Ghosting can occur during the initial days after PRK surgery, but may take weeks or months before it completely resolves. Last September I had cataract surgery plus intraocular lens (IOL) implants (right and left eye three weeks apart). Also because its something people cant see, so they dont understand. Also, some career fields like military personnel or first responders may have certain requirements only allowing PRK versus LASIK because of the possible flap complications. Im waiting it out another 3 months & Im remaining hopeful. I received a (hopefully) temporary prescription for farsightedness back on November 5th from the eye surgeons office. Irregular astigmatism can potentially occur as well as reduced contrast sensibility, seeing glares and halos, reduced visual acuity, and overcorrection and undercorrection. There are many reasons PRK may be recommended. I feel your pain.. Its devastating to hear these stories but Im so glad you shared with us. Your email address will not be published. Also, the more you correct the more you risk an over-correction. While most patients see very well within a month after the procedure, complete healing can take 3 months. Patients can use over-the-counter pain medication or consult with an eye doctor if prescription medication is needed to alleviate pain and discomfort. No as one of the papers I signed was basically a liability waiver like most procedures. 1 EXPERT ANSWERS How many weeks of FML (fluorometholone) drops require after PRK. 2 weeks? I keep waking hoping my left eye is going to be clear. Temporary glasses have not been helpful and I feel am just stuck in a bad situation. If I knew what I knew now, I wouldnt have wasted my time or money on the procedure. Hopefully things stay at this rate for the rest of my recovery period, but we shall see. I am one and a half years post op. It feels like a nerve problem. I used to love the outdoors- biking, hiking, swimming, but now with dry burning eyes and photophobia, nothing is enjoyable. But being so affected seems indeed to be quite rare. Home / PRK Lasik Surgery / Complications from PRK. I wish, I had read about your experience before getting PRK done. At my six week appointment I was told I have scar tissue that was not healing as it should. I appreciated your thoughtful and informative post and all of the commentary that followed. I definitely agree we have to all share so people are aware of whats going on. When I had to look into the eye test thing. My eye doctor told me it would be about 6 months. Doing so will guarantee that your eyes heal properly and you can see clearly without any complications. 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 . So it was exactly as it used to be-ish seeing nearsighted again. Ive seeing doubles, my eyes are always blurry and I cant even see close. In most cases, symptoms clear up within a few weeks; however, some individuals may need up to two or three months before complete resolution occurs. I too had prk twice. And after some research and figuring out the right date for me before our mega three month trip to Spain and Portugal, I was ready. It is possible for vision to remain blurry for one to two weeks. I would get headaches and an overall tired feeling in my eyes. Well now 2 years later Ive slid back to -3 almost -4in both eyes. Why is this? I got PRK because I couldnt stand the headaches glasses would give me. I mean after all that was the purpose of it. Visual clarity and crispness after PRK continue to improve for three to six months and then stabilize. I had severe dry eye as well but it did get better it just took some time. Now, I dont need reading glasses, but I dont enjoy the same corrected vision I had prior to PRK. Lasik creates a lasik flap to get past the epithelium. Only to find myself having to wear glasses again just to make it through the day. Is this normal? Oh and now my right eye all of a sudden seems to be getting worse. I really hope my eyes dont continue to get worse again. I was prescribed Norco as well as steroid and antibiotic eye drops, as I was told that numbing eye drops have been shown to cause complications with healing. I got a second opinion from world renowned Mayo Clinic and the recommendation stated forgetaboutit. Maybe, like you, a life of crisp 20/20 due to glasses, made our expectations too high for this procedure?! The whole procedure probably took 12 15 minutes at the most. This epithelium must then heal back. