Are you considering PRK eye surgery but worried about how long you need to rest your eyes after the procedure? You’ve come to the right place. Depending on the individual, it usually takes three to five days to recover from PRK eye surgery. In this article, we will explain in detail what happens during and immediately after the procedure and offer tips on how to look after your eyes while you heal.
Basics To Learn
PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is a refractive eye surgery procedure used to correct vision errors such as nearsightedness, astigmatism, and farsightedness. When Austin PRK surgery is performed, the outer layer of cells (epithelium) on the cornea is removed, and a laser reshapes the underlying tissue to improve vision. During the procedure, the ophthalmologist removes some of the layers of the cornea, reshapes it, and then uses a laser to sculpt the new surface. After healing, you should have clearer vision without needing glasses or contact lenses.
The length of time one should rest their eyes after undergoing PRK surgery depends on the individual, but typically you should rest the eyes for about 3-4 days. During this time, you should avoid straining with activities such as reading or using the computer. Sometimes, your doctor may advise you to rest for longer.
Additionally, it is essential to use artificial tears regularly for the first week or two to maintain adequate moisture in the eyes. Proper hydration and rest are crucial for a successful recovery after PRK surgery. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully and have regular checkups after your PRK surgery to ensure that you are healing.
Immediately Following Surgery
After PRK surgery, your ophthalmologist will apply a protective bandage contact lens to reduce discomfort and protect your eye. You may experience pain during the first two days, and your doctor will give you medication to help manage this. It is important to take any medications as prescribed and follow your doctor’s instructions for proper healing.
To reduce discomfort and promote healing, you must rest your eyes for the first three to five days. You should avoid strenuous activities, only watch television while lying down, and limit screen time. Additionally, you should avoid rubbing or touching your eyes as this can cause infection or injury.
What to Expect
The amount of time it takes to recover from PRK Eye Surgery varies from person to person. Generally, the healing process can take anywhere from three to six months. During this time, allowing your eyes to rest as much as possible is important to promote optimal healing.
Immediately after surgery, you should rest your eyes for at least 24 hours. During this period, you may experience a burning sensation, light sensitivity, and blurry vision. Your doctor may prescribe eye drops to reduce inflammation and speed up healing.
For the following few days after the surgery, avoiding strenuous activities such as sports, lifting heavy objects, and driving is important. You should also wear protective eyewear outdoors and limit computer use. Getting plenty of sleep and avoiding rubbing or touching your eyes are also important.
After the first week, you may be able to begin using your eyes more, but you should still avoid straining them. It includes avoiding direct sunlight and spending too much time on computers, phones, or other electronic devices. Instead, focus on activities that do not require visual strain, such as listening to music or reading a book.
If your eyes feel tired, give them a break and close them for a few minutes. Resting your eyes will help the healing process and improve your vision in the long run. As the week progresses, you may slowly start to increase the amount of time you spend on activities requiring strain. However, if your eyes feel strained or tired again, take a break and rest them.
Overall, the recovery time from PRK surgery varies from person to person. However, it is important to give your eyes a rest after the procedure to ensure that they heal properly and promote optimal vision.
Tips For Resting Your Eyes
You must get plenty of rest after PRK surgery to ensure your eyes heal properly. Here are some tips to help you rest your eyes:
- Take frequent breaks from screens and bright lights, especially during the first few days after surgery
- Wear dark glasses or a visor while outdoors to block out strong sunlight
- Try an eye mask to reduce any light sensitivity you may experience
- Take an artificial tear supplement to keep your eyes lubricated
- Elevate your head while you sleep to prevent excessive pressure on the eyes.
When To Consult A Doctor
If you experience any of the following symptoms during your recovery period, it is important to contact your doctor immediately:
Increasing pain: If the pain gets worse instead of better and isn’t relieved by the prescribed medication, contact your doctor.
Severe dry eyes: Dryness that cannot be relieved by artificial tears or other over-the-counter remedies require medical attention.
Light sensitivity: In some cases, patients may experience extreme light sensitivity or discomfort when exposed to bright lights.
Cloudy vision: If you experience a sudden change in your vision that is not due to dryness or light sensitivity, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Blurred vision: A blurred vision that does not improve over time. Blurred or hazy vision is common during the first few days after surgery but should begin to improve as the eye heals.
Recovering from PRK surgery is a process that requires patience and care. By following the tips outlined above and immediately consulting your doctor if you experience any concerning symptoms, you can ensure that your eyes heal properly and obtain the best possible outcome from your PRK surgery.
Conclusion
PRK eye surgery is a safe and effective way to reduce or eliminate vision errors. Following proper care instructions after the procedure will ensure that your eyes heal properly and give you clear, healthy vision. By understanding the basics of post-surgical recovery and following the tips outlined above, you can rest assured that your eyes will be in the best possible condition after PRK surgery.
