Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK): What to Expect at Home
Your Recovery
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is surgery to improve your vision.
You can have PRK surgery in one or both eyes. The doctor used
special tools to keep your eye open. The cells on the surface of
your eye were removed or pulled to one side. Then the doctor used a
special laser to remove tissue and reshape the outside layer of your
eyeball (cornea). Afterward, the doctor placed a contact lens on
your eye as a bandage.
Your eye will hurt, burn, or itch for 3 or 4 days after surgery.
Your vision may be blurry, your eyes may water, your nose may run,
or you may feel like there is something in your eye. But it is
important not to rub your eye. Rubbing your eye could damage it.
Do not remove the contact lens in your eye. The doctor will remove
this lens 2 to 4 days after surgery.
At first, your vision may be better. But it may get slightly worse.
Sometimes it takes a few weeks to be able to see clearly. But you
will probably be able to return to work or your normal routine in
about 5 days.
It is common to be sensitive to light or to see starbursts or halos
for 1 to 3 weeks. Most people will see well in a few weeks. But for
some people, it takes 3 to 6 months to get the full benefits of
surgery and to see as clearly as possible.
Your doctor will recommend or prescribe pain medicines. The doctor
will also give you eyedrops to prevent infection and to help with
dryness. Your eye may feel dry for 1 to 3 months after surgery.
This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take
for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace.
Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.
How can you care for yourself at home?
Activity
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You can shower or wash your hair the day after surgery.
Keep water, soap, shampoo, hair spray, and shaving lotion
out of your eye, especially for the first week.
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For 1 to 2 weeks, avoid swimming, hot tubs, gardening, and
dusting.
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Medicines
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be
sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you
are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results
and keep a list of the medicines you take.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care.
For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact
your doctor if:
Current as of: June 5, 2023
Content Version: 14.0
Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.