Aftercare for PRK
Immediately after PRK, your vision will be blurry. Don’t worry. This is normal and expected. Your vision will become clearer over the next two to three weeks.
It is best to wear an eye shield or goggles while sleeping for the first week after surgery.
If your contact lens accidentally falls out of your eye, don’t worry. Keep your eye closed as much as possible, contact your doctor, and avoid touching or reinserting your contact lens yourself.
Use eye drops as directed by your doctor. Leave 5 minutes between each drop. Use the drops when you are awake. There is no need to put in drops while you are sleeping, and do not wake up for this purpose. Set the time to put in the drops again in the morning after waking up.
There is no restriction on eye work such as driving, watching TV, reading, using the computer, etc., as long as your vision is sufficient and you do not get tired.
For the first few days, wear sunglasses at home and during the first weeks, when outside, because of the sensitivity of the eyes to light.
Be careful not to put pressure on the eyes during the first month. Do not lift heavy objects or rub your eyes.
Avoid wearing makeup on the eyelids and around the eyes for at least the first two weeks after the procedure. The use of cosmetic lenses is prohibited for three months after the operation, and after that, they should be used in consultation with a doctor.
Avoid washing or getting water in your eyes until the dressing lens is removed by the attending physician (usually 4 days after the operation). During this time, wipe your face with a damp cloth. Bathing can be done from the neck down.
Avoid smoking as much as possible for at least 2 weeks and do not be in an environment where there is cigarette smoke, hookah, etc.
There is a possibility of burning, tearing, and a foreign body sensation in the eyes in the first few days after the operation. You can use painkillers or eye drops as prescribed by your doctor.
After LASIK and PRK surgery, the eyes and cornea will experience temporary dryness. Using artificial tear drops and even blinking will reduce these complications. Over time, these complications will improve and resolve.
Do not go to the pool for two to three weeks after the surgery and use swimming goggles after that. Do not dive for at least three months after the surgery.
Avoid heavy sports such as martial arts, boxing, weightlifting, wrestling, or heading the ball in soccer for at least three months after the surgery.