I am planning on getting PRK done soon but want to know how necessary steroid eye drops are? I've heard from an ophthalmologist specializing in cataracts in my area that they increase a person's chances of developing cataracts earlier in life. Is it possible to avoid or minimize the use of steroid drops in my eyes after PRK?
Answers (2)
From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Typically vision should be clear enough to drive after 1 week of surgery. It may take up to 3 months for objects to be focused. However, some patients may experience glare, halos, and dryness until 6 months, which may affect quality of vision.
I would recommend applying cold compresses, instead of warm, directly to closed eyelids. This should help with swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Since blood vessels constrict in cold temperatures, blood flow is minimized, and swelling will be reduced.
First of all, I would recommend that you return to your PRK doctor, or at least an ophthalmologist or optometrist, rather than urgent care, which are not eye doctors. But getting elbowed should have no long-term effect on your PRK results.