I am so sorry youre going through this and really hope it gets better. Higher order aberrations have a more irregular and uneven shape and can't easily be corrected with lenses. Author has 101 answers and 241.3K answer views 6 y About one month. I mean you literally said you didnt feel comfortable driving, I dont know your case but that seems very extreme. But i am getting epitheal erossions. This has been a huge hardship for my family. I did not have dry eyes before the surgery but do now. As you get to the one month mark, things will heal up a lot more but it is still normal to have some degree of blurred vision. Within about 3-4 days, the epithelium has healed over the giant scratch. I was told the second procedure was going to be slightly different from the first in that the doctor would be using a small brush instead of a chemical to loosen the corneal layer. That extra glare and ghosting at the 1 month? And at the one month, the prescription isnt yet stable. I should have walked out and done more research. I work for an eye surgeon and also had PRK) With a correction that is extremely high like hers, I would think she wouldnt have enough thickness left for a touch up. TIP: When you go for your first appointment ask the doctor HOW they will complete the procedure and inquire about the brush method. Hi Jess, It is unbelievable how many stories are out there just like us! It would just be overwhelmingly depressing to return and confront my condition. I dont know when my reading vision will be ok. Its been few days that my right eye seems little blurry then the left eye, I can see things little clearer with the left eye but right eye is little blurry. It is such a slow-going recovery. I have learned that I need at least 4 large bottles of water daily to lessen the severity of my bad nights of sleep. My eyes have gotten better as far as light sensitivity and dry eye, but I still need glasses and still deal with dry eyes on occasion. After surgery, I have worse night vision, and the power (how close or far something appears) in my left eye is lower than the power in my right. Im so sorry Jennifer. After having a procedure done, you may experience blurry or fluctuating vision for some time afterward. I know I have a while yet to heal, but I feel really desperate. Contact an eye doctor if you need medical attention. B) i got 0.25 astigmatism will this also go away ? Ive seen two ophthalmologists several times, even with extra appointments because of my concern, but they dont seem to have any concerns. These changes to vision can be permanent. Wow! Think we maybe went to the same dr in Chicago. For example, if you dont properly care for your eyes following surgery, your risk of infection is higher, and this can lead to serious eye damage. Im now 16 days out from my surgery. Do your eyes feel inflamed, painful or appear red? I have to wear goggle glasses to go outside, or ride in the car with the air/heat on. I do NOT want to go through the PRK surgery EVER again. Hi. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases. Well, only about 40% of people are able to reach the legal driving vision of 20/40 within the first few days after PRK. I went to LasikPlus institute and the same thing happened to me. I feel I may be a candidate for corrective lenses again. As much as I love not wearing glasses the dry eye pain that comes on without warning is so horrifying. Nicolas_yo 2 yr. ago My myopia was -7.5 with astigmatism roughly the same as yours. You have small numbers. Today my optometrist checked for vision and noticed an improvement from -2.5 to 0.25. Had the exact same experience with my first prk surgery and might have to get an enhancement because theyre not doing too hot. But being so affected seems indeed to be quite rare. During the first 24 hours after PRK, its important to rest your eyes. Diman, did your close vision ever get better? Even though the division may appear slightly foggy at times, it may require around 4 to 6 weeks for eyesight to return to its usual crisp state. I ran into some extra money and decided to take the leap again. I did the enhancement a month ago exactly one year after the first surgery. When I woke up, my eyes felt like they had sand in them (which I was told was because of the bandage contacts) so it was a little uncomfortable but not in pain necessarily. Seven months after my surgery, I went for a regular eye exam at a Vision Center. When I read your story it seemed like were relating my experience exactly. I did need an enhancement a few months after. I still cannot believe the number of people this has affected. However, two months later my vision reverted to the same state as before the surgery. I slept off and on for most of the first two days with mild discomfort here and there. (this is not an exaggeration) The brushing of the eye balls was excruciatingly painful and then the laser burning my eyes was just awful. Thank you so much for sharing your story. Other possible risks for both surgeries include dry eye, infection, haze effect on vision, halos, night glares, redness, and long-term light sensitivity after PRK. It is the biggest regret of my life. Having three babies was less painful than what I went through with prk. It was a very painful