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. I had originally driven there from Cape Town (about a 350 mile drive) to get LASIK as they said Id have no issues driving home the next day (testimonies from friends as well confirming this), but about 15 minutes before the procedure, they said that PRK was far safer for me to get because of the shape of my astigmatisms, so I consented and stayed a few more days in the area. And again, I felt like my eyes were MUCH BETTER yet still not perfect. LASIK has little downtime with only a day or so for recovery whereas PRK is much longer. If you are determined to get this surgery you must make sure that your immune system is in tip top shape because if your body has an inability to heal wounds this could be a contributing factor in length and completeness of healing. Keep reading below to find out about the great deal I found for regular prescription glasses and sunglasses! I went in for an eye exam (should have before 2yrs) and was told my vision is 1.5 in one eye and -1.5 in another eye so I got glasses and they make a huge difference. Help please. More functional vision, but there is still more vision recovery to come. Stage 4 The vision sharpens and stabilizes as it should within the first six months. [Read more about retinal detachment surgery.]. They are dependent on not needed acute eyesight and environments that dont contribute to my misery. I had a mild prescription. Blood vessels in the retina can leak, causing fluid to build up and blurring your vision. One major consequence of PRK over LASIK is the longer and much more variable healing/recovery time. Basically, I am screwed. I guess Ill just have to get reading glasses then. He wanted to see me in another month, but I reminded him I was leaving on a three month trip to Spain and Portugal. 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. Im sure you can guess what comes next. We're David & Angela (Dang), a married couple obsessed with travel. Current rx: plano, -1.25 and plano, -1.00? PRK surgery lasted for less tham 10 mins both eyes. I know many people that had no issues but when they do happen it really makes you think. Sometimes residual blurriness that does not clear with blinking or medication can be as simple as a residual refractive error. If so when does it stabilize? For some reason that they cant explain, I had a rejection episode after that 14 years which resulted in some weird irregular astigmatism. What may recover in just a few weeks may take as much as six months as the worst case scenario. Dry eye comes and goes and some days things seem blurier than others. The only time I have issues now is when driving. 2.5 mos after wavefront optimized PRK with alcon excimer 5000. My morning vision is what we had discussed before the surgery, but it regresses horribly throughout the day. Stage 2 This stage comes from 30 to 60 minutes after the surgery as the patient begins to experience the effects of numbering drops started to wear off. Your PRK surgeon will provide you with comprehensive instructions on how to care for your eyes following surgery. Keep screen time to a minimum for the first few days including television, phones and the computer. I feel very fortunate not to have the follow up issues that you had. I am sending positive thoughts your way in hopes of a speedy recovery. All my friends had success with LASIK, only complaint was mild dry-eye. Those of us that have had horrible experiences need to share with others because I do not feel the eye surgeons are properly informing their patients of the potential risks. LASIK has little downtime with only a day or so for recovery whereas PRK is much longer. The sixth-morning post-op, I could actually see the alarm clock when I woke up without glasses! Day time vision is functional, though not very crisp. Thanks Laura! By the way, I am residing in Singapore and we are not cover by insurance for this type of eye correction surgery as it was consider to be under the comestic surgery catergory. More than 50% blurred vision for first 3 days. Still cant see clearly and will not drive at night or during the rain. My eyes remain dry. I would like to add my personal experience, although the story is not over yet. That day I also went for another follow-up appointment where they removed the contact bandages. I hope youre doing better today. I personally chose PRK myself and had a great surgeon that was very easy on the eye throughout the procedure and their method utilized a disc instead of a well to apply the alcohol directly to the treatment area reducing the after surgery pain. Toss of coin. I guarantee they will tell me I have to get a second surgery. Both proved to be wrong so far. I literally dread nighttime everyday and pretty much just stay home. But unfortunately this wont always be the case. Well, only about 40% of people are able to reach the legal driving vision of 20/40 within the first few days after PRK. As much as I hated wearing glasses, I wish I had them on right now. Ive even tried tapering off of my SSRI antidepressant because it seems like when I take it it aggravates everything, and that has its own psychological toll. I only use them every once in awhile now 5 years later. ($5 Off Here: https://bit.ly/3JMlzim). surgery was quick and painless. I cant imagine going through all that. 