PRK Surgery - What to Expect
Before Surgery
After your optometrist's evaluation an additional assessment will be done by an ophthalmologist at his office or the laser center to confirm whether you are a suitable candidate for surgery. We will provide an orientation session at the Horizon Laser Vision Center so that you may become more familiar with the facility and the procedure and ask any questions you may still have. Prior to your surgery a PRK consent form must be read and signed after discussion with your surgeon.
The Surgery
You should allow yourself approximately one hour at the Center on the day of surgery. You may wear regular clothes and bring a friend or family member along to stay with you through the procedure.
During the procedure you will be positioned on a reclining chair. A mild oral sedative such as Ativan will be offered to you prior to surgery to help you relax and you will be given eye drops to numb the eyes.
The procedure only takes 15 to 20 minutes although the actual laser time is usually only 10 to 30 seconds, depending on the amount of correction required. A soft contact lens may be placed on your eye following the surgery. Medications and instructions for aftercare are provided and you are required to have someone drive you.
After Surgery
Following the procedure you will need to have someone to drive you home and bring you to your appointment the following day. You should not drive for at least 72 hours following treatment and under no circumstance should you drive until your vision is clear and meets the required standards for driving.
You will need to be away from work for 3 days. The surgeon will see you the day after the procedure and if necessary the following few days if further observation or treatment is required. If a bandage contact lens is used it will be removed 24 to 48 hours after surgery and you will continue to use the medications as instructed. You will require appointments with your own optometrist at one week, one month, three months, six months and one year after the procedure. These appointments are very important for your ongoing care and are included in the cost of your surgery.
It is very important to not to rub your eyes after surgery. After your treatment is complete, you will be given specific instructions regarding post surgery activities, medications and care of your eyes. In most cases your vision will stabilize in a few weeks.
It is important after PRK surgery to get plenty of rest with your eyes closed. You will need to rest your eyes in a darkened environment for 48 hours. This will accelerate the healing process and minimize discomfort. You should also plan on lubricating your eyes regularly with the prescribed artificial tears and to protect them from UV (ultraviolet) exposure with a good pair of sunglasses. This will also help to accelerate the healing period.
After the procedure you will experience discomfort that will range from scratchiness to moderate pain. Your vision may be blurry and may fluctuate in the first few weeks following surgery. Your vision may be clear just after surgery and become reduced later depending on your healing response. Once your vision has stabilized, which may take up to six months, further treatment may be considered if necessary. Some patients have trouble tolerating the fluctuating vision even on a temporary basis.
You will be able to resume your daily activities within a few days of surgery, but you will need to observe the following restrictions:
- Do not rub your eyes.
- Do not wash your hair for 48 hours.
- Avoid getting water and soap in your eyes in the first week.
- Do not drive a motor vehicle until your surgeon or optometrist has confirmed your visual acuity both day and night is acceptable for driving standards.
- Do not stop your eye drops unless advised to do so by your doctor.
- If you are wearing a bandage contact lens and it falls out, do not put it back in your eye. Call the emergency number given to you, and try to keep your eye closed.
- Do not use any eye make-up (mascara, shadow, liner) for one week.
- Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms, tanning booths, and gardening for 4 weeks.
- Refrain from physical sports 1 - 2 months after surgery, depending on the sport. Remember to wear protective eyewear. If in doubt, ask your surgeon or optometrist, or call the clinic.
- Refrain from scuba and deep sea diving for one month. Again, absolutely no eye rubbing.
You must wear protection from UV exposure (quality sunglasses) at all times.