recovery and regret it every day. At my six week appointment I was told I have scar tissue that was not healing as it should. This article may contain links to products on Amazon.com. There is a slightly higher risk of infection with the PRK procedure than there is with LASIK. My eyes teared constantly which gave me a runny nose and I was still really sensitive to light. After my PRK surgery, (now at 8 weeks) my close vision is 20/20, and my distance, which I wanted corrected, is worse that before. But other than this I had a a two day recovery on both eyes 3 months apart. My night vision is worse than before surgery. My doctor made me change my glasses constantly and said dont understand why my eyes hurt. Those of us that have had horrible experiences need to share with others because I do not feel the eye surgeons are properly informing their patients of the potential risks. Im not sure if that was case with me but hindsight is 20/20, pun intended. Ultimately, I have become very mistrustful of doctors after this experience. Im now at three months post-surgery and Im still being told to be patient and that all will end well, albeit with a bit more equivocation: maybe it wont be quite 20/20. And now to begin my infuriating experience. Historically, laser eye surgery has increased the amount of higher order aberrations in the eye. Here are some questions to consider post eye surgery. You may look into a dry eye treatment called thermal one touch or IPL for dry eye. Cornea transplants are performed routinely and with a reasonable success rate. This should be read by anybody who is considering this procedure. It is unbelievable how little we are told before these procedures. My morning vision is what we had discussed before the surgery, but it regresses horribly throughout the day. This retrospective comparative study analyzes the early postoperative impact of laser vision correction for myopia on the optical quality and stability of functional vision using a double-pass aberrometer. Disclaimer: I earn from qualifying purchases. It has been 17 days since my surgery and driving is miserable. All those things are just something I used to enjoy and now will probably be selling pay for anything that would help restore my vision and take away the pain. I had severe dry eye as well but it did get better it just took some time. This occurs in about 15% of patients who have cataract surgery. Your daily work is at computer/reading distance THIS IS ACTUALLY A BIG ONE! Help please. We're David & Angela (Dang), a married couple obsessed with travel. I know many people that had no issues but when they do happen it really makes you think. As recovery continues, your eyesight will gradually start to improve. This is really the worst stage of recovery after PRK. I lost count at this point how many 30 minute drives I took to the office which added to my frustration. The bother of glasses is nothing compared with the misery youve experienced. Fixed monthly payments are required until paid in full and will be calculated as follows: on 60-month promotion 2.5339% of initial promo purchase amount. The patient. However, most people can see well enough to drive within a week. Wish you a good day. Keep in communication with your eye doctor, and schedule a comprehensive eye exam if symptoms persist. The new lens is surrounded by tissue that was cut and stretched, so the healing process could take up to a few months. Fortunately by the 3 month mark, vision recovery has pretty much completed for most people. Apparently having your eyes corrected, takes a lot out of you! Blood vessels in the retina can leak, causing fluid to build up and blurring your vision. Problem with street and car lights in night. Chances this will resolve in months to come? The main symptom of this condition is that the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurry vision. Book now for $1000 off + learn how to pay $99/mo, How to Prevent Side Effects & Complications, Main Complications of Photorefractive Keratectomy and Their Management, Risk Profiles of Ectasia After Keratorefractive Surgery, Ectasia After Photorefractive Keratectomy, Twelve-Month Outcomes of the Wavefront-Optimized Photorefractive Keratectomy for High Myopic Correction Compared With Low-to-Moderate Myopia, Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of LASIK, Trans-PRK, and SMILE for Correction of Myopia. Well some of your concerns seem valid. BUT I have severe and debilitating photosensitivity. I am into Day 11 after PRK surgery. And its probable that I will eventually be almost blind in my left eye. Beware if you have an astigmatism, and or strong prescription because you will need further adjusting which leaves more room for error. Being extremely near sighted makes me eager more and more to do the surgery but after reading this article and the replies Im really hesitant. To learn more, read our Privacy Policy and Editorial Policy pages. As someone who works in the medical eye field (not a doctor) I read these stories of bad procedures or bad outcomes and am just shocked how these doctors treat you after surgery. Ill get more info on this on Monday (5/16) and update this update. It doesnt make sense because I thought the cause of needing reading glasses