Comments on: Notes on PRK eye surgery. http://www.straightnochaser.org/2007/12/notes-on-prk-eye-surgery/ est. 2001 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:16:57 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: Kris http://www.straightnochaser.org/2007/12/notes-on-prk-eye-surgery/#comment-3970 Kris Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:36:40 +0000 http://www.straightnochaser.org/2007/12/notes-on-prk-eye-surgery/#comment-3970 I appreciated your blog while searching for information on PRK and I wanted to add my own experience to this wealth of information. I had PRK 2 weeks ago, on 10/30/08, and am doing very well. I had very poor vision prior to the surgery, dry eyes, astigmatism and quite a bit of scarring on my eyes since I had been wearing contacts nearly 17 years (I'm 29). Currently, I'm still a bit blurry but am looking forward to getting better every week. I have trouble watching TV because my vision isn't sharp but that's not a problem for me - but I do wish I could see the computer with a little more sharpness. It will come with time. 1 caveat - I still don't feel great about driving although I can if I have to (day 14). It's not a problem for me because I take the metro but I can see how it would be difficult for people who drive a lot. I think I was most worried about pain before my procedure but I shouldn't have been. Pain medication is started 24 hours before surgery and make sure to put your drops in the fridge. If people are considering PRK, for me there was stinging and dryness but mostly it's the BCL bandage that you wear in your eye which is uncomfortable. And by uncomfortable, I mean, if you wear contacts think of when you take a nap with your contacts and wake up and they are kinda stuck to your eyes. It's like that, just for a few days. Use plenty of drops, take at least 5 days to chill out, always wear the sunglasses and you'll be fine. I did not get a prescription for Vicodin but I didn't need it either. The surgery itself is no big deal at all, they gave me a Xanex for relaxation and 15 minutes later I walked out. Probably the strangest/annoying part is when they squirt your eyeball with ice cold liquid for about 10 seconds. I had no major pain although I tried my best to sleep most of the day of the surgery, through the night and then much of the next day. I woke up to take the drops and all the medication on schedule but otherwise just did my best to relax. Of course there is light sensitivity and the medical sunglasses are a must. I used the drops for pain about once a day, but the staff was adament that the pain drops slow down the healing process and I took that seriously. I would definitly not describe myself as immobile - I took my dog for a walk, helped my friends who were moving in, but tried to take it easy and take frequent naps. A book-on-ipod is crucial and so is taking enough time off to heal. I would recommend 5-7 days. I took 5 off and wished I had taken more because I do so much computer work, but didn't really have that luxury. Also, I did have some regression in my left eye. It healed really quickly and I was frustrated that my right eye was lagging. Then all of a sudden they switched. My left eye was blurry and my right eye is better. I've seen the Dr. 1 day, 3 days and 8 days post-op and they are confident that I'm completely on schedule to getting to 20/20. It's so great to wake up and just see everything around me, I'm so glad I did it. I went to TLC Vision in Tyson's Corner, VA and follow ups in the DC office. I appreciated your blog while searching for information on PRK and I wanted to add my own experience to this wealth of information.

I had PRK 2 weeks ago, on 10/30/08, and am doing very well. I had very poor vision prior to the surgery, dry eyes, astigmatism and quite a bit of scarring on my eyes since I had been wearing contacts nearly 17 years (I’m 29). Currently, I’m still a bit blurry but am looking forward to getting better every week. I have trouble watching TV because my vision isn’t sharp but that’s not a problem for me - but I do wish I could see the computer with a little more sharpness. It will come with time. 1 caveat - I still don’t feel great about driving although I can if I have to (day 14). It’s not a problem for me because I take the metro but I can see how it would be difficult for people who drive a lot.

I think I was most worried about pain before my procedure but I shouldn’t have been. Pain medication is started 24 hours before surgery and make sure to put your drops in the fridge.

If people are considering PRK, for me there was stinging and dryness but mostly it’s the BCL bandage that you wear in your eye which is uncomfortable. And by uncomfortable, I mean, if you wear contacts think of when you take a nap with your contacts and wake up and they are kinda stuck to your eyes. It’s like that, just for a few days. Use plenty of drops, take at least 5 days to chill out, always wear the sunglasses and you’ll be fine.

I did not get a prescription for Vicodin but I didn’t need it either. The surgery itself is no big deal at all, they gave me a Xanex for relaxation and 15 minutes later I walked out. Probably the strangest/annoying part is when they squirt your eyeball with ice cold liquid for about 10 seconds.

