My vision after PRK surgery has worsened and worsened. It's been 5 months and I need glasses again. Is this normal?

Question

I had PRK surgery almost 5 months ago and my vision peaked 2 months ago (20/15) and took a drastic turn and now I need glasses again. My astigmatism was 180 and my prescription was around -9.75 on one eye and -10 on another. When I saw my surgeon he said that I would need temporary glasses for 2 or so months and then at my year anniversary for the initial surgery, I would get an enhancement. Is this normal? Could I ever be a candidate for perfect vision or will this keep happening?

David Malitz, MD · Answer

You had a high prescription.   Even though the enhancement rate (retreatment) is less than 2 percent for most surgeons and surgeries in your group it may be double or triple that rate.   As long as glasses corrects you to 20/20 it is likely that with an enhancement yiu will do well if your cornea is thick enough.   I prefer PRK over LASIK in the rare cases when an enhancement is necessary and prefer one eye at a time as your eyes did not respond predictably to your first treatment.  Water under the bridge now, but an ICL is a great option for people that are in your prescription range.  I agree waiting for 6-12 months or more is the best option to insure that your prescription is stable.   Make sure they do a cycloplegic refraction pre enhancement.  It is possible that you are accommodating and if treated based on your manifest refraction only may result in yet a third treatment or put you back in glasses or contact lenses.   Generally, one enhancement will yield excellent results.   Make sure you are not rubbing your eyes as this can result in warping of your cornea and poor vision.   Best of luck!

My vision after PRK surgery has worsened and worsened. It's been 5 months and I need glasses again. Is this normal?

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My vision after PRK surgery has worsened and worsened. It's been 5 months and I need glasses again. Is this normal?

Answers (1)

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Everything you need to know about PRK Laser Eye Surgery

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