Eye surgery PRK...is it really as scary as it sounds?

I had this done a little over 3 months ago now. I went in thinking I was going to get the Lasik, and due to a severe astigmatism, they opted for the PRK method instead. Needless, to say, I went for it to get the best possible outcome.
I must admit that the first 24 hours were hard, but after that, the pain was not bad. My eyes were very sensitive to light, but other than that, they didn't hurt. I did sleep most of that weekend after my Friday procedure. I went back to work on Monday, but kept the lights in my office dim and I was not able to read a computer screen very clearly for the first few days. Luckily, I didn't need to.
As far as driving, I was not able to drive at night for the first week, due to the glare of the lights, but after that I was fine. During the day was no big deal, cause my sunglasses cut the glare. By my followup after my first week, I had 20/20 vision and it has stayed perfect for over 3 months now.
So, I'd have to say, yes, the healing process may be a little longer, but it is totally worth it and don't be scared. You will love the results!

I had PRK done 14 years ago. Still seeing wonderfully:) They did my eyes two days apart. The first eye was more uncomfortable than the second. I think applying many cold compresses really helped with the second one (didn't do it with the first) Great luck to you!

I had lasik, my advice is to sleep as much as you can, as soon as you can after the surgery. recovery was quick for me. but the 2nd time (I needed a touch-up) I didn't get to bed before the pain drops wore off and it was uncomfortable.

I'm glad i did it, being able to see without glasses and contacts is a gawd-send. And, I'm sure I save money and time on contact supplies, eye glasses and sunglasses, and yearly eye doctor appointments.

Good luck finding the right procedure and doctor to help.

Same story here...went in for Lasik, but had to have the PRK instead - thin corneas. Immediately following, my vision was crystal-clear and I was ecstatic! Then, the blurriness and grittiness came. I had trouble even opening my eyes to put the drops in. The medication for inflammation made my stomach upset and I took Tylenol 3 for pain. I had it done on a Friday morning, and went back to work the following Weds. Still a little blurry, but I could function. I would say it took about a week for the pain to be gone, and for my vision to clear up.

Stay very hydrated!! Your eyes get dry and pitted - it's uncomfortable and you won't see as well. Drink lots of waters and use the tears. I had this done about 8 years ago and don't regret it at all. The pain goes away and you will have years of great vision. I'm older now, so I have to use reading glasses, but I went in to get my distance vision fixed and it's still perfect. The only thing I've noticed over the years is that my eyes do seem to get dry more frequently. Oh and don't freak out if you feel like your eyelid is stuck to your eyeball in the morning. That happened to me a lot. I would just give my eyelids a gentle rub and it was fine, and then put tears in right away.

Good luck!! It's a little scary, but you'll love the results!

<-- Had PRK in 2005, and now back in glasses. I wish I had done LASIK. In fact, I might get LASIK (as you can have eye surgeries touched up multiple times).

Have you read about the comedian Kathy Griffin? She has had multiple eye surgeries (LASIK) with varied outcomes.
http://www.kathygriffin.net/lasik.php

Anyway, my recovery with PRK was rough for 3 days or so. It felt like there was sand in my eyes. I had to put this Vaseline stuff in my eyes to help with the dryness. I also had to use eye drops multiple times per day (and still years later I use them). The "Halo's" at night were rough and I actually drove with brown-orange sunglasses at night for months. I still try not to look into headlights at night, as it is painful. Aside from wearing glasses AGAIN, I was happy with my few years of no glasses!

:glasses: