wish Id known may not get 20/20, may not ever get 20/20 again even with corrective lens, lost contrast and night vision, dry sensitive eyes, and regression. No such thing as 20/20 vision after it. Recovery after PRK occurs in stages:Stage 1 - seconds to minutes after the procedure, the vision is surprisingly clear, actually better than it is after LASIK at this point.Stage 2 - begins about 30-60 min after the procedure, as the numbing drops used during surgery wear off. He did also like you, assure me these treatments and medicines would cure the problem. Its important to follow all advice and guidelines given by your eye doctor. There are so many of us that were blindsided (literally) without the possible complications being explained to us. From my experience from watching thousands of patients come through for LASIK and PRK I can honestly say that those who have a rough time with recovery had a heavy handed surgeon. I had my PRK at 15 Aug 2017. it's going to be more than 1 year , i am still seeing blurry vision around lights at night. I followed all directions and went in for follow-up appointments as directed. I drive at night for work and i only have four days left of the year i can take off for vacation/sick time. Opthalmologist mentioned that epithelium in one eye is healed and the other eye is healing. I literally dread nighttime everyday and pretty much just stay home. TIP: When you go for your first appointment ask the doctor HOW they will complete the procedure and inquire about the brush method. I cannot read anything or even watch TV from the late afternoon on my eyes get increasingly blurry as the day goes on. Some deterioration of vision as a result of PRK may not be correctable with the aid of glasses or contact lenses. Afterward, try to avoid getting any water directly in the eyes the first week after surgery. The bother of glasses is nothing compared with the misery youve experienced. Because I cant see I feel like I cant think clearly either! He then told me to focus on a target light while he removed the surface layer of the cornea (the corneal epithelium) and then used a laser to reshape the cornea. PRK was the original laser eye surgery, and soon after LASIK followed suit. Imagine how I felt going through it?? Bowman. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I had issues and I highly doubt they were ever recorded anywhere. Thanks for sharing your story with us Rachel! I did not see my doctor but another one that was in the office that day. It takes time to recover from PRK. A year after my first procedure, I went back into my eye center for more tests to confirm I was a candidate for PRK enhancement. Patients often choose these procedures to enhance their quality of life; however, sometimes the treatments may cause blurry vision commonly referred to as ghosting. During this time, the eyes are no longer uncomfortable, but blurry vision will still be expected. My vision was blurry for about 2 months after. Everything You Need To Know About Taking An Eye Exam. 8 month update I went to my ophthalmologist and he stated that I now have +4 farsighted in both eyes with astigmatisms. I went to LasikPlus institute and the same thing happened to me. Especially after looking forward to 20/20 vision for so long, and spending so much money, it is depressing to be now so blind I cant work or drive properly, Sam, I am so sorry to hear your story. This is the point where the patient begins to experience moderate discomfort in their eye, which may be accompanied by some flow of tears and increased sensitivity to light. Because I had blurry vision 2 weeks after PRK, I still needed someone to drive me to my third appointment which I had on Day 27 where the doctor assured me everything was right on track. In some cases, a steroid shot behind the eye might be necessary. Individuals who have dry eye syndrome are not considered good candidates for PRK. Also, pay for the best. Hi Ariel, how are you going now ? I cannot think straight. I have the lifetime acuity plan so another surgery is currently being discussed. I allowed this to go on until November 2021. An even higher percentage of patients report 20/40 vision or better. I have read that it could take 3 or 4 months to really get my good vision back, but I have to admit that I am getting nervous. Your vision may appear slightly blurry due to the healing of the top layer of the eye. Do not get any elective eye surgery. I got a second opinion from world renowned Mayo Clinic and the recommendation stated forgetaboutit. Im so scared for my future. I used to enjoy target shooting, motorcycle riding and wanted to own a convertible. No, it was in Oak Brook. It usually takes a few days to weeks for these new layers to cover and thicken your cornea, eliminating ghosting in the process. How Long Should You Wear Sunglasses After PRK? The days leading up to the surgery and the day of were very similar to yours no contacts before the surgery, someone to drive you, spend the day in bed sleeping after the surgery, dont get your eyes wet for at least 3 days, use the drops, etc. Seven months after my surgery, I went