What to Expect During LASIK/PRK Recovery

Dec 20, 2018

LASIK Procedure in IndianapolisWhen looking into vision correction surgery, some prospective patients worry about going through the recovery. But, believe it or not, LASIK, PRK and other procedures we offer actually have very limited recovery time and minimal discomfort, allowing patients to return to work and other regular activities within a day or so.

Here is a breakdown of the average recovery process for both PRK and LASIK.

 

LASIK

After your LASIK procedure, you might notice that the room looks a little smoky or foggy, and this is completely normal. After one last check, you are released to go home. We recommend that you go home and take a nap for a few hours, and you can take the second Valium we give you if you have trouble falling asleep. You might notice some minor discomfort the night of your surgery such as dryness and scratchiness, which is also normal.

The next day you will come back to the office for a one day post op appointment. By the next day, most patients already achieved 20/20 vision and there is minimal discomfort, if any at all. Even if there is minimal discomfort, we still suggest following the instructions for the post op eye drops that we give you. It’s also important to avoid rubbing your eyes, and make sure to wear the goggles we give you for one week after procedure.

Most patients who have surgery on Friday are back to work by Monday, if not sooner. Most patients can return to normal activity within 24 hours with minimal restrictions. And to make sure things are healing well, you’ll also follow up with us for one month, three month and 1 year post op appointments.

 

PRK

PRK is similar to LASIK, but the recovery time can be a little longer than LASIK. Like LASIK, you might notice that your vision is a little hazy right after procedure. Going home to take a nap is the best way to avoid discomfort later in the evening after your procedure.

During PRK, a soft contact lens is placed in each of your eyes, and you’ll have these removed at your one week post op. During your recovery, it’s important to follow post op instructions from the doctor, which include taking vitamin C and Neurontin, as well as using the medicated drops and artificial tears. And don’t forget to wear those goggles at night!

With PRK, it could take a few weeks to get the best results from the surgery, and this is why following post op instructions is important so you don’t delay the healing process.

While PRK has a longer recovery time than LASIK, both procedures have great visual outcomes. The procedure you have will depend on a number of factors, so to find out which procedure could be right for you, contact us to schedule your complimentary consultation today!