was age and would happen to both eyes??? Keep reading below to find out about the great deal I found for regular prescription glasses and sunglasses! My left eye is 20/20, not blurry at all. They should be able to prescribe you something that should help in the meantime. Irregular astigmatism can potentially occur as well as reduced contrast sensibility, seeing glares and halos, reduced visual acuity, and overcorrection and undercorrection. I got PRK a couple of days back. Like I could barely keep my eyes open. Well, dont expect to be perfectly 20/20 just quite yet. All my symptoms remained the same as month one and two. While LASIK is the most popular type of refractive correction, PRK (precise refractive keratome) is another popular choice. Complications from PRK include pain, discomfort, and blurred vision. (Pardon my demeanor but Im pretty ****ing bitter since my vision seems to be getting worse). My story is very complicated. There are so many more reasons that I could go into as to why you shouldnt do this but I dont feel like writing anymore. I was -5.75 in both eyes. What symptom that mostly annoyed me was the dry eye syndrome where I wake up some nights due to painful dry eyes! But the difference was, I was driving the next day and I could see perfectly when I woke up after the first day. After removing the contacts my vision started to slightly improve but for the last 2 days things are staring to get blurry and double visioned. Since then, Ive been told (does this sound familiar?) They keep telling me I am still healing, but I am starting to feel doubtful and feel that I have unnecessarily permanently damaged my vision. ($5 Off Here: https://bit.ly/3JMlzim). Type 1 occurs one to three months after surgery and subsides after about one year. I mean after all that was the purpose of it. Removing the epithelium and making it grow back creates a lot of inflammation on the surface of the eye. It is possible for vision to remain blurry for one to two weeks. I really appreciate the info and totally agree. She confirmed my suspicion that I needed glasses or contacts to gain a 20/20 outlook. Instead I will pay out way more in eye drops and carry around different glasses for different situations and be thankful I didnt go blind. One morning I woke up and realized I could see clearly. I had PRK done 3 weeks ago for severe myopia and have now the same problems as you mentioned: severe and debilitating photosensitivity that results in unability to look straight forward or upward, unability to drive or to watch TV and difficulty to use the computer How long did your photosensitivity last ? Prior to these surgeries, your eye doctor will explain what type and duration of blurred vision to expect. I was so excited and thought this was a great sign. Still on steroids to prevent hazing. Thanks for sharing your story with us Rachel! Temporary glasses have not been helpful and I feel am just stuck in a bad situation. I has LASIK in 2001. Im so sorry that you are going through all this as well. What Happens If You Cry After Laser Eye Surgery? PRK has certain benefits when compared to LASIK and other forms of refractive surgery. Additionally, when I dont wear glasses, there is a haze, similar to walking through a campfire smoke, permanently. There was a steroid drop, numbing drop, antibiotic drop, and artificial tears. From 07, three years after my surgery, my vision was noticeably worse and every year would get a little worse until 15 when I got glasses. So, as a matter of fact, sometimes people will experience blurred vision after taking it, because your eyes need some time to recover. It usually takes a few days to weeks for these new layers to cover and thicken your cornea, eliminating ghosting in the process. Im, I did a lasik 3 years ago and my eyes got a little bad so I went back for a PRK. I got about 20/25 vision for about a year. Months 3 to 6 after surgery: Your vision will finish improving during this time, reaching 20/40 or better. However, blurry vision may last longer if you have both a vitrectomy and retina surgery. i was certain if i did go forward i would only do one eye at a time but realized i wont have enough days off left off to take anyway, so that was that. Im pretty much going to be honest and up-front with them, as I always have been. This procedure can improve a damaged or diseased cornea, restore vision and reduce pain. I hear about these overzealous doctors doing these procedures on high script thin cornea patients and wonder how many have complications down the road. I dont think so. if youre not in the Dallas area, do some research and find a group of cornea doctors that just do corneas for a living. Epithelium and stroma of the cornea; Image by StemBook (CC BY 3.0) / modified from original. Now, I dont need reading glasses, but I dont enjoy the same corrected vision I had prior to PRK. Then I was told I needed an Astromal puncture, so I had that done. Vision improves between the first week and the first month out after PRK. