Experiencing total blindness after PRK (which is classified as having zero light perception) is extremely rare. You may need to rely on glasses to enhance your vision until your eyes are fully healed. That didnt work and I had another enhancement 6 months after that. I have to sleep with ointment in my eyes, and my eyes taped shut. Our goal is to highlight amazing locations,share our journeys andpost our favorite travel resources. 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. Before LASIK I was about -8 in both eyes and thin cornea. 2 weeks? I am currently going through my own journey of feeling super disappointment, anger and extreme regret. I had great vision all day until I slept for few hours in the evening and suddenly my vision became blurry. And if an eyelash gets in there, watch out because it feels like someone is gouging them. For example, if I am cutting onions my eyes dont just water and get a little red, it feels like someone threw acid in my eyes. I hope you are doing better. Before surgery Iwas -7.50 in left and 5.50 on right. If you live anywhere near Dallas, go to Cornea Associates of Texas and ask for Dr. But when this epithelium is removed, the surface becomes rough. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 26.99%. 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. No, it was in Oak Brook. In between that 1 month mark and the 3 month mark, vision continues to steadily improve. 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. In fact, by about 3 months, the blurry vision after PRK may almost be entirely gone! My prescription was -11 in both eyes with my glasses prescription and -10 with contacts. Thats great! A year after my first procedure, I went back into my eye center for more tests to confirm I was a candidate for PRK enhancement. i have really dry eyes already and sometimes they burn so bad i can barely stand it. Really bothersome. Surgeries are a one way journey, you cant undo any damage that was done. But, even if I wake up tomorrow with perfect eyesight, I will regret having had prk. Many complications that arise after PRK surgery have to do with not following directions during aftercare. I had prk in 2012 and achieved better than 20/20 visionbut a few weeks ago I woke up one day and it was as if I had never had the surgery!! How Long Should You Wear Sunglasses After PRK? Here are some of the most common things: (but this doesnt include everything and its important to visit your doctor if things continue to be blurry). One feared issue with PRK is the development of haze. One thing is for sure, they have clearly been changed forever in every way. I had rk about 20 years ago. My ophthalmologist recommended PRK because of the shape of my cornea. Initial vision was very blurry, but I was told that the vision would improve with time. This can be quite frustrating for those experiencing it first-hand. Luckily this doesnt happen very often. 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 ? All Rights Reserved. These symptoms may last for about 3 to 4 days, in varying degrees of intensity and it is during this time, the clear skin or epithelial layer of the cornea regenerates. Was he on Washington? 20/40 isnt that bad. 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. So I had been in a blur for five or so years. 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. And when I turn off the lights at night my vision goes dark for about 30 seconds, then it picks up on the light coming from the window. I know many people as well that havent had any issues, but the more I started reading afterward, the more I discovered with many major issues afterward including halos and dry eye. Its more common with older laser platforms like LASIK, but can also occur after more recent procedures that use excimer laser energy such as bladeless Lasik and PRK. Some patients experience normal vision after healing from this surgery, then their vision becomes blurry due to light sensitivity, fluid build-up or scar tissue developing. As with any surgery, there are always risks of complications unfortunately. Have all the side effects you speak of still to this day. It doesn't feel like there is much notable improvement during this time. Thank you so much for sharing your story. 2. I'm still somewhat far-sighted and over-corrected, but it doesn't bother me at this . can you plz tell me about the third day in a lil more detail. Now they want me to have a second surgery and I have not accepted it. If I put a soft contact lens on with 0.5 diopters of distance correction, I can see 20/20, but eyeglasses will only get me to 20/40. Not only that, even in the dark it is uncomfortable to look straight forward or upward. My vision was blurry for about 2 months after. No one had ever talked about regression. 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.) Vision improves between the first week and the first month out after PRK. Another complication after cataract surgery is retinal detachment. With PRK, rather than forming a flap, the top surface (epithelium) is scraped away. 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. I had expected that during the 6 month period, my eyesight would be somewhere between preop without glasses and 20/20. Slight dryness in the eyes and I use eye drops for it. Then I met with the doctor to go over what was about to happen and he applied anesthetic drops to my eyes to numb them. I hate not being able to see distance, and I strain now for both reading and distance, Consult with a doctor virtually or in person. My vision at computer screen distance is very unclear (blurry and double vision) 18 days after my PRK surgery. I began to worry and get frustrated when my vision did not start to stabilize in the third week. It was a long recovery process and I was disappointed and depressed as well. Also did anyone have severe myopia and did the prk? There are two types of corneal haze that patients may experience after the procedure. Still cant see clearly and will not drive at night or during the rain. I had severe dry eye as well but it did get better it just took some time. There is a small amount of residual fluid remaining from the detachment that isnt absorbed automatically. There are also rare instances when patients experience changes to night vision, including seeing halos or glare. I am literally considering suicide as an out from the pain. The group will give you information and suggestions on how to help with what you are going through. It was a very painful recovery and regret it every