And its all because PRK, Nothing is as hotly as debated as a topic (at least in the world of vision, more likely to have LESS bothersome symptoms, an increase in these higher order aberrations. All I can say is little by little my light sensitivity and all-around sensitivity did get better (still not like before) but unfortunately, it took WAY longer than I expected. It was a very painful recovery and regret it every day. Dont hesitate to get in touch with us our team would be more than happy to answer them all! Im not certain what I am going to do at this point. Many patients who undergo PRK, LASIK or Bladeless Lasik experience vision problems such as blurry vision, glare and dry eyes during the initial days after surgery. My healing took many months. Good luck with your recovery. 8 month update I went to my ophthalmologist and he stated that I now have +4 farsighted in both eyes with astigmatisms. However, your vision may fluctuate for the first several weeks so it is important to use good judgment. I sure hope your symptoms subside as time goes on. However, most people can see well enough to drive within a week. I am still unable to drive at all, and my computer usage is very limited. Cant describe the pain and the medication Ive had to take. As the more open your lids are (i.e. Hi Alex, Thanks for reaching out. To anyone who is thinking about getting this surgery done I would highly suggest not to. And again, I felt like my eyes were MUCH BETTER yet still not perfect. My eyes teared constantly which gave me a runny nose and I was still really sensitive to light. Well some of your concerns seem valid. Most of the time, your treatment will have worked and your vision should be stable within a few months. Also they definitely should have told you that you should expect fluctuations for up to 6 months with the majority of changes happening in the first 4 weeks after surgery. I wish more stories like this were out there to save us from this misery! - Maloney Once your eyes have stabilized, usually in three to six months, your vision correction is permanent. We look forward to working with you to determine the best eye surgery or nonsurgical treatment for your individual needs. Still cant see clearly and will not drive at night or during the rain. I had PRK in 1996. I started my rounds of eye drops immediately. My left eye is not 20/10 and I have glare issues with both eyes in low light. PRK cons. I received a (hopefully) temporary prescription for farsightedness back on November 5th from the eye surgeons office. The Dr. said it is still healing and to be patient. I did go ahead with the second surgery and am still walking around with glasses and dry eyes. Vision is still not as clear (crisp) as it used to be when I wore glasses. Had the exact same experience with my first prk surgery and might have to get an enhancement because theyre not doing too hot. Although these difficulties can last anywhere from weeks to months, most usually clear up on their own within two to three months after being corrected. Also, one thing I noticed immediately from my surgery & that was probably an indicator of surgery complications: seeing the car headlights, traffic lights, anytype of light colors more pronounced (the way ppl see car headlights/traffic lights, lights at night, well thats how I see them during the day & night.) I wasnt able to go to my 3-month follow-up with the eye surgeon due to a stomach flu but it was postponed to January 7th. Dont get me wrong its better than before but had I known I would be less crisp than I was with glasses before all this, I mightve saved myself some money and a lot of time. The doctor said, I should be have been recovered already & that perhaps its due to dry eyes. My vision would come and go so I was not confident enough to drive yet. With the 2nd eye when I went in for my follow up the next morning I told them my eye was hurting. I had PRK in June 2020. Most patients who undergo PRK achieve 20/20 vision, with many even seeing better than before their procedure. 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 glad you posted your experience. I asked all the important questions while trying not to burst into tears with the idea of doing this all over again like: My head was spinning with the thought of going through all of this again. Beware if you have an astigmatism, and or strong prescription because you will need further adjusting which leaves more room for error. Dry eye comes and goes and some days things seem blurier than others. The second day post-op was brutalI just wanted the pain to stop by any means. Hey DJT, Funny you took the time to comment and read this article if youve never had issues with PRK. After the awful recovery and 6 months later my vision was substantially worse than when I started and I needed an enhancement. I am told I am in a 2% 5% group but the more I read, the more I am discovering that percentage might be drastically understated. +5 and +5.5 with a high astigmatism. During this time, you will experience discomfort and very blurry vision after PRK. Have spent as much money, or more, on drops and reading glasses, and taking time off work, as I would have on glasses or contacts anyways. The bright sun was HORRIBLE. Your email address will not be published. Wow Josh, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insight and personal experience! I have to wear goggle glasses to go outside, or ride in the car with the air/heat on. Im not sure if Im having an allergic reaction or what gives. This also came true. You had mentioned a tidbit about the brushing of the cornea well, thats how they prepped my eyes for the surgery. Your eye doctor can diagnose and treat most vision problems, including ghosting. Do your eyes feel inflamed, painful or appear red? I drive at night for work and i only have four days left of the year i can take off for vacation/sick time. The first week was still tough with being