PRK Eye Surgery

By Abdulaziz Ali - Medically reviewed by Prof. Akif Ozdamar, on Apr 24, 2024

What Is PRK Eye Surgery?

Imagine having the chance to see the world more clearly, without the need for glasses or contacts. That's where PRK eye surgery comes into play. It's a special procedure that fine-tunes the front part of your eye. By gently reshaping your cornea.

The road to recovery from PRK surgery is a personal journey that varies with each individual, yet it generally unfolds over a set timeline:

• Recovery Duration: What is the recovery time for PRK eye surgery? While full recovery can span up to 6 months, many start to notice an improvement in their vision within just a few weeks.
• Stay in Turkey: If you're getting your surgery done in Turkey, it's wise to plan a stay of 1 to 2 weeks post-surgery. This allows time for the initial healing phase and any necessary follow-up appointments.
• Returning to Work: Generally, you can expect to return to work around a week after your surgery. Of course, this depends on how you're feeling and the nature of your job.
• Getting Back to Exercise: Light physical activity can resume after about a week, but it's best to give it a month before you dive back into contact sports or more intense workouts.
• When to Expect the Best Vision: The clearest, most stable vision typically arrives between 3 to 6 months after the surgery.
• Activities to Sidestep: To ensure the best healing, avoid places like swimming pools, hot tubs, and areas with lots of dust or sand for the first month post-surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
• Nutrition Post-Surgery: While there's no strict diet to follow after PRK, staying hydrated and eating foods rich in vitamins A and C are good practices to support your healing process.

Understanding PRK Eye Surgery Turkey

Getting Started: Your Consultation

Your journey begins with a heart-to-heart chat with your surgeon. This is where you'll share your vision goals, discuss your health history, and together, decide if PRK is the best path for you. It's your chance to ask all those burning questions and envision what your life could be like after the surgery.

Prepping for the Big Day 

Before the magic happens, you'll undergo a detailed eye exam. This isn't just any check-up; it's where your surgeon maps out your cornea to pinpoint exactly how it'll be reshaped for optimal vision. You'll take a little break from your contact lenses too, ensuring your cornea is all natural and ready for its transformation.

The Main Event: Surgery Day

Imagine this: a quick, around 10-minute procedure per eye that could change the way you see the world. Your surgeon will gently remove the cornea's outer layer and then, with the precision of a laser, reshape what lies beneath. Though you'll be awake, your eyes will be numbed, keeping you comfortable and pain-free throughout.

After the Spotlight: Follow-Up Care

The day after your surgery, you'll revisit your surgeon to check on your progress. But it doesn't stop there. Over the next six months, you'll have a few more visits to ensure your eyes are healing just as they should.

Life After PRK: What to Expect

The Immediate Aftermath

The first few days post-surgery might bring some discomfort or a sensation akin to having an eyelash stuck in your eye. You might find yourself squinting a bit more in bright lights or notice that your vision takes a bit of time to settle. Dry eyes might become your temporary new normal, and night-time might come with a halo effect around lights.

The Results: Seeing the New You

The joy of seeing clearly without glasses or contacts is a reality for many who choose PRK, with satisfaction soaring above 90%. Many achieve 20/20 vision, or darn close to it, making PRK a life-changer for countless individuals eager for a new lease on life.

Preparing for Your PRK Journey

The Checklist Before Surgery

• Say goodbye to your contact lenses as per your doctor's advice.
• Keep your face free from makeup, creams, or lotions the day before your procedure.
• Organize a ride home since driving is off the table immediately following your surgery.
• Give yourself permission to relax and heal, planning for a low-key recovery at work and home.

Embarking on the PRK path is not just about enhancing your vision; it's about stepping into a brighter, clearer world with confidence and excitement for what lies ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

PRK vs. LASIK: What's the difference?

PRK takes off the outer layer of the cornea to reshape it, while LASIK makes a flap to get to the cornea. PRK is often suggested for those with thinner corneas.

Does PRK hurt?

You might feel some discomfort or mild pain right after, but it can be managed with medicine.

How long does PRK take?

The laser part is quick, a few minutes per eye, but plan on being at the clinic for a couple of hours for all the pre- and post-care.

Can I drive after?

You'll need to wait until your doctor says your vision has stabilized enough to drive, which means getting a ride home after the surgery.

Will I still need glasses?

Many people don't need glasses for most things after PRK, but you might need them for certain activities or as you get older.

Is the surgery permanent?

Yes, the changes to your vision from PRK are permanent, but it can't stop your eyes from changing as you age, like needing reading glasses.

What are the risks?

All surgeries have risks, but serious issues from PRK are rare. You might experience infection, dry eyes, or changes in night vision.

Am I a good candidate?

If you're over 18, have stable vision, enough corneal thickness, and no eye diseases, PRK might be right for you. A detailed chat with an eye surgeon can help decide.

Can it fix astigmatism?

Yes, PRK is effective for correcting astigmatism, along with nearsightedness and farsightedness.

How should I prepare?

Follow your doctor's advice, which might include stopping certain meds, avoiding makeup on surgery day, and making sure you have someone to drive you home.