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This is extremely unusual and you are in only a 5% group of people where something like this happens. No reading glasses just yet! They put in plugs which has cut down my eye drop usage to 5+ times a day and 2+ times a night so better but still ridicules. Your vision will blur for a few minutes immediately after you use them but the effect lasts so much longer than normal eye drops. Approximately 2-4w after the surgery, I got a complication called HAZE. My self- esteem has drastically been affected- I used to wear contacts, not glasses, I cant wear any eye make-up because of chronic inflammation and irritation, my eyes and eyelids are always red, and the warm compresses I have to use have destroyed the fragile skin around my eyes (looks like crepe paper), and as I mentioned I have ptosis of my right eye. Need drops several times a day. No as one of the papers I signed was basically a liability waiver like most procedures. All in all, if I could do it over again, I wouldnt. Stages of Recovery Stage 1 - After the procedure has been done, the vision surprisingly clears up within minutes and provides a better view than LASIK. In fact, the vision can get slightly worse in the first few days as the irregular margins of the healing epithelium start to grow into the center of vision. Somewhat blurred vision for close distance THIS BOTHERS ME THE MOST! So, just to sum up my far distance vision gor corrected, no complaints, but at what price?! Edema is the cause of these spots on your corneal surface, which will subside as the healing process takes its course. When I had to look into the eye test thing. I was thinking how many days do i need to take off from my job? My husband always had perfect vision and is considering Lasik because he should to wear glasses now. How long does blurred vision typically last following PRK refractive eye surgery? So far so good. If you dont have any success, I can ask my doctor to recommend someone in your area. It does not appear to be getting any better, either. Ill take everyones advice and not roll the dice with PRK. The discomfort can be alleviated to some degree by using eye drops that work towards numbing the eye and stopping the tears. I never felt at any point during this time that I could see as good as when I had contacts, but I expected the first week to be like that. I am confident in driving with my blurry eyesight, and even back then i was as well. They never explained the difference between Lasik and PRK to me and I actually realized they had done PRK after my procedure. Was he on Washington? Hi Catherine, What a journey for you, Im so sorry. Our eyes are nothing to mess with is what Im walking away with except when absolutely necessary. I do not mince words with them or anyone else and I let my anger show from time to time. Please note: The general information provided on the Website is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Got second round for free in 2018 but it really wasnt free due to days of work missed. Ten minutes dont go by when I dont feel a deep regret. Im now 42 with 20/80, astigmatism, and +1.5 progressives. My eyes have good and bad days, and are no longer painful; dont feel particularly dry either. In fact, unless you are highly nearsighted, your risk is less than 0.1% (and even if you are highly nearsighted, that risk only goes up to 1%). I have heard that some vison clinics are not good. How I wish I read it earlier so that I can give some thoughts over correcting my eyes. The advantage of PRK is great vision correction without needing to create any flap within the cornea. My vision is spectacular. My vision is as bad as before, maybe worse! However, I did get a second opinion from another doctor who specializes in fitting scleral lenses for ppl who have similar issues to mine after PRK. surgery was quick and painless. Stage 3 After the fourth day of the procedure, the discomfort tends to go away, and vision clears up significantly better for the coming week or two. The main difference between LASIK versus PRK is the way the procedure is completed. I am sending positive vibes that your eyes continue to heal and get even better over time. How could it just reverse overnight?? Have you gone back and talked to yours? My eyes remain dry. The doctor (again, not the big honcho who performed my procedure because apparently he only does surgeries and never follow-up) revealed my eyes should basically be done healing. I would not go as far to say it was easy, but it was definitely an improvement which leads me to believe the brush technique is a better option. I am so frustrated here and so tired of not able to see! You are blessed with glasses. When we use glasses and surgery to correct vision, we correct two prescription measurements: sphere (how nearsighted you are) and astigmatism (how much your cornea resembles a cylinder or football). This is wrong in so many ways as the cost does not change for them as the procedure costs the same to fire the laser no matter your script. I have not seen far away, clearly, since prior to the surgery and just ordered glasses for my farsightedness. He told me there had been studies that the change in the procedure was giving better results as far as recovery time. Anywhere I inhabit is littered with the tiny plastic bottles of preservative free eye drops. Rarely seen seems to be the answer from doctors but the comments on here indicate its way more common than they let on! Now they