After 8-9 years from my first PRK, some nearsightedness returned (about -0.75). Is it advisable to try PRK again?

Question

8+ years ago I had around -6.00 myopia before PRK. Recovery was good and results were great. A year ago, my vision changed (probably about -0.25) which I tolerated. After going on a ski trip, I noticed my vision worsened to about -0.5/-0.75. I suspect the dry weather lack of sunglasses under strong sunlight on snow degraded my vision. I visited my doctor again and he said I can still do PRK but there's a small risk of irreversible scarring. I really do not like wearing glasses. Should I risk it?

Andrew Caster, MD · Answer

First of all, skiing without sunglasses can cause irreparable harm to the retina (the back of the eye). It can also cause regression of the PRK result. Further PRK can improve your vision, but if you expose yourself to the high levels of ultraviolet light present at high altitudes while skiing without sunglasses, you are asking for scarring to occur, which is treatable but which can be difficult to treat. You must wear sunglasses.

After 8-9 years from my first PRK, some nearsightedness returned (about -0.75). Is it advisable to try PRK again?

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