What to Expect During Prk Recovery

Eye Surgery

Are you considering corrective eye surgery? You may have heard of Lasik and PRK results and how life-changing they can be. It’s important to remember that both surgeries are very different but produce the same positive results. While Lasik eye surgery may seem like magic, the PRK procedure may feel like a marathon! Although PRK recovery stories may include a longer journey, the road to healthy vision is totally worth it. In fact, there is overwhelming evidence showing that the majority of patients do not need contacts or glasses after PRK surgery. And with our world class staff and multiple locations, we can work around your schedule and needs for superior results using the latest technologies. 

Should I Get PRK? 

If you are considering corrective eye surgery, it’s best to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of both Lasik and PRK procedures. Although Lasik has become more popular, the results are still the same. Generally, PRK is recommended for patients with thinner or slightly irregular corneas and those at risk for dry eyes and other conditions. Your doctor will be able to make a recommendation for you during your consultation. 

First, let’s simplify what PRK is in-depth. The acronym PRK stands for Photorefractive Keratectomy and the procedure is part of a larger group called “surface ablations”. This is due to the fact that a laser is used directly on the cornea rather than under the flap-like LASIK. The procedure has been performed for over 20 years throughout the world and takes only about 5 minutes per eye under topical anesthesia. 

A rotating brush is used to gently remove surface cells during the treatment, which takes only 10 seconds. This method allows us to better manage treatment time while minimizing anxiety for our patients. Additionally, we use MMC, also referred to as mitomycin to remove more than 30 microns of tissue and has demonstrated a reduced risk in corneal hazing and scarring. Patient under sterile cover

What Should I Expect During PRK Surgery? 

There are many advantages to PRK surgery and choosing the right doctor can make all the difference in PRK results. A former Chief of Ophthalmology and Medical Director of the Air Force Academy Laser Eye Clinic, Dr. Stetson is one of our acclaimed surgeons. He was chosen as the first surgeon to perform a LASIK procedure on an active duty member, a four star general in charge of US Space Command. His work has been recognized as a transformational force in Air Force regulations by allowing LASIK procedures to be conducted on active duty USAF members. With more than 65,000 refractive surgeries performed, Dr. Stetson is now the medical director of Diamond Vision. With Dr. Stetson on your team, here are some of the advantages you can expect from a PRK procedure: 

  • Long term stability and integrity of your eyes remains intact compared to LASIK surgery
  • If necessary, a “touch up” procedure is available to PRK patients
  • A lack of disruption in the nerve tissue of your eyes makes you less likely to get dry eyes
  • Flap related issues and complications are less likely
  • The procedure is more comfortable

What Should I Expect During PRK Recovery? 

It’s no secret that PRK recovery times are longer than LASIK procedures and for a good reason. The procedure has been around for 20 years and advancements continue to create less risk for the surgery. PRK uses the same laser as LASIK with a much simpler procedure that involves the reshaping of the cornea. 

  • The PRK Procedure

Before the procedure begins, you’ll have a consultation with your doctor to determine your vision and candidacy. LASIK differs from PRK significantly because a flap is created on the cornea and the tissue is reshaped underneath. This poses a risk of the corneal flap becoming disconnected in the event of an accident. The PRK recovery times can take up to 3 months as the surface layer of the cornea grows back over time. In contrast, LASIK recuperation takes place in a matter of days. Your doctor will make the appropriate determination. 

After your surgery is scheduled, you’ll be asked to use eye drops the week before your appointment and to ensure all debris and makeup is removed from your face. You’ll also be asked to refrain from using contacts to prep for the procedure. On your arrival, you will be asked to wear a surgical cap, booties, and given medication to ease anxiety. Your doctor will give you numbing eye drops and begin the procedure immediately. In a matter of 15 minutes, you should be done without any PRK pain after surgery. During the procedure, you may feel slight pressure on your eye but nothing significant or uncomfortable. 

  • The PRK Recovery 

After the procedure is complete, your doctor will give you a soft contact lens without a prescription that will act as a bandage for your eyes. The medical staff will also provide you with plastic shields and large sunglasses to protect your eyes from light sensitivity. You should be able to see very well immediately following the procedure but your vision will fluctuate over the few weeks of healing. 

Some PRK recovery stories indicate that your eyes may feel very dry for the first few days of post-op. Your doctor will prescribe eye drops to use hourly to help with this and request that you return in about a week to remove the soft contact lenses. A couple of weeks into rehabilitation, your PRK results will fluctuate because your eyes may heal at different rates. By the end of the second week, you should notice significantly improved vision and balanced healing. woman using eye drop

After two to three weeks, PRK results are usually complete and your vision should be fully restored. The dryness, blurriness, and discomfort should be completely gone. Now, you can get rid of those contacts and glasses for good. From this moment forward, you will wake up to perfect vision daily! Many patients often report having better than 20/20 vision following a PRK procedure. 

  • The PRK Expense

The PRK procedure is more expensive than LASIK because it is considered a specialty procedure. It is meant to address patients with abnormal eye measurements and other limiting conditions. What we offer at Diamond Vision are much more sophisticated and costly treatments and equipment for significantly improved PRK results. This includes the use of intraoperative eye drops like Mitomycin-C and improved surgical instruments like the Amoils rotary epithelium brush. We also use the new Lotemax gel drops for post-operative PRK care. 

Take the Next Step for Perfect Vision Now

Are you ready to step into a new chapter of clarity in your life? That’s what you’ll get with Diamond Vision PRK eye surgery, courtesy of our world-class doctors and medical staff. With a total of 10 convenient locations throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Georgia, we make the process of scheduling easy and accommodating. 

We have a number of financing options available, so don’t let cost stop you from 20/20 vision for the rest of your life. Also, we offer a Lifetime Diamond Care Guarantee that will give you peace of mind that includes: 

  • 1 year of unlimited postoperative follow-ups
  • A lifetime or designated amount of timespan of free or discounted enhancement procedures if needed and based on the package purchased with the surgery

Now that we’ve covered all of the basics, book your free consultation with us today for perfect vision!

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If you have more questions about LASIK procedures, get in touch with us.

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