Feeling so down after getting PRK

SmallgirlBigcity

I had laser eye surgery with Optilase two weeks ago and I got the PRK surgery. I was made aware that PRK is more painful with a longer recovery than the other option. But I qualified for PRK and it cost 795 per eye which I thought was a good price.

When you read the information about PRK it generally says you'll be back to normal within 5-7 days, being able to watch tv, drive, use a computer screen etc. but my vision is still terrible.

I was very shocked at how bad the pain was between days 1 and 6. The pain only subsided on day 6. I was in a dark room for the first three days, unable to walk around the house or do anything other than sit in pain. I honestly wasn't expecting that level of pain. And I'm also shocked at how bad my eyesight is at the moment. But the people at Optilase tell me it can take anywhere between a month to six months for my vision to be good. I have a life, a son, a job, and things to do. I need to drive. And I feel completely incapacitated by my lack of vision. Has anyone else had this experience? I honestly feel a bit tricked by them. I don't think they prepare for you how bad your vision is and for how long. I wish I'd never gotten it done. Even if I end up with perfect vision, it's not worth all of this. I'm feeling really down about it.

SamBlumenthal

Can feel what you are going through. The doctors should clearly specify each and every pros and cons of PRK before the procedure begins. After the surgery, it takes about a week to regrow the cells on the surface of the cornea. It will take up to 6 weeks for the cells to smooth and allow for clear vision. Have some patience, you will be fine. If you still have blurry vision after 6 weeks, then consult a professional optometrist.

Mitzy

I had PRK about 20 years ago. Yes there was a lot of pain after it & it took a few weeks before my vision was correct. I certainly was not able to drive for a couple of weeks which I didn't expect at the time. However, I was absolutely thrilled with the results. Once it settles down you should have 20/20 vision.

I was told at the time by my doctor that I might need reading glasses as I got older and that is the stage I am at. I am hoping that I can have the procedure done again even though I know what it entails. I am not sure if it is possible to have it repeated but I had almost 20 years of perfect vision which was just so wonderful.

I hope you feel better soon OP but the recovery just takes time I'm afraid which should have been explained by your doctor.

SmallgirlBigcity

Thanks to both of you for your replies. I guess I just didn't realise how long it would take. I'll hang in there though. Hopefully it's all worth it once I can see properly again :) thanks!

lisaloo230

Hey there, saw your comments on the PRK surgery. So sorry you had this experience but it appears you are not alone. How are you getting on now?

I am 41 and was assessed eligible for monovision PRK and replacement lens. This is basically where they correct one eye and under correct the other so I can see long and short as I am nearing the stage of needing reading glasses. After talking to the optometrist, she suggested that I try out the lens. I just couldn't get used to the various lens strength and have decided I'll just go ahead with straightforward 20/20 vision. I have since done some more researching and am very worried about the PRK. Particularly your experience of it. I have 2 small kids and I need to be back in action after a couple of days. I also am going to a wedding at the end of May as well as starting a brand new job...

I'm seriously considering just cancelling the whole thing unless I can get the standard LASIK surgery done. I rang them today and they need the surgeon to confirm so I won't know until next week.

I think I'm still within the 10 day cooling off period (I'm assuming this applies) so hopefully won't lose the deposit...

What is your feeling on it and how was your recovery in the end?

Thanks so much!!

Xander10

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122098701#Comment_122098701

What is PRK? I've heard of people having lens replacement and being vert happy with the results

lisaloo230

PRK is the alternative to LASIK generally for people who's corneas are too thin and are not suitable for LASIK. Actually good point re IOL. I was assessed as suitable for IOL and PRK so I may go ahead with that if possible. Price differential is massive though €4k versus €8k

SmallgirlBigcity

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122098701#Comment_122098701

Hi there, sorry it took me so long to reply. I have no issues now really, which is good. Although, if I open my eyes too quickly in the middle of the night or in the morning, it's very painful, which lasts about 10-20 mins. So I try to gradually move my closed eyes around and prepare to open them slowly if I can. Other than that, I have no issues. I was shocked how long it took me to recover after the surgery. I wish I'd known this before getting it done, especially as I have a child and needed to get back to normal as soon as possible. If you go ahead with the PRK, wishing you good luck. Some people might say it's definitely worth it. I'm glad I don't wear glasses anymore but the initial pain and inconvenience of it was a big surprise to me.

Arbie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122121469#Comment_122121469

10-20 minutes of pain because you open your eyes quickly is not normal.

Did the surgeon not go through the possible complications with you and give you an information pack explaining the pros and cons?

SmallgirlBigcity

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122122284#Comment_122122284

They did. They give you a huge list of possible side affects and complications. I knew the risks. But when they list possible side effects and risks, they are noted as very minimal and that they don't affect that many people. I guess everyone assumes these possible side affects won't affect them! I won't be suing the company or anything - just disappointed with how painful it was initially, how long it took to recover, and then how sore it can be when I open my eyes quickly from sleep. By the way, the pain after opening eyes quickly (months after surgery) was never mentioned in the possible side affects.