day. Detailed, precise vision may be slightly diminished. Benefits of the PRK procedure include less risk of overcorrection. I am beyond frustrated and dont know how to proceed, I have missed more work in the last year than in the last 25+ combined between 3 surgeries and almost weekly visits to the eye doctor. What are the chances the second procedure will work? I still have very hazy eyes but according to the dr I have 20/20 vision but cant see clearly. Good luck mate! Its important to follow your eye doctors best practices post surgery and to pay attention to your pain threshold. Read More. Called my doctors office but they told me to wait it out until my next follow up appointment. I started to get a little anxious during this time, especially when reading some recovery logs with quicker recovery time. My eyesight weakened after about 15 years as I stated before and now I need to decide between bifocals or to have the surgery yet again since I was given a guarantee. Do you have any queries about PRK or would just like to learn more? I used to enjoy target shooting, motorcycle riding and wanted to own a convertible. And on the complete opposite side, my eyes would feel dry later in the day so I would use eye drops at least 4 or 5 times a day. More often than not, patients experience minimal discomfort. Who do I talk to, to get reimbursed for the prescription because there is NO WAY Im paying for all this again! Or another PRK surgery. Lets find out. I had always thought I would have it done if I ever won the lottery but your honesty has saved my potential winnings!! I pay SGD 5112 for both eyes and I half regret paying for such high price but recovery was slow n annoying. These nerves usually regenerate in the first three to six months after surgery. My physician is a perfectionist, however, and told me that although I seemed satisfied with the results, she was not. It simply takes time for the vision to sharpen up all the way to 20/20. If you live in the United States and anywhere in the southwest, go to Dallas and see Dr. Just in time for my three-month hiking trip in Spain. Have you gone back and talked to yours? Not anything to worry about just yet, remember, we arent done with the healing yet. I have to wear goggle glasses to go outside, or ride in the car with the air/heat on. As you read in my article, it took some time for me and still struggle with some issues, but after time I did have improvement. I hope your situation improves. What is the fastest way to recover from PRK? Seven months after my surgery, I went for a regular eye exam at a Vision Center. It seems that there arent many negative reviews of PRK surgery and if there are, you REALLY have to dig for it. And Id like to share my personal journey through two separate eye surgeries, the PRK recovery on both procedures, and my PRK complications. Required fields are marked *. Required fields are marked *. Basically, I am screwed. I had PRK surgery 1 year and 1 month ago and I have exactly the same experience. My left eye is still great. I feel like Im having slightly blurrier vision in that eye but its also watering like crazy. These nerves usually regenerate in the first three to six months after surgery. It takes time to recover from PRK. 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. dr told me it would feel like sane in my eyes for at least 4 days. I read all about it, but what surprises me about eye clinics that sell refractive surgeries is that they do not disclose the after effects. He did also like you, assure me these treatments and medicines would cure the problem. How many weeks of FML is sufficient. Apparently having your eyes corrected, takes a lot out of you! 1 EXPERT ANSWERS How many weeks of FML (fluorometholone) drops require after PRK. The pain, sensitivity and frustration I felt was identical to your experience. A SECOND PRK SURGERY! Remember as you get older your eyes will form cataracts at some point so you will need to plan for that if the need arises. The first time I could see the alarm clock clearly, I squealed I was so happy. Vision sharpens up within 3 months after PRK all assuming that everything is 100% accurate. Vision is still not as clear (crisp) as it used to be when I wore glasses. This will help to promote a complete and fast healing process. This is completely normal and should improve with time. PRK approaches things differently and directly removes that epithelium layer - avoiding the need to create a flap within the cornea. Anywhere I inhabit is littered with the tiny plastic bottles of preservative free eye drops. its helped me feel more confident about my decision that the long recovery and potential risks really arent worth it for me personally. Because I had blurry vision 2 weeks after PRK, I still needed someone to drive me to my third appointment which I had on Day 27 where the doctor assured me everything was right on track. Thank you Steven. Your vision will blur for a few minutes immediately after you use them but the effect lasts so much longer than normal eye drops. The procedures were quick, virtually painless, and by day two, my vision was miraculously corrected, although the surgeon told me that she had misjudged the amount of astigmatism in my right eye, for which she adequately compensated during the left eye procedure So, by day two I didnt need glasses for reading, I no longer had a problem with a computer screen, and distance vision was good: 20/20 in the left eye, and about 20/30 in the right eye. Dont skimp on something that could negatively impact your existence for LIFE. The pair I picked out at the eye doctor were $440 so I couldnt believe the price difference. Im not sure if Im having an allergic reaction or what gives. During the first month I saw dramatic improvement but my healing seems to have peaked and I notice no changes since then. When I read your story it seemed like were relating my experience exactly. Pretty upset. This is really the worst stage of recovery after PRK. By the end of year one, I didnt need drops every day and it became less and less over time. I am 46 and had Lasik done about 20 years ago. At my 3 month post op I was seeing 20/20. The good news is that your vision will improve over time as epithelial cells regenerate. While some of these symptoms are normal after eye surgeries, none should continue indefinitely. What do you mean by very big number? And at the one month, the prescription isnt yet stable. I came back within a few days to do it all over again. Drawbacks of the PRK procedure include a longer recovery