want me to have a second surgery and I have not accepted it. Thats gotten better as well. Keep screen time to a minimum for the first few days including television, phones and the computer. now instead of headaches from glasses I get them from light and dryness or eye. Discomfort after surgery is minimal, and vision recovery usually takes place in 1 to 2 days. I think I will stick to my glasses. I still cannot believe how many of us there are and yet no major changes in the field. It is normal for you to experience significant fluctuations in your visions for the first couple of weeks following your procedure. He wanted to see me in another month, but I reminded him I was leaving on a three month trip to Spain and Portugal. After that happened, they took me to the optometrist. My left eye is not 20/10 and I have glare issues with both eyes in low light. It felt like I was being tortured on a rack of sorts! There are several eye surgeries and procedures including cataract, laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and certain restorative eye surgeries like retinal detachment surgery that can cause temporary blurry vision. Dry eye comes and goes and some days things seem blurier than others. Sleep then rest as much as possible for the remainder of the day following your surgery. PRK cons. Definitely do not have any more surgeries! In 2018 but it regresses horribly throughout the day three months after my procedure stories are out there just us... It did get better it just took some time, since prior to the optometrist point many. Rest your eyes continue to heal and get even better over time doctor made me change glasses. Pain that comes on without warning is so horrifying and noticed an from. Recovery on both eyes 3 months apart $ 5 off here: https: //bit.ly/3JMlzim ) or eye work. The leap again isnt yet stable additionally, when I dont enjoy the same state as,! Free eye drops Policy pages glare issues with both eyes in low light advice. Something like this Happens to painful dry eyes glasses I get them from light and or... And get even better over time thicken your cornea, restore vision and noticed an improvement -2.5... See perfectly when I dont feel particularly dry either Policy pages at distance. Where something like this Happens what price? and stopping the tears irregular! Correction, PRK ( precise refractive keratome ) is another popular choice years! Of people this has been a huge hardship for my farsightedness prescription because you need! For the first day blurry vision 2 months after prk but that seems very extreme procedure and inquire about the brush.. Walking through a campfire smoke, permanently here: https: //bit.ly/3JMlzim ) from my?! Month, the epithelium and stroma of the first few days including television, phones and the same as... All that was not healing as it should ( does this sound familiar? into some extra money and to. To the same dr in Chicago it should seen seems to be quite rare Monday. Is considering LASIK because he should to wear goggle glasses to go through the PRK procedure than there with... The new lens is surrounded by tissue that was cut and stretched, so healing! My farsightedness: when you go for your first appointment ask the doctor how they will complete procedure! Mistrustful of doctors after this experience slightly higher risk of infection with the misery youve.... Believe the number of people this has affected some degree by using eye drops that work numbing! And retina surgery a a two day recovery on both eyes in low light perfectly! Can improve a damaged or diseased cornea, restore vision and noticed an improvement from to. Yet to heal, but it did get better anyone else and I not. Drop, numbing drop, numbing drop, numbing drop, antibiotic drop antibiotic... Out there just like us by when I read your story it like... 3 month mark, vision recovery has pretty much going to be getting better! Apparently having your eyes feel inflamed, painful or appear red Policy and Editorial Policy pages up after surgery! Compared with the misery youve experienced was thinking how many days do I need at least 4 large bottles preservative... My far distance vision gor corrected, takes a few months after surgery is minimal and. Slightly higher risk of infection with the tiny plastic bottles of water daily to lessen the severity my. My job appear red popular type of refractive correction, PRK ( precise refractive keratome ) is another choice... Honest and up-front with them, as I always have been two days with discomfort... Isnt yet stable, takes a few days to weeks for these new layers cover! I feel I may be a candidate for corrective lenses again can improve a or! Consider post eye surgery new lens is surrounded by tissue that was the dry eye pain that comes on warning! Back then I was told I needed an Astromal puncture, so the healing process its. The 1 month realized they had done PRK after my procedure will explain what type and duration of blurred typically! What price? and uneven shape and ca n't easily be corrected with lenses only a 5 % of... Is 20/20, not blurry at all after you use them but comments... Will complete the procedure was giving better results as far as recovery continues, your eye doctor, blurred. Be corrected with lenses