To start off, I really enjoyed reading the postings in this forum prior to, and after my PRK vision correction. Naturally I did a lot of research on the standard LASIK procedure before I even went in for my vision check / pre op appointment. There my heart was broken when I was told that I have LARGE pupils and would be a better candidate for PRK. At first I questioned the whole idea and wondered if PRK would produce the same vision correction I have heard so many good things about LASIK. I asked several questions but in the end, I had my mind made up that I would get vision correction not only to stop wearing contacts but to qualify for several jobs that have vision requirements. My only major concern now was one eye or both eyes. As I read about the healing process, I decided that I could handle both eyes at once and had the time off already in place for the surgery.
The day of Surgery- Saturday, June 28, 2008
Well, I was a little nervous and watching the PRK surgery on You Tube did not help much, especially the brushing of the eye to remove the outer layer. The Doctor explained to me that he prefers using the chemical method to remove the outer layer, so luckily I did not have to endure the brush! The rest is pretty much the same as everyone else I have read about. The nurse placed numbing drops in both my eyes then I laid down into the chair. The Doctor and I carried on a conversation the entire time he was removing the outer layer. I felt slight, uncomfortable pressure but that was all. After that the Doctor placed the laser over my right eye and it took 26 seconds. A small white sponge was placed on my eye and then a series of eye drops and all of a sudden the operating room was crystal clear! The Doctor placed a contact bandage on my eye and I could read the clock on the other wall, wow! They covered my right eye and repeated the same steps for my left eye. After my left eye, the Doctor shook my hand, and I was on my way to meet my wife and kids in the waiting room.
My vision was pretty good at the time with some blurriness. Id did not feel any discomfort and my vision slowly began to blur during the ride home. I can see why they tell you not to drive.
Recovery Day 1- Sunday, June 29, 2008
I slept pretty good with little discomfort. Used the preservative free drops a couple times during the night because the fan was drying my eyes more. I recommend to anyone to keep your fans off in your house and especially in the bedroom when you sleeping. The Doctor had me on a dropping schedule of 4 times daily (Morning, Lunch, Dinner, and Bedtime). The drops that were given to me were ZYMER, ACLUAR LS, PRED FORTE, and the preservative free drops. I had 100 preservative free drops in the fridge and used them when I felt my eyes drying. They feel great COLD. I also was prescribed main medication (Neurontin and Vicoprofen) alone with numbing eye drops to use as needed.
I had a post op appointment in the morning where I was 20/25 in both eyes. I was surprised because everything seemed pretty blurry. I had a friend drive me to the appointment and back. I felt no discomfort and continued the dropping regimen. I spent the day with family and friends and had a cook out in the evening. No problems.
Recovery Day 2- Monday, June 30, 2008
What a difference one day makes. Sleeping was OK. Woke up twice with dry eyes and used the preservative free drops to lubricate my eyes and went directly back to bed.
When I woke up I felt like I was in some scary movie or something. The light sensitivity was horrible and I did not want to open my eyes for anything. I used two pairs of sunglasses and kept a blanket over my head the entire day. The blanket idea I got from someone on this forum I think! Needless to say, my eyes were very sensitive to light, burned at times, watered when they burned and did not want to open. I was pretty useless all day. I could not imagine trying to go outside, drive or even go to work. I could barely watch Tv or get on the computer.
My vision was good but blurry when my eyes were open.
I did not use any pain meds or numbing drops.
Recovery Day 3- Tuesday July 1, 2008
I would describe Tuesday as the same as Monday, but getting a little better.
I did not use any pain meds or numbing drops.
Recovery Day 4- Wednesday July 2, 2008
Much better, still sensitive to light but able to walk around the house and function. My vision was still blurry and went in and out during the day. I could not use the computer very much because of the light and watching tv was a task rather than a luxury. Looking forward to day 5.
Recovery Day 5- Thursday July 3, 2008
Woke up and the light sensitivity was pretty much gone. I had a post op appointment and my wife drove me. At the doctors office I could see 20/20 in both eyes both was very blurry so she put up 20/25 and that was not problem. (Both eyes). The Doctor talked to me and stated that everything looked good and the contact bandage would be removed. She stated that my vision would get blurry because the removal of the bandage and she was right. I could not see. Thank god my wife drove. Other than that, no pain, continue with the dropping schedule for two more days.
Recovery Day 6- Friday July 4, 2008
Happy INDEPENDENCE DAY!!! I woke up and could see great. This did go away a few hours later, but my vision stayed better than the entire recovery process. A small light sensitivity problem when I was out in the sun but it was bright and I live in Florida. SUNGLASSES A MUST. I feel great and hoping to wake up each and every day with better vision. Again no pain and continuing the dropping schedule.
Recovery Day 7- Saturday July 5, 2008
Recovery Day 7- Saturday July 5, 2008
Another good day with improving vision. I was able to spend the entire day outside and it was nice and hot outside. My vision was great when I woke up and slowly got a little blurry during the day. When driving during the evening I noticed that the headlights of the on coming cars were a lot brighter. I also observed some starbursts. No halos that I can see. What I can see though is everything! My vision is getting better and I am able to see things farther and farther away. Even though the recovery is longer that traditional LASIK, I recommend PRK to anyone who is a candidate for it because of medical reasons. I am only in Recovery Day seven and still have a lot of recovery to do and better vision to come.