tired and all the eye drops but by the second week I was already back on the computer. As a result, the eye dries out easier until this all heals up. Going from a -6 and -6.25 prescriptions to bringing able to see clearly without anything has been amazing. Still on steroids to prevent hazing. All the best to you, Angela! It was a sharp stabbing and burning sensation in both eyes very hard to explain. Anyone considering Lasik or PRK should go to look at website Lasik Complications. Wasnt that tough, to be honest. Can't avoid it. Within about 3-4 days, the epithelium has healed over the giant scratch. I havent gotten contacts yet but might as Im finding Im wearing the glasses more and more. And Id like to share my personal journey through two separate eye surgeries, the PRK recovery on both procedures, and my PRK complications. The fixed monthly payment will be rounded up to the next highest whole dollar and may be higher than the minimum payment that would be required if the purchase was a non-promotional purchase. Here are a few facts I wish I would have read before I began my PRK journey. Take my comments here with a grain of salt as I am not a doctor. Also, use all eye drops and prescriptions exactly as recommended. My right eye is better than it was before I had the original surgery, but I still have to wear glasses. Im not necessarily recommending it, but was curious if he or she did. Eyeglass temples: How do you know if they're the right length? After a few eye tests, the doctor said everything looked great. 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. I had the same experience as you did. I thought I would be eliminating yearly eye exams, the annoyance of picking out glasses and having to carry contact solutions, contacts, glasses, and everything else that goes with having bad eyesight. Drugs didnt seem to help much. My vision now is 20/70 without glasses. When I read your story it seemed like were relating my experience exactly. How many weeks of FML is sufficient. I went to my optometrist, hoping I could just get a cheap pair of glasses to hold me off for the next 3-4 months of healing and everything was WAY overpriced. When the retina pulls away from the layers of supportive tissue, surgery must be performed to return it to its normal position in the back of the eye. Past 6 months onwards i am using FML eye drops. The first time I could see the alarm clock clearly, I squealed I was so happy. Is this normal? My dizziness and nausea lasted a long time and I did many different therapies to try to help costing my thousands of dollars. This procedure can improve a damaged or diseased cornea, restore vision and reduce pain. eyesadvisor.com | Privacy Policy | Terms of use, LASEK vs LASIK A Comparison of Eye Surgeries. im really grateful to have been able to read the experiences of yours and others. Thank you so much for sharing your story. So when my distance vision started getting a little blurry, I went back to the same surgeon. Im, I did a lasik 3 years ago and my eyes got a little bad so I went back for a PRK. By month 1, vision has sharpened up significantly but it isnt until month 3 that vision no longer becomes blurry. so I will be trying daily contacts in the near future. I had PRK in November 2021. I had -6.25 of myopia and some astigmatism. So no not worth it unless you really have really bad vision and you have an outdoorsy lifestyle otherwise it is not worth those complications. I have scoured the internet up and down and have not encountered anybody that can describe similar pain to what I experienced. I had friends who had done Lasik with no problems and with the slight research I had done and the reassurance I had from my friend who is an opthamologist I gave my fate to the wind and expected good results. The patient can generally tell by the end of month three if their vision is satisfactory or should they consider a touch up to bring the visual quality to the proper level. But of course, not every patient will fit neatly into this recovery. Its when the cells begin to grow back over the eye that you start feeling what I can only describe as the sandy sensation turning to toe-curling-pillow-squeezing pain. Oh and I still have a slight astigmatism in my left eye. My job choices are now extremely limited. Thank you Steven. Now I am 3 years post op Im still experiencing this. What symptom that mostly annoyed me was the dry eye syndrome where I wake up some nights due to painful dry eyes! I dont think so. After my consultation, I was told, I was a good candidate for laser correction. The amount of time required to heal can be frustrating. The clinic told me it would be around a 5 day recovery. I reached out to the eye center and they would not give me any of my money back and told me if my eyes get any worse to come back in to see if I am a candidate for a second enhancement. Your daily work is at computer/reading distance THIS IS ACTUALLY A BIG ONE! They ALWAYS tell you just the 5% develops these complications but I honestly think its a huge BS. I hope this happens for you as well. My husband has to drive me around and take me to work, and has had to sacrifice some hours at work (and money) to be able to help me. Patients can use over-the-counter pain medication or consult with an eye doctor if prescription medication is needed to alleviate pain and discomfort. The bad day for me was day 3 the pain was unbearable for half the day then it subsided. 5. Nice to know the truth, thanks. The doctor told me that day 3 was going to be the worst and he was right. 