How can I make the most of my PRK recovery? Am I able to strengthen my distance vision?

Question

Hello. I'm a 28y/o F (relatively healthy) & been wearing glasses for 21 years (+4.25 L, +3.50 R, no astig). I had PRK surgery on March 9, 2018 & am currently 9 days post op, LASIK wasn't recommended in my situation. I'm struggling with my R eye healing and am on my 3rd contact to allow the "defect" to heal. I go back tomorrow for another followup. My distance vision is currently 20/80. Can I do anything to help strengthen my vision? I work in the OR and need/want to get back to 100%.

Ahad Mahootchi, MD · Answer

Your surgeon should be your main source of information here but in general, PRK for hyperopia will have a longer healing time than myopic corrections. Making sure the eyes are lubricated with non-preserved tears several times a day helps.
Sometimes your doctor will use a bandage contact lens ( something you shouldn't do on your own to let the skin heal with less discomfort.
Wearing Sunglasses and taking Vitamin C is standard.
Show your actual drops to your doctor. Sometimes pharmacies substitute the same medicines with ones dissolved in vehicles that are less kind to the eye.
Follow the instructions on the steroid eye drops exactly. Stopping them too soon can cause lots of problems.
Best of luck with your new vision!

Jay Bansal, MD · Answer

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 sun protection. Continue with your scheduled follow ups and medications as recommended by your doctor and you should be seeing better with time.

Gregory H. Scimeca, MD · Answer

Your vision will not fully recover until the central epithelial defect is healed up. There are no eye exercises that will strengthen your vision.

How can I make the most of my PRK recovery? Am I able to strengthen my distance vision?

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How can I make the most of my PRK recovery? Am I able to strengthen my distance vision?

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.