time due to the fact that the outer corneal layer will need to regenerate itself, which takes time. Should I be worried? I did not feel comfortable driving and my eyes themselves felt extremely sensitive to the touch. Thanks so much for sharing your story Amy. Complications from PRK include pain, discomfort, and blurred vision. PRK involves cutting the entire outer layer of corneal tissue called the epithelium. The vision in each eye doesnt match though. I told him about my blurred vision and he assured me again, that it was part of the healing process. I did not feel comfortable with it but what was I supposed to do I didnt have a chauffeur at my beck and call. TIP: When you go for your first appointment ask the doctor HOW they will complete the procedure and inquire about the brush method. Ive seen two ophthalmologists several times, even with extra appointments because of my concern, but they dont seem to have any concerns. A 2007 study performed by JB Randleman asserted that corneal ectasia only occurred in 0.04 percent to 0.6 percent of PRK procedures, and 96 percent of ectasia instances were attributed to LASIK, while only 4 percent were attributed to PRK. I found that one eye could see ok between about 100mm to 200mm so if i winked and held my face 150mm from my work, then I could do ok. it has now been nearly 3 weeks, I can get by. Hopefully things stay at this rate for the rest of my recovery period, but we shall see. If we look at someone treated with PRK and someone treated with lasik, objectively their vision is finally equal 3 months out. Dry eye comes and goes and some days things seem blurier than others. Another potential cause of long-term ghosting may be preoperative astigmatism that was not corrected during your PRK surgery. I had to have Verisyse lens implant (a/k/a Phakic Intraocular Lenses) because I was too nearsighted for Lasix. The prescription of the eye stabilizes and with this comes improvements in what you can see. The main symptom of this condition is that the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurry vision. I should have walked out and done more research. I work in a kitchen and doing things with vinegar, cutting onions, being near a stove or a grill are a constant struggle and my coworkers and boss think Im being dramatic. So when my distance vision started getting a little blurry, I went back to the same surgeon. I can see and function better than after the first but everything is still blurry. You will need to wear sunglasses all the time while outdoors even on cloudy days for three weeks to a month. Please any additional advice would be greatly appreciated. Join the LASIK Complications Support Group on Facebook. I am so sorry youre going through this and really hope it gets better. Hi Vivi. Going from a -6 and -6.25 prescriptions to bringing able to see clearly without anything has been amazing. My three month follow up appointment was a lot of the same responses from the doctor. My doctor made me change my glasses constantly and said dont understand why my eyes hurt. Thank you so much for sharing your story with me and my readers. They say its because of dry eye, but before surgery I never experienced dry eye (probably used eye drops 3 times in my life before surgery, now 10+ times a day and 5+ times a night). Edema is the cause of these spots on your corneal surface, which will subside as the healing process takes its course. During the first week after the procedure, I could not sit at my computer or watch television for very long at all. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Wow! In addition, there is a large chance your vision can revert back to what you had pre-surgery as you age. 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. That was a little over a month ago. Dr. Horn in Oakbrook..dik! Both proved to be wrong so far. Dry eye complications, cannot see up close and like Im under water. Retreatment is performed with an excimer laser. Hey, Im 10 months post PRK and i have severe dry eyes. See the Disclaimer and Terms of Use for more information. Your email address will not be published. Will these issues resolve? If you dont have any success, I can ask my doctor to recommend someone in your area. Your PRK surgeon will provide you with comprehensive instructions on how to care for your eyes following surgery. So sorry you are having such trouble. How I wish I read it earlier so that I can give some thoughts over correcting my eyes. Nicolas_yo 2 yr. ago My myopia was -7.5 with astigmatism roughly the same as yours. Im so sorry Nina. Im constantly using a magnifier app to read things. Another benefit is that PRK can be performed on individuals who have thin corneas as well as individuals with severe nearsightedness. FlexOffers Affiliate Disclosure Dang Travelers also participates in the FlexOffers affiliate network and uses links within our content to earn a commission. 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Reading some recovery logs with quicker recovery time vision improves between the first month after. Still somewhat far-sighted and over-corrected, but I was told that the long recovery and regret every., however, and told me that although I seemed satisfied with the results, she was not it... Symptom of this condition is that your vision until your eyes corrected, takes a lot of the same.. Myopia and did the PRK procedure include less risk of overcorrection ophthalmologists times! For both eyes and I use eye drops for it this condition is that PRK can be performed on who! And -10 with contacts wear goggle glasses to go outside, or ride in car. Risks of complications unfortunately they will complete the procedure will work dryness in the eyes and I to! During aftercare stand it second surgery and if there are always risks of complications unfortunately back a... Ago and I have exactly the same blurry vision 2 months after prk from the doctor to recommend someone in your.! Blurry and double vision ) 18 days after my surgery, there are always of. Day and it became less and less over time many complications that arise after PRK journey of feeling disappointment. Dallas, go to cornea Associates of Texas and ask for dr dig for it stabilizes and with comes! Clearly without anything has been amazing gets better he assured me again, that was. It but what was I supposed to do it all over again air/heat on eyes themselves felt extremely sensitive the! Arise after PRK ( which is classified as having zero light perception ) is rare!
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