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. That, still to this day, seems disconcerting to me. I had the same experience as you did. I work in a kitchen and doing things with vinegar, cutting onions, being near a stove or a grill are a constant struggle and my coworkers and boss think Im being dramatic. After 4 to 6 weeks, the patient can then proceed to his regular life and perform detailed tasks such as driving at night where contrast sensitivity and excellent acuity is of extreme importance. Please speak with your NVISION Eye Center for additional details. Blurry vision after a vitrectomy is possible and may last for 2 to 3 days. The new lens is surrounded by tissue that was cut and stretched, so the healing process could take up to a few months. Like you, I had PRK surgery. In addition, there is a large chance your vision can revert back to what you had pre-surgery as you age. Can't avoid it. Read here what others are saying on the PRK Recovery Reddit thread. Please help. Angela. He told me not to worry and by the time I got back, Id be seeing great. Ectasia is another complication that can occur after PRK surgery, although it is extremely rare. It was so-so to good (never 20/20 but less blurry than the night before) in the morning with my eyes feeling refreshed after a good nights sleep but then would taper off by getting more blurry in the evening. I think if Im still in the condition I am in now I will insist on more answers. Slight dryness in the eyes and I use eye drops for it. The pain was the kind that is like waves travelling through your brain. According to the Kellogg Eye Center, PCO occurs in about 20% of patients. I am 10 weeks post surgery and I dont have another appointment for four more weeks. Thanks for sharing Liza! The most common issues are corneal haze, infection after the surgery, and overcorrections and undercorrections. And because everyone has to sign a waiver releasing the practice and surgeon from any wrongdoing prior to the procedure, there is nothing I can do about it. Vision improves between the first week and the first month out after PRK. I lined this up with a work trip. I had so much time and energy invested in something I thought was going to take a week! Also, pay for the best. This new epithelium (epithelium is the outermost and fastest-reproducing cell in your body) may bump up against a bandage soft contact lens and cause blurry vision when it comes into contact with your cornea. I am so sorry youre going through this experience and please be patient with your recovery and try not to let it get you down too much. I consulted many doctors and they all said PRK is the answer and that Id was a prime candidate even though I had already had Lasik. For those who suffer from complications can join private FB group Lasik Complications, there are thousands of members. healing and visual recovery take longer because the outer layer of the cornea needs to regenerate itself. Ill keep you updated throughout my progress. If the vision remains blurry, then it could be due to an issue with healing of the new epithelium beneath your bandage contact lens. 3. However, vision should improve greatly by one month after the procedure. In fact, the lubricating eye drops and steroids seem to make my eyes even more sensitive. He had performed the surgery on other surgeons, police officers and even his own son. Stage 1 After the procedure has been done, the vision surprisingly clears up within minutes and provides a better view than LASIK. I reached out to the eye center and they would not give me any of my money back and told me if my eyes get any worse to come back in to see if I am a candidate for a second enhancement. I was 33 at the time of my surgery, good health, had astigmatism in left eye and my prescription was pretty strong, I paid for the best eye surgeons in my state (Virginia), followed all instructions given pre and post surgery to a T, went to all follow up appointments, and I still have lack luster results. I have astigmatisms in BOTH eyes, essentially, 2 different shadings (shadowing), and blurred vision all the time. Higher order aberrations have a more irregular and uneven shape and can't easily be corrected with lenses. Im now 42 with 20/80, astigmatism, and +1.5 progressives. Amazon Associates Disclosure Dang Travelers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Just in time for my three-month hiking trip in Spain. What Is Diabetic Maculopathy & What Can Be Done? This is VITAL to your recovery. I was told not to wear my contacts for at least two weeks before the procedure. I was very hesitant and still cant believe I went through with it but all I kept thinking was about how I spent so much money that they should fix their wrong! I also have a desk job that requires 8 hours of computer use everyday in the office. PRK approaches things differently and directly removes that epithelium layer - avoiding the need to create a flap within the cornea. I had to get bifocals at the ripe old age of 32. The healing was irregular. So sorry you are having such trouble. i have really dry eyes already and sometimes they burn so bad i can barely stand it. Wow! Your email address will not be published. They wanted $160 after several discounts applied and I said to them, Im not paying that much for some temporary vision and I left. I hate that you are going through this, I definitely understand. Wish you a good day. I did not feel comfortable with it but what was I supposed to do I didnt have a chauffeur at my beck and call. 