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Are steroid eye drops necessary after PRK?

Lucas M.Apr 11, 2018
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
Dr. Gregory H. Scimeca, MD
Board Certified Ophthalmologist
Answered on Apr 16, 2018
Answer
1 person found this helpful
Dr. Ahad Mahootchi, MD
Oculoplastic Surgeon, Board Certified in Ophthalmology
Answered on Apr 12, 2018
Answer
1 person found this helpful

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Jay Bansal, MD

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. 

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Jay Bansal, MD

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. 

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Andrew Caster, MD

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.

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Andrew Caster, MD

Advanced Surface Ablation is a variation of PRK. I would expect little further change 1.5 years after treatment. Most likely, there is some astigmatism which could be corrected by another treatment. Maybe a second opinion is in order.

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Jay Bansal, MD

Hyperopic PRK corrections will require more time to heal compared to myopic corrections, so it may take up to 3 months for vision to be very sharp. To speed up your healing, I recommend using preservative free artificial tears every 2 hours, getting plenty of rest, 1000mg Vitamin C daily, and s...

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Gregory H. Scimeca, MD

I would suggest that you go back to the eye doctor and have them perform a cycloplegic refraction. That would be the best way to determine if you are over-corrected. Good luck

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