I had no major pain although I tried my best to sleep most of the day of the surgery, through the night and then much of the next day. I woke up to take the drops and all the medication on schedule but otherwise just did my best to relax. Of course there is light sensitivity and the medical sunglasses are a must. I used the drops for pain about once a day, but the staff was adament that the pain drops slow down the healing process and I took that seriously. I would definitly not describe myself as immobile - I took my dog for a walk, helped my friends who were moving in, but tried to take it easy and take frequent naps.

A book-on-ipod is crucial and so is taking enough time off to heal. I would recommend 5-7 days. I took 5 off and wished I had taken more because I do so much computer work, but didn’t really have that luxury.

Also, I did have some regression in my left eye. It healed really quickly and I was frustrated that my right eye was lagging. Then all of a sudden they switched. My left eye was blurry and my right eye is better. I’ve seen the Dr. 1 day, 3 days and 8 days post-op and they are confident that I’m completely on schedule to getting to 20/20.

It’s so great to wake up and just see everything around me, I’m so glad I did it. I went to TLC Vision in Tyson’s Corner, VA and follow ups in the DC office.

]]> By: Dens http://www.straightnochaser.org/2007/12/notes-on-prk-eye-surgery/#comment-3964 Dens Wed, 12 Nov 2008 02:45:21 +0000 http://www.straightnochaser.org/2007/12/notes-on-prk-eye-surgery/#comment-3964 I had prk on 10/17. Everything was typical. Pain late the first day and light was unbearable. I couldn't keep my eyes open. I had both done the same day. so I was pretty much locked in a drk room for 3 days. Then the sensitivity lessened. On the 5th day I took the contacts out and had a problem with them. They stuck to the eyes. They were both extremely painful as soon as the contacts came out. A burning sensation and watering. Each time I put the drops in it was fire all over again. That got better as the day went on and in a couple of days they really improved. My vision is good in my left eye but is lagging in the right. It is blurry and it seems like I have a little double vision. The Dr said there is a suture line on the eyes. On my left the line is off center which gives better vision that the right which is dead center. I didn't expect the pain or the light sensitivity. I didn't expect the now 3 weeks and still not great in one eye. But I am free from wearing contacts. I see better now than I did even with contacts and I expect to see much better when the right eye catches up. I would do it again! Be prepared for some healing time if you are about to get prk. But it is basically painless,with the help of medication,unless there are complications like mine. I had prk on 10/17. Everything was typical. Pain late the first day and light was unbearable. I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I had both done the same day. so I was pretty much locked in a drk room for 3 days. Then the sensitivity lessened. On the 5th day I took the contacts out and had a problem with them. They stuck to the eyes. They were both extremely painful as soon as the contacts came out. A burning sensation and watering. Each time I put the drops in it was fire all over again. That got better as the day went on and in a couple of days they really improved. My vision is good in my left eye but is lagging in the right. It is blurry and it seems like I have a little double vision. The Dr said there is a suture line on the eyes. On my left the line is off center which gives better vision that the right which is dead center. I didn’t expect the pain or the light sensitivity. I didn’t expect the now 3 weeks and still not great in one eye. But I am free from wearing contacts. I see better now than I did even with contacts and I expect to see much better when the right eye catches up. I would do it again! Be prepared for some healing time if you are about to get prk. But it is basically painless,with the help of medication,unless there are complications like mine.