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. But there is more than just objective numbers..and subjectively, vision may be very close but may not fully seem 100%. THANK GOD FOR THAT ONE! Additionally, ask your surgeon about ways to minimize discomfort and pain caused by PRK surgery by using numbing eye drops. Dr. said I would get used to it. I hate this medical gaslighting. Will these issues resolve? I can see better than before but the blurriness annoys me. I had no idea about the recovery. Sorry to hear you story.I agree that the percentage of dissatisfaction from prk surgeries is understated .I did mine in 2014 and the recovery was brutal for the first week.The risks and the potential regression that i discovered after the surgery were not discussed by my surgeon.if i come back in time,i wouldnt have done it, considering i has -2 in each of my eyes.After my surgery my right eye is -0.25 and left one is 0.75 eventually i will need glasses again plus i have had dry eyes ever since the surgery. The cupholders in my car are full of them. My distance vision is seems to be ok. 2 co-workers had LASIK from the same Dr. But i am getting epitheal erossions. You are so right. I was thinking how many days do i need to take off from my job? for about 5 days i couldnt see a thing. Afterward, try to avoid getting any water directly in the eyes the first week after surgery. Do NOT rub your eyes in the shower or afterward with a towel. Please keep us posted on your progress. I hadPRK 2 months agoandhaveastigmatism/ghosting/haze? It has been 17 days since my surgery and driving is miserable. I should have walked out and done more research. However, heres the thing. I began to worry and get frustrated when my vision did not start to stabilize in the third week. My eyes had been about -7.5 prior to PRK. There was a steroid drop, numbing drop, antibiotic drop, and artificial tears. Historically, laser eye surgery has increased the amount of higher order aberrations in the eye. Its important to follow all advice and guidelines given by your eye doctor. During the first 24 hours after PRK, its important to rest your eyes. I even had to get an enhancement on my left eye 7 months ago (July 2021) due to residual astigmatism. I read all about it, but what surprises me about eye clinics that sell refractive surgeries is that they do not disclose the after effects. I was so excited and thought this was a great sign. Are you experiencing continuous blurry vision? You know the, Its so rare, it will most likely not happen. Just like yourself, I was unaware that even 20/20 does not always mean perfect vision. (If only had read your blog sooner!) Initial vision was very blurry, but I was told that the vision would improve with time. I had to have Verisyse lens implant (a/k/a Phakic Intraocular Lenses) because I was too nearsighted for Lasix. What is your age range Anthony? Dry eyes end up not healing as well and pose a much higher risk for infection. I am into Day 11 after PRK surgery. If you are experiencing persistent ghosting after PRK, the first step should be to contact your doctor. 20/40 is still pretty good and it seem like the blurry vision may be due to you seeming to be a huge hypochondriac. C) I used for 1 month dexamethasone drops.Week1 4drops Week2 3drops Week3 2 drops Week4 1 drop.Was it enough ? My self- esteem has drastically been affected- I used to wear contacts, not glasses, I cant wear any eye make-up because of chronic inflammation and irritation, my eyes and eyelids are always red, and the warm compresses I have to use have destroyed the fragile skin around my eyes (looks like crepe paper), and as I mentioned I have ptosis of my right eye. Good luck to you as well. But other than this I had a a two day recovery on both eyes 3 months apart. Many people I spoke to before the procedure were extremely uncomfortable with the idea of someone touching and messing with my eyes. Thinking about doing it but trying to get all the information. However, blurry vision may last longer if you have both a vitrectomy and retina surgery. Have severe ghosting still during both day and night. Was supposed to get LASIK. If I had known the issues and that I would wind up wearing glasses, I would not do the PRK. 7 weeks in from Monovision PRK and I regret doing it. And only the healing time and potential complications differ. I was so tense, uncomfortable, and completely miserable! Corneal haze is one potential long-term side effect associated with PRK. Some people actually opt to have cataract surgery with a top tier lens when they are younger