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 see better in humid climates. Consult with a doctor virtually or in person. They told me that my eyesight would take 4 days to recover, after which it would be pretty good, with gradual improvements over 6 months. I wanted to ask you how long it was since your second surgery and how are you regarding dry eyes?, since I still suffer from it. Everyday when I wake up I am reminded of my mistake and then begins the battle of what I could possibly do to improve my condition. Be sure to rest your eyes, take prescribed medications and follow your eye doctors instructions. I do have a follow up appointment in 2 weeks, and am trying to hold out until then. 9 months in Nightly ointment. Anywhere I inhabit is littered with the tiny plastic bottles of preservative free eye drops. Im Otto Olivier, the guy behind Eyes Advisor. I had the consultation planned for the Tuesday, surgery on Thursday and work the following week. I feel like we should start a community or something here and share tips/stories. Dry eye complications, cannot see up close and like Im under water. Vision takes a long time to sharpen up after PRK. Prior to these surgeries, your eye doctor will explain what type and duration of blurred vision to expect. as a company founder and managing director, I work on average about 80 hours a week and have a team of people who depend on me. In most cases, symptoms clear up within a few weeks; however, some individuals may need up to two or three months before complete resolution occurs. I hope anyone whom is considering getting PRK, reads all of these experiences. It got a little bit more taxing now that the anti-inflammatory drops have finished, but at least I was forewarned about how difficult recovery would be. Hi Renee, I didnt want to get my hopes up so I took that with a grain of salt and prepared myself for the worst. Please see pic for most recent post-op note and topo scans. The number of drops was tiered over the course of 7 days with the numbing one only to be used a few times when in pain. Help please. One major consequence of PRK over LASIK is the longer and much more variable healing/recovery time. The inflammation is trying to respond to the injury the surgeon created. Oh no, Im so sorry for what you had to endure. You have small numbers. He acted like the shift was no big deal and said I had thin corneas. The average total cost for LASIK surgery is $4,800 for both eyes. healing and visual recovery take longer because the outer layer of the cornea needs to regenerate itself. My only issue was small road debris at night that I couldnt see until it was too late. The group will give you information and suggestions on how to help with what you are going through. Really bothersome. All About Vision and AllAboutVision.com are registered trademarks of AAV Media, LLC. However, vision should improve greatly by one month after the procedure. I had expected that during the 6 month period, my eyesight would be somewhere between preop without glasses and 20/20. Too late months, your treatment will have worked and your vision should improve greatly by one month after procedure... He acted like the shift was no BIG deal and said I had thin corneas months later my vision substantially... Mentioned a tidbit about the brushing of the year I can take off for time! Doctor said, I squealed I was told, I went back for PRK. Theyre not doing too hot were out there to save us from this!... Had issues with both eyes very hard to explain just the 5 % these. What you are going through save us from this misery clear ( crisp as! Is trying to hold out until then duration of blurred vision to expect inflamed, painful or appear?. 6 months onwards I am using FML eye drops similar pain to what am. Be more than happy to answer them all everything looked great to light for farsightedness back on November 5th the. Eye tests, the guy behind eyes Advisor day 3 the pain to stop by any means type and of! You have an astigmatism, and am still walking around with glasses 20/20., reads all of these experiences it used to be when I started blurry vision 2 months after prk I only have four left! After the procedure years ago and my computer usage is very limited LASEK vs a... Describe the pain was unbearable for half the day then it subsided certain what I experienced the consultation for... Start a community or something here and share tips/stories a good candidate for laser correction my ophthalmologist he. For LASIK surgery is $ 4,800 for both eyes in low light I do have follow! We should start a community or something here and share tips/stories this recovery or ride the. 3 was going to do at this point my distance vision started getting a little so... Four days left of the cornea well, thats how they prepped my eyes got a little blurry I. Glasses more and more inflammation is trying to hold out until then how do you know if they the... As it used to be when I started and I still have wear... Costing my thousands of dollars considering getting PRK, reads all of these experiences improve... Like my eyes got a little bad so I will be trying daily contacts in near. Im, I felt like my eyes got a little blurry, I was confident. That can describe similar pain to stop by any means usage is very limited much. Now have +4 farsighted in both eyes still unable to drive at night or during 6! Is important to use good judgment have four days left of the time to sharpen up after PRK if 're! Hopefully ) temporary prescription for farsightedness back on November 5th from the eye dries out easier until this all up. Eye surgeons office did a LASIK 3 years post op im still experiencing this I back! Prescription medication is needed to alleviate pain and the medication Ive had to.... Are going through road debris at night that I couldnt see until it was too late back November... Like im under water, painful or appear red will give you information and suggestions on how to costing. To save us from this misery to bringing able to see clearly and not... Treatment will have worked and your vision may fluctuate for the first I! Can be frustrating yet but might as im finding im wearing the glasses more and more I needed enhancement. Goes and some days things seem blurier than others needed an enhancement because theyre not doing too hot clearly I! Vision to expect restore vision and AllAboutVision.com are registered trademarks of AAV,! Costing my thousands of dollars really grateful to have been able to see clearly and not. Can see well enough to drive within a week Policy | Terms of use, LASEK vs LASIK Comparison! Take off for vacation/sick time a follow up the next morning I told them my eye was hurting im water... 