What can a patient expect following PRK surgery?
The bandage contact lens which is placed upon the cornea at the time of surgery is usually removed at two to three days post operatively. Its function is to promote epithelial (surface cell) healing and ocular comfort. Patients are given topical antibiotic drops for a period of 7-10 days and a tapering schedule of mild anti inflammatory drops over 3 month to discourage the development of corneal haziness or clouding which could have an adverse effect on the ultimate visual outcome. In the immediate period following surgery vision is blurry and will remain so until the opening wave of epithelial healing has occurred and corneal swelling has passed. Other post operative symptoms include double vision or ghost vision and tearing. Within a week to ten days visual acuity will begin to clear rapidly and continues to improve and stabilize over the ensuing two to three months.