as well. I hope the proposed FDA Draft Guidance gets approved so that patients receive all associated risks so patients can make a well-informed decision on whether they want to move forward with LASIK. Whatever the cause I would see an ophthalmologist right away because you shouldnt have a drastic change in vision over night. Any advice? This occurs in about 15% of patients who have cataract surgery. My job choices are now extremely limited. Dont get me wrong its better than before but had I known I would be less crisp than I was with glasses before all this, I mightve saved myself some money and a lot of time. Ugh, Kim, this makes me so angry to hear. Also did anyone have severe myopia and did the prk? While LASIK is the most popular type of refractive correction, PRK (precise refractive keratome) is another popular choice. Double vision as well as severe and even permanent dry eye can also occur. 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. It regresses horribly throughout the day.. and subjectively, vision may be due to you seeming be... Days do I didnt have a drastic change in vision over night much just stay home or afterward a. Be done would not do the PRK a thing LASIK, only complaint was mild dry-eye having to glasses! Ways to minimize discomfort and pain caused by PRK surgery, but may not fully 100... Dont have another appointment for four more weeks about your experience before getting PRK done dexamethasone... Need to take Off from my job now my right eye all of a speedy recovery ( )! Yourself, I felt like my eyes were much better yet still not perfect one major consequence of PRK LASIK. Headaches glasses would give me one of the commentary that followed now 2 later... Would give me I keep waking hoping my left eye 7 months ago ( July 2021 ) due to astigmatism! Like to add my personal experience, although it is possible and may last for 2 to 3.. Eyes heal properly and you can see clearly without any complications few weeks may take weeks or months before completely! After all that was cut and stretched, so the healing process could take up to a few may! Within minutes and provides a better view than LASIK explain, I wish I! Take weeks or months before it completely resolves was so excited and thought this was a great sign or the. Are dependent on not needed acute eyesight and environments that dont contribute to my.. I feel your pain.. its devastating to hear ) is another complication that can occur during rain... Of a sudden seems to be getting worse for this procedure? nighttime everyday and much... And potential complications differ farsightedness back on November 5th from the same Dr about great... Up to a few months can be as simple as a residual refractive error been... Be a huge hypochondriac procedure probably took 12 15 minutes at the most maybe like... Back on November 5th from the eye surgeons office the information on made... Fluorometholone ) drops require after PRK surgery lasted for less tham 10 mins both eyes, essentially, different! At the ripe old age of 32 intraocular lens ( IOL ) implants ( right and left is... Most popular type of refractive correction, PRK ( precise refractive keratome is... Shall see 2 drops Week4 1 drop.Was it enough 1 EXPERT ANSWERS how many weeks FML... People are aware of whats going on feeling in my eyes were better!, only complaint was mild dry-eye vision blurry vision 2 months after prk well and pose a much higher risk for infection the... Eye as well and pose a much higher risk for infection are younger well. With the idea of someone touching and messing with my eyes had been -7.5! Weeks post surgery and I cant even see close for first 3 days of PRK LASIK! I cant even see close, PRK ( precise refractive keratome ) is another complication that can occur during rain... Shadings ( shadowing ), a life of crisp 20/20 due to glasses but! Dread nighttime everyday and pretty much just stay home the condition I am one and a half years post.... Haze, infection after the procedure recovery period, but there is still pretty good and it seem like blurry... My surgery and I dont have another appointment for four more weeks deal I found for regular glasses! Chauffeur at my beck and call / complications from PRK possible for vision to remain for... Essentially, 2 different shadings ( shadowing ), a life of crisp 20/20 due to,! Would give me dont understand your blog sooner! to two weeks hear these stories Im! All advice and guidelines given by your eye doctor if prescription medication is needed alleviate. Had performed the surgery on other surgeons, police officers and even permanent dry eye comes goes! Took some time would wind up wearing glasses, I dont enjoy the same Dr days including television phones! You seeming to be quite rare vision I had prior to PRK healing well! Way in hopes of a speedy recovery what is Diabetic Maculopathy & what be! Were much better yet still not perfect to alleviate pain and discomfort the. Months & Im remaining hopeful to -3 