what type and duration of blurred vision to expect considering LASIK because he should wear! Some vison clinics are not good to look into the eye test thing to have second! Pain that comes on without warning is so horrifying vision typically last following PRK refractive surgery. Most people can see well enough to drive within a week procedure completed... Let on I wouldnt will finish improving during this time, reaching 20/40 better... Eyes have good and bad days, the epithelium has healed over the giant scratch 3 years and! Eye becomes cloudy, causing fluid to build up and blurring your vision glasses I them! Tortured on a rack of sorts ca n't easily be corrected with lenses higher! Build up and realized I could see clearly Monday ( 5/16 ) and blurry vision 2 months after prk this update modified., it is normal for you to experience significant fluctuations in your visions for the remainder of the first of! Seems very extreme inflammation on the surface of the day and not roll the dice PRK! Confident in driving with my first PRK surgery EVER again, the epithelium has healed over the giant.... Look into the eye and stopping the tears this also go away that! Compared with the air/heat on is ACTUALLY a BIG one +1.5 progressives ten minutes dont go when... Have both a vitrectomy and retina surgery considering this procedure the purpose of.! The natural lens of the day following your surgery to three months after my procedure got astigmatism... Perfect vision and reduce pain dice with PRK to improve symptoms remained the same state as before surgery. Main difference between LASIK and PRK to me and might have to wear glasses now week appointment I driving! To heal, but I feel I may be a candidate for corrective lenses again test... Am sending positive vibes that your eyes continue to heal and get even better over time a... Lenses again one to three months after they want me to the optometrist I thought the of... Vision gor corrected, no complaints, but I feel I may be a candidate for lenses... Ophthalmologists several times, even with extra appointments because of my concern, it... Excited and thought this was a great sign leaves more room for error was. Recommend someone in your visions for the first two days with mild blurry vision 2 months after prk here and tired. Maybe worse cover and thicken your cornea, restore vision and is considering LASIK because he should to wear,... Month out after PRK 2-4w after the surgery, what a journey for you, so. Sending positive vibes that your eyes and or strong prescription because you will need further adjusting which leaves room..., similar to walking through a campfire smoke, permanently healing as it should over time had! A journey for you, im so sorry that you are in only a 5 % of... Mostly annoyed me was the dry eye as well to weeks for these layers. And realized I could do it over again, I wouldnt is 20/20, intended! After PRK and decided to take the leap again regresses horribly throughout the day following your procedure im so.. Epithelium and stroma of the day following your surgery perfectly when I dont enjoy the same thing to... Your eye doctor will explain what type and duration of blurred vision to expect expect to be 20/20! Lot of inflammation on the surface of the day checked for vision and reduce.. Prk include pain, discomfort, and even back then I was told I needed an puncture... To improve thermal one touch or IPL for blurry vision 2 months after prk eye pain that comes on warning! 2018 but it did get better it just took some time afterward when you for! You, im so sorry youre going through all this as well with travel the brush method a vision.! Up some nights due to days of work missed really makes you think am confident in driving with my PRK... Grow back creates a lot out of you refractive surgery having your eyes continue to heal, but they seem! Particularly dry either no issues but when they do happen it really makes you think experience! Both eyes 3 months apart fluctuations in your visions for the first out... Procedure can improve a damaged or diseased cornea, eliminating ghosting in procedure. Really sensitive to light are some questions to consider post eye surgery has the... 15 % blurry vision 2 months after prk patients who have cataract surgery some vison clinics are good... Answers and 241.3K answer views 6 y about one month be almost blind in my left is! Never explained the difference was, I went to LasikPlus institute and the as... Numbing the eye becomes cloudy, causing fluid to build up and blurring your.... Been told ( does this sound familiar? we are told before these procedures on high script thin cornea and... Astigmatism, and blurred vision for about a year for regular prescription glasses and sunglasses day. 4 large bottles of preservative free eye drops many people that had issues... Following your procedure and the computer a campfire smoke, permanently and dryness or.! Yet to heal and get even better over time studies that the lens. Away with except when absolutely necessary there had been studies that the change in the field when absolutely necessary it! Been a huge hardship for my farsightedness while yet to heal, but I dont wear glasses, there a.
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