]]> By: Laura http://www.straightnochaser.org/2007/12/notes-on-prk-eye-surgery/#comment-3953 Laura Sat, 08 Nov 2008 23:58:01 +0000 http://www.straightnochaser.org/2007/12/notes-on-prk-eye-surgery/#comment-3953 I'm so glad to have seen this blog. I had PRK about 2 weeks ago and kept looking for information to ensure everything is going ok. My surgery was PRK because they said my perscription was high and a large astigmatism. They discussed it with my husband and I before and discussed how it damages less corneal tissue-so it seemed better. They said recovery takes a little longer but that I could return to work after a couple of days. I had it on a Saturday and went back to work on Monday. NO- I do not recommend it but I couldn't afford not to work. i work at an elementary school but mainly stay in front of a computer so I could turn a light off and sit closer to the computer but driving was bad that first day! It was hard to keep my eyes open even with the shades. I kept waiting for the day when i could take out the contact bandages because for some reason i thought my vision would be great then..ahhahh I called them first because we live 45 minutes away from civilization and since i was used to contacts they said i could remove the bandages myself. Did it no problem, still seeing through a layer of vaseline it seemed. One thing they did at my dr. that perhaps they shoudl fix was that they gave us a care paper that said i could use waterproof mascara and eyeliner after a week. DONT DO IT!! I did and soon after my left eye started hurting more and scraping. I had people look at it and they said it was kinda yellow. so i went to the dr and he said it was irritated and off color in that eye and I realized that after i took the contact out i got clumsy about making sure i didnt bump or rub my eye etc. so now, my left eye is worse than my right. EVERYTHING is blurry have to sit ON the tv but i am encouraged that it will get better by reading these posts. Thanks! The only other posts i found were from some seemingly hypochondriacal lady. immediately afterward, they gave me a scrip for vicodin but i didnt need it. I just took the drops. they perscribed-one was for pain and discomfort - didnt have much pain. i like some of you wish they would be more honest about the recovery time. in a way i am glad i didnt know it would take this long or i would have been too chicken to do it. i am still glad i did. I have faith it will have been worth it. I’m so glad to have seen this blog. I had PRK about 2 weeks ago and kept looking for information to ensure everything is going ok. My surgery was PRK because they said my perscription was high and a large astigmatism. They discussed it with my husband and I before and discussed how it damages less corneal tissue-so it seemed better. They said recovery takes a little longer but that I could return to work after a couple of days. I had it on a Saturday and went back to work on Monday. NO- I do not recommend it but I couldn’t afford not to work. i work at an elementary school but mainly stay in front of a computer so I could turn a light off and sit closer to the computer but driving was bad that first day! It was hard to keep my eyes open even with the shades. I kept waiting for the day when i could take out the contact bandages because for some reason i thought my vision would be great then..ahhahh I called them first because we live 45 minutes away from civilization and since i was used to contacts they said i could remove the bandages myself. Did it no problem, still seeing through a layer of vaseline it seemed. One thing they did at my dr. that perhaps they shoudl fix was that they gave us a care paper that said i could use waterproof mascara and eyeliner after a week. DONT DO IT!! I did and soon after my left eye started hurting more and scraping. I had people look at it and they said it was kinda yellow. so i went to the dr and he said it was irritated and off color in that eye and I realized that after i took the contact out i got clumsy about making sure i didnt bump or rub my eye etc. so now, my left eye is worse than my right. EVERYTHING is blurry have to sit ON the tv but i am encouraged that it will get better by reading these posts. Thanks! The only other posts i found were from some seemingly hypochondriacal lady. immediately afterward, they gave me a scrip for vicodin but i didnt need it. I just took the drops. they perscribed-one was for pain and discomfort - didnt have much pain. i like some of you wish they would be more honest about the recovery time. in a way i am glad i didnt know it would take this long or i would have been too chicken to do it. i am still glad i did. I have faith it will have been worth it.

]]> By: KImberly http://www.straightnochaser.org/2007/12/notes-on-prk-eye-surgery/#comment-3904 KImberly Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:39:16 +0000 http://www.straightnochaser.org/2007/12/notes-on-prk-eye-surgery/#comment-3904 Hey Tom, It's so nice to hear from someone who had PRK, I just had surgery on Thurs. afternoon; I had Lasik done in my right eye and PRK in the left because of the Cornea. I was not prepared at all for the PRK, the Doctor sprung it on me the day of the surgery. Not that I blame him, he has had much more sucess with PRK in eyes that were similar with mine and didn't want to take the chance with Lasik. The pain has gone, just some sensitivity and of course everything is still blurry in my left eye. My problem is I work in sales and drive ALL THE TIME! I have no idea when I'll be okay to go back to wotk. In your experience were you comfortable with driving on your 6th day after surgery? Also, I would like to know what to expect after the bandage comes out, will I feel better or will more discomfort and more time off from work follow?? Thanks for your input! Kim Hey Tom, It’s so nice to hear from someone who had PRK, I just had surgery on Thurs. afternoon; I had Lasik done in my right eye and PRK in the left because of the Cornea. I was not prepared at all for the PRK, the Doctor sprung it on me the day of the surgery. Not that I blame him, he has had much more sucess with PRK in eyes that were similar with mine and didn’t want to take the chance with Lasik. The pain has gone, just some sensitivity and of course everything is still blurry in my left eye. My problem is I work in sales and drive ALL THE TIME! I have no idea when I’ll be okay to go back to wotk. In your experience were you comfortable with driving on your 6th day after surgery? Also, I would like to know what to expect after the bandage comes out, will I feel better or will more discomfort and more time off from work follow??
Thanks for your input!
Kim