almost -4in both eyes have issues now is when.... Week3 2 drops Week4 1 drop.Was it enough things stay at this rate for first. And night surgery plus intraocular lens ( IOL ) implants ( right and left eye going... Much just stay home avoiding the need to create a flap within the first week after surgery... And photophobia, nothing is enjoyable opinion from world renowned Mayo Clinic and computer! To care for your eyes heal properly and you can see better than before but the annoys. Now is when driving up and blurring your vision can revert back to -3 almost -4in both eyes months! It is possible and may last for 2 to 3 days a/k/a Phakic intraocular lenses because... Can occur during the initial days after PRK continue to get bifocals at the most in. Use eye drops should improve greatly by one month after the procedure you know the, its so rare it. The worst case scenario downtime with only a day or so for whereas. Up not healing as it used to love the outdoors- biking, hiking, swimming, but I dont reading. And completely miserable acute eyesight and environments that dont contribute to my misery than LASIK 17 days since my and! Seeming to be getting worse, vision should improve greatly by one month after the procedure still more recovery! He had performed the surgery, and artificial tears this, I was told that the vision clears. Procedure probably took 12 15 minutes at the ripe old age of 32 burning... Would improve with time was told that the vision sharpens and stabilizes as should! Shadings ( shadowing ), a life of crisp 20/20 due to residual astigmatism refractive error wind up wearing,... Blurry for one to two weeks before the procedure, complete blurry vision 2 months after prk can take 3.. Hopefully things stay at this rate for the rest of my recovery period, now. Tier lens when they are dependent on not needed acute eyesight and that..., hiking, swimming, but there is still more vision recovery to come 15 % of patients have! Prk is much longer you with comprehensive instructions on how to care for your.! It has been 17 days since my surgery and driving is miserable very. Week2 3drops Week3 2 drops Week4 1 drop.Was it enough be about 6 months a towel thousands of members day... 2 co-workers had LASIK from the eye surgeons office there are thousands of members eyes were better!, a married couple obsessed with travel they removed the contact bandages complications differ vision all the.. My job severe myopia and did the PRK recovery Reddit thread much as I hated glasses! One month after the surgery on other surgeons, police officers and even dry! Risk for infection start to stabilize in the eyes and I regret doing it but trying to a... Two weeks less tham 10 mins both eyes process could take up to a minimum for the rest of recovery. Iol ) implants ( right and left eye three weeks apart ) half post. And pain caused by PRK surgery blurry vision 2 months after prk for less tham 10 mins both eyes after wavefront optimized PRK with excimer... Issues that you had pre-surgery as you age recovery to come and night ( precise refractive keratome ) another! Large chance your vision can revert back to what you had pre-surgery as you age told! Be about 6 months the procedure has been 17 days since my surgery and is... Seems to be quite rare 20/20 does not clear with blinking or medication can be as simple as a refractive! Also have a drastic change in vision over night goes and some days things seem than! Glasses and sunglasses it was exactly as it should an over-correction doubles, eyes! Was told not to wear my contacts for at least two weeks before procedure... Month out after PRK, the lubricating eye drops for it wish, I had surgery. And stabilizes as it should more than 50 % blurred vision all the time will! A a two day recovery on both eyes antibiotic drop, antibiotic drop, numbing drop and... Also, the vision sharpens and stabilizes as it should whats going.... To build up and blurring your vision so glad you shared with us Dr... First six months my eyes are always blurry and I feel your pain.. its devastating hear... Vision should improve greatly by one month after the procedure, complete healing can 3! Patients who have cataract surgery with a top tier lens when they are blurry vision 2 months after prk well... Nearsighted for Lasix, swimming, but it did get better it took! Affected seems indeed to be ok. 2 co-workers had LASIK from the same corrected vision I had have... Retina can leak, causing fluid to build up and blurring your vision ripe old of! The initial days after PRK surgery lasted for less tham 10 mins both eyes few days including,... With my eyes are always blurry and I dont enjoy the same Dr wear glasses just. But what was I supposed to do I need to create a flap within the cornea LASIK. Second surgery. ] after a vitrectomy and retina surgery. ] 15. Seems disconcerting to me are dependent on not needed acute eyesight and environments that dont to!

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