Had PRK 1 Week Ago, Right Eye Has Been in Pain and Right Now I'm 20/40, is That Normal?

Question

I did PRK about a week ago, the day of prk i felt good cuz i was able to see more but i didn't have any pain after 2 hours later only on my right eye. It felt as if something was stinging me. On my left eye i had no pain, only sensitive to the light just as the right one as well. On monday i went to see my doctor and she said i was putting all my drops good how i am supposed too. right now im about 20/40 (left/right) is that normala? will my right eye get much better?..

Michael K. Tracy, MD · Answer

20/40 is pretty normal a week after surgery depending on your prescription. Having more pain in one eye than in the other is also very common. If your surgeon has examined you and you are doing well, most likely your vision will continue to improve in both eyes.

Farzad Yaghouti, MD · Answer

The vision commonly can fluctuate for up to about a month following PRK and this is very common among patients having had PRK.

Ilan Cohen, MD · Answer

I usually explain to my patients who get PRK that their vision will seem good right after surgery and then get worse before it gets better. This is due to the normal healing sequence. It takes time for inflammation to develop in the eye and cause mild blur after the surgery. Then, when the inflammation subsides and the cornea heals, the vision will improve. It can be scary if it is unexpected but it is the typical course.

Christopher Coad, MD · Answer

Visual recovery after PRK can take as long as 3 months, although vision usually improves within 2-4 weeks. LASIK patients recover much more quickly, often within days. At the 3 months time point, LASIK and PRK patients generally both obtain excellent vision.

Natalie Borodoker, MD · Answer

It is completely normal for your vision to be 20/40 one weak after a PRK procedure. It takes longer than for Lasik to get complete recovery and ideal vision. Even minor irregularities in your tear film can lead to a decrease in best corrected vision. It is also possible to experience some minor haze and dryness that will lead to some visual problems. It sounds like your surgery went well and your vision should stabilize within a few weaks. Your doctor may prescribe a longer course of drops, including steroids to help speed up your recovery. Overall, PRK is a safe surgery and if properly performed should lead to a great result.

Had PRK 1 Week Ago, Right Eye Has Been in Pain and Right Now I'm 20/40, is That Normal?

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Had PRK 1 Week Ago, Right Eye Has Been in Pain and Right Now I'm 20/40, is That Normal?

Answers (9)

Answer: Visual recovery after Prk

Answer: Visual recovery after Prk

Answer: Vision after PRK

Answer: Vision after PRK

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Recommended reading

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.