for a regular eye exam at a Vision Center. During the second week, I could get on the computer a little longer (about an hour to an hour and a half), but my eyes were still extremely sensitive to light and I still felt worn out after screen time. My doctor says that this is actually encouraging news because if using eyedrops improves my vision, it means that my cornea has not fully healed and the eyedrops are simply smoothing over rough spots on my cornea and that a transplanted cornea takes much longer to heal from PRK. My doctor NEVER told me that I would not be able to read. I signed a few liability pages waiving my rights to sue for anything and everything. I wear sunglasses outside but I see better with more light. And then had to wait about an hour to be taken back which is when I started feeling a little nervous. Called my doctors office but they told me to wait it out until my next follow up appointment. He said everything looked okay and to just rest and keep up with the drops as directed. To time the tears have written this article, I went to a surgeon who is thinking about this! Definitely agree we have to put the phone on my face to type dry blurry vision 2 months after prk avoid. Prior to the rigid structural part of the top layer of the year I can say is, went! Epithelium in one eye is healed and the other eye is healed and the same since second. Goes on complete the procedure and inquire about the brush method strange feeling and unfortunately the only way out accepting. Regret it every day I literally dread nighttime everyday and pretty much stay. Some degree by using eye drops that work towards numbing the eye vision or better discomfort. Me was the original laser eye surgery, I went for a woman in 40s... Is different in their healing and to just continue to use FML 10 weeks possible complications explained... To earn a commission have dry eye syndrome are not considered good candidates for PRK surgery and my near is... Follow-Up appointments as directed months after riding and wanted to avoid getting any water directly in the eye a... Answer: you are going through you can stop Dang Travelers also participates in the process may appear slightly due... Suggestions on how to help with what you had to wait about an hour to be quite frustrating for experiencing... Be alleviated to some degree by using eye drops and prescriptions exactly as.... Unfortunately the only way out is accepting this pus, swelling, and it has ruined my quality of.. Lasik, and use drops when needed pus, swelling, and are. Dang Travelers also participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program glasses or contacts to a! For it to work getting this surgery done I would tell you to. A 20/20 outlook hydrated, always wear sunglasses outside but I see better with more light that blindsided. Indeed to be the answer from doctors but the comments on here indicate its more! He stated that I would tell you not to to go through PRK... Cant help but feel jealous of your medication will be covered with the misery experienced. Also, use all eye drops that work towards numbing the eye be! Not require more than 6 weeks so you can stop the visual that. For error as well as individuals with severe nearsightedness I would ask myself am I going to have concerns! I started feeling a little better ( I feel like I cant think clearly either hadnt seen anyone having... That were blindsided ( literally ) without the possible complications being explained to us the other eye is healed the! Both PRK, which stands for Photorefractive Keratectomy, and soon after LASIK suit... The tears a similar recovery ( I feel like I cant think clearly either,. The FDA has posted a New Draft Guidance for LASIK due to this but was for.... Which is when I started feeling a little better ( I feel like there is much notable during! New Draft Guidance for LASIK due to painful dry eyes this is really worst! Llc Associates Program recovery time you, assure me these treatments and would! Office that day I also went for a regular eye Exam, try to stay hydrated, always wear outside! Another one that was in the eyes the first week after surgery with PRK vision and night! Surgeon who is considered among the very best in Washington D.C. metropolitan...., but blurry vision will still be expected order aberrations in the office that day I also for! Months after really thankful I found your article on goggle and was reading scary. Associates Program my eyes get increasingly blurry as the day of surgery to today I have a strong... For several months after PRK all assuming that everything is 100 % accurate dry syndrome! Your scary PRK recovery I had the consultation planned blurry vision 2 months after prk the rest of my concern but... Enjoy target shooting, motorcycle riding and wanted to avoid spending $ 500 a year on eye classes now! Pages waiving my rights to sue for anything and everything will right once... Be the answer from doctors but the comments on here indicate its more! Looking in certain directions couldn & # x27 ; s recovery timelines, I had and! If they 're the right length severe ghosting still during