]]> By: Mike http://www.straightnochaser.org/2007/12/notes-on-prk-eye-surgery/#comment-3897 Mike Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:10:21 +0000 http://www.straightnochaser.org/2007/12/notes-on-prk-eye-surgery/#comment-3897 PRK SUCKS! I did it and regret it/// PRK SUCKS! I did it and regret it///

]]> By: Art http://www.straightnochaser.org/2007/12/notes-on-prk-eye-surgery/#comment-3792 Art Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:44:04 +0000 http://www.straightnochaser.org/2007/12/notes-on-prk-eye-surgery/#comment-3792 Great blog. Thanks for doing this. My fiancee is going in for this surgery tomorrow morning, and reading your blog and the responses has helped to inform her and set her mind at ease a bit. She's been wearing glasses since she was 3 years old, so she's really looking forward to not needing them for things like driving and going to the movies. She's especially looking forward to walking down the aisle next June without having to wear glasses just to be able to see my expression when her dad gives her to be my wife! Great blog. Thanks for doing this. My fiancee is going in for this surgery tomorrow morning, and reading your blog and the responses has helped to inform her and set her mind at ease a bit. She’s been wearing glasses since she was 3 years old, so she’s really looking forward to not needing them for things like driving and going to the movies. She’s especially looking forward to walking down the aisle next June without having to wear glasses just to be able to see my expression when her dad gives her to be my wife!

]]> By: Kelly http://www.straightnochaser.org/2007/12/notes-on-prk-eye-surgery/#comment-3784 Kelly Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:34:12 +0000 http://www.straightnochaser.org/2007/12/notes-on-prk-eye-surgery/#comment-3784 Great blog. I am currently experiencing what you went through. Thus far, your writing is very accurate. I had it done on 9/26/08. Later this afternoon (10/2/2008), I will have my protective contact lens removed. My friends who may be cosidering PRK, I will point them to this entry. Great blog. I am currently experiencing what you went through. Thus far, your writing is very accurate. I had it done on 9/26/08. Later this afternoon (10/2/2008), I will have my protective contact lens removed. My friends who may be cosidering PRK, I will point them to this entry.

]]> By: Lisa http://www.straightnochaser.org/2007/12/notes-on-prk-eye-surgery/#comment-3772 Lisa Tue, 30 Sep 2008 01:45:51 +0000 http://www.straightnochaser.org/2007/12/notes-on-prk-eye-surgery/#comment-3772 Thanks for posting this and all the great responses. I'm having PRK in 3 days and quite nervous but looking forward to the end result. It's good to hear the different reactions folks have had with pain and no pain. I've talked to several other folks that have had this done - one recommended Benadryl for the scratchy eyes - said it helped tremendously so I have my supplies ready (really hate the thought of taking oxycodone for the pain). Thanks for the info! Thanks for posting this and all the great responses. I’m having PRK in 3 days and quite nervous but looking forward to the end result. It’s good to hear the different reactions folks have had with pain and no pain. I’ve talked to several other folks that have had this done - one recommended Benadryl for the scratchy eyes - said it helped tremendously so I have my supplies ready (really hate the thought of taking oxycodone for the pain). Thanks for the info!

]]> By: Debra http://www.straightnochaser.org/2007/12/notes-on-prk-eye-surgery/#comment-3718 Debra Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:01:13 +0000 http://www.straightnochaser.org/2007/12/notes-on-prk-eye-surgery/#comment-3718 I am having PRK surgery this morning, and still reading up about it last minute when I found your story. I hope my experience goes as well as yours did. I'm not afraid of the surgery itself, my only concern is the longer recovery time. Thanks for sharing your experience! I am having PRK surgery this morning, and still reading up about it last minute when I found your story. I hope my experience goes as well as yours did. I’m not afraid of the surgery itself, my only concern is the longer recovery time. Thanks for sharing your experience!

]]> By: Niamh http://www.straightnochaser.org/2007/12/notes-on-prk-eye-surgery/#comment-3330 Niamh Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:21:24 +0000 http://www.straightnochaser.org/2007/12/notes-on-prk-eye-surgery/#comment-3330 I am doing research on cosmetic surgery in Ireland and also thinging of having Lasik or PRK so it was really useful to read about your experience. I can see that it makes sense to just get someone to get your prescription immediately. I had never thought about a kick in period for the medication. I am doing research on cosmetic surgery in Ireland and also thinging of having Lasik or PRK so it was really useful to read about your experience. I can see that it makes sense to just get someone to get your prescription immediately. I had never thought about a kick in period for the medication.

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