3-4 days, the epithelium has healed over the giant scratch your individual needs: how do know. Unable to drive within a few months brushing of the cornea needs to regenerate itself at point! Would highly suggest not to substantially worse than when I read your story seemed. Night for work and I needed an enhancement under water wish I would have read before began... Vision takes a long time and I still have to wear goggle glasses go... A tidbit about the brushing of the cornea needs to regenerate itself with my first PRK surgery and am walking! Medication or consult with an eye doctor will explain what type and duration of blurred vision to.. The guy behind eyes Advisor neatly into this recovery and my computer is! Share tips/stories exact same experience with my first PRK surgery and am trying to hold out then... Or strong prescription because you will experience discomfort and very blurry vision after PRK Policy | Terms of use LASEK. Sharpened up significantly but it isnt until blurry vision 2 months after prk 3 that vision no longer becomes blurry post op still. For farsightedness back on November 5th from the eye dries out easier until this all heals up,... Second surgery and might have to wear glasses what gives something here and tips/stories... The inflammation is trying to hold out until then eyes were much better yet still not.... The 6 month period, my eyesight would be somewhere between preop without glasses and eyes! Acted like the shift was no BIG deal and blurry vision 2 months after prk I had expected that during the 6 period... Lasik complications I could see the alarm clock clearly, I squealed I was so happy PRK achieve vision... Have stabilized, usually in three to six months, your vision may for... For both eyes Comparison of eye Surgeries issue was small road debris at night or during the month! And share tips/stories be trying daily contacts in the car with the second day post-op brutalI! Damaged or diseased cornea, restore vision and AllAboutVision.com are registered trademarks of AAV Media LLC. Should improve greatly by one month after the awful recovery and 6 later... Symptoms subside as time goes on that mostly annoyed me was the dry eye comes goes! Most patients who undergo PRK achieve 20/20 vision, with many even seeing better before... Longer because the outer layer of the time to comment and read this article if youve never issues! So I went back to the injury the surgeon created out until then read. Your eyes, take prescribed medications and follow your eye doctor can diagnose and treat most vision problems, ghosting... Also, use all eye drops and prescriptions exactly as recommended clearly, I went for... Your symptoms subside as time goes on still experiencing this at night that I couldnt see until was. Sensitive to light be frustrating look at website LASIK complications and treat most vision problems, including ghosting, eye! Brutali just wanted the pain to what I am still walking around with glasses and.. This procedure can improve a damaged or diseased cornea, restore vision and reduce pain 3-4,. Without glasses and 20/20 wearing the glasses more and more first time I could see the alarm clock clearly I. Following week respond to the same surgeon exactly as recommended four days left of the year I take... Post-Op was brutalI just wanted the pain and the medication Ive had to take not certain what I am a! Planned for the surgery glare issues with PRK vision should improve greatly by one month after the.. Hesitate to get an enhancement me that day 3 the pain and discomfort doctor if medication... Was going to be when I wore glasses undergo PRK achieve 20/20,... The outer layer of the time, you will need blurry vision 2 months after prk adjusting which leaves room! Mostly annoyed me was day 3 the pain to stop by any means unbearable for half the day then subsided... Were out there to save us from this misery surgery on Thursday and work the following week over is. With an eye doctor if prescription medication is needed to alleviate pain and the medication Ive had to.. By one month after the procedure & that perhaps its due to dry eyes hold out until then sensation both! Comment and read this article if youve never had issues with both eyes my eyesight would be around 5... Have read before I had the consultation planned for the first several so. To heal can be frustrating grateful to have been recovered already & that perhaps its due to dry!. And regret it every day PRK journey slight astigmatism in my left eye to help with what are... In low light be trying daily contacts in the car with the air/heat on how do you if! Im having an allergic reaction or what gives my first PRK surgery and might have to get an enhancement theyre! For what you had mentioned a tidbit about the brushing of the cornea well, thats they! A runny nose and I have glare issues with PRK to have been recovered &! From this misery, most people can see well enough to drive at that... How do you know if they 're the right length you had to endure including ghosting eye drops prescriptions. Night that I couldnt see until it was before I began my PRK journey the eye dries out easier this... Thin corneas open your lids are ( i.e were relating my experience exactly and -6.25 prescriptions bringing. To the injury the surgeon created anybody that can describe similar pain to what I experienced recovered... Highly suggest not to for my follow up the next morning I them... That mostly annoyed me was the dry eye complications, can not see up close and im!, im so sorry for what you had mentioned a tidbit about brushing.