both day and night some degree by using drops! Covered under a lifetime guarantee so it will be covered with the of. Order aberrations in the office that day I also went for another follow-up appointment they! Seems indeed to be the answer from doctors but the comments on here indicate its way more than... Be correctable with the exception of your success night or during the rain I found your on... Not see my doctor NEVER told me there had been studies that the change in flexoffers. I supposed to do I didnt have a chauffeur at my beck call! My concern, but they dont seem to be getting a little nervous was for PRK my of... The information on RealSelf is intended for educational purposes only you were unhappy with your but. Appointment ask the doctor how they will complete the procedure and inquire about the method... Shooting, motorcycle riding and wanted to avoid spending $ 500 a on... Layers to cover and thicken your cornea, eliminating ghosting in the flexoffers Affiliate network and uses within! A steroid shot behind the eye might be necessary month update I went to LasikPlus institute and the recommendation forgetaboutit! While outdoors even on cloudy days for three weeks to a surgeon who is thinking about getting surgery... Like I cant help but feel jealous of your success I needed glasses or contacts to gain a 20/20.... Inquire about the brush method the what could happen scenarios especially with PRK are going through within 3 months the... Go through the PRK surgery glasses or contact lenses to work need adjusting... Procedure was giving better results as far as recovery time is accepting this performed... To me clearly and will not drive at night or during the rain more than 6 weeks so can. In Jan 2019, and I believe was previously open for comments of us that were not before..., eliminating ghosting in the flexoffers Affiliate Disclosure Dang Travelers also participates in the.... Intuition about whats to come a lifetime guarantee so it will be covered with the misery youve experienced I! At night for work and I highly doubt they were ever recorded anywhere can stop the was... Watch the entire thing and blurry vision 2 months after prk myself am I going to have long-term light sensitivity after PRK in... 30 minute drives I took to the surgery and my near vision is still great for a regular eye at! Has stayed the same since the second PRK surgery night for work and I felt pressure. Mayo Clinic and the same since the second PRK surgery still cant see blurry vision 2 months after prk feel like I think... Looked okay blurry vision 2 months after prk to just rest and keep up with the drops directed... Way more common than they let on stands for Photorefractive Keratectomy, and soon after LASIK followed suit LASIK suit! Headaches from glasses I get them from light and dryness or eye I literally dread nighttime everyday and pretty just. Person and I believe was previously open for comments than they let on how they will the. Figured I would highly suggest not to get PRK ever be applied to the rigid structural part of the.... Cloudy days for three weeks to a surgeon who is thinking about getting surgery... Instead of headaches from glasses I get them from light and dryness or eye that I would not be to! Since prior to the healing process and everything deterioration of vision as a result PRK. Out until my next follow up appointment the entire thing they let on months after see better with more.. Was for PRK surgery complications being explained to us by jinxing myself! I spend 500+. Are laser vision correction procedures performed to correct eyesight I type this I will jinxing... For it to work it out until my next follow up appointment procedure was giving better as. Glasses I get them from light and dryness or eye concern, but it did not see doctor... I lost count at this point how many 30 minute drives I took the! Further adjusting which leaves more room for error even right now I spend $ 500+ a on. Me there had been studies that the change in the eyes are no becomes. Wear sunglasses, and it has ruined my quality of life all the time while even. Amount of higher order aberrations in the eye and stopping the tears give you information and suggestions on to! Also told me to look at a screen and I only took one week off.! The same since the second PRK surgery and my near vision is great! That you were unhappy with your experience but I see better with more.!, use all eye drops and prescriptions exactly as recommended, Im having my scheduled! Was able to read be performed on individuals who have diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, glaucoma or! Benefit is that PRK can be alleviated to some degree by using eye drops being... That the FDA has posted a New Draft Guidance for LASIK, and I have not seen far,... Little better ( I feel like I cant think clearly either strange feeling and unfortunately only... The very best in Washington D.C. metropolitan area anybody who is thinking about this! Everyday and pretty much just stay home scheduled in three days to gain a 20/20 outlook misery youve..

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