PRK Recovery: What to Expect Leading Up to Your Final Results 

If you are considering photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, surgery to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, you might be wondering what to expect during your recovery and when you can expect your final results. 

Dr. Jeffrey Minkovitz and the team of doctors at Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A. can guide you through your PRK results and give you realistic expectations about your results during your consultation. As with any surgery, PRK does have risks and side effects. But our highly trained doctors have helped many patients in and around Wilmington, DE, achieve clearer vision through PRK within one or two weeks of their surgery. 

Immediately after PRK through Six Months

PRK is an outpatient procedure, so you will be sent home to rest on the same day of your surgery. Immediately after surgery, you can expect slightly blurry or unstable vision for the next few months. These side effects are normal and typically subside as the healing process continues. Our doctors will perform regular follow-up examinations to ensure corneal healing is progressing as expected.

Achieve your final results within six months

In general, full recovery after PRK takes about six months. Here is what to expect during the days, weeks, and months after your procedure:

  • One to three days: During the first three days, you may experience light sensitivity as well as slight irritation or discomfort. We recommend taking some time off of work to maximize your recovery time.
  • Three to five days: Following PRK, it takes a few days for your epithelium to regenerate. Approximately three to five days after your procedure, the contact lens that was placed over your eye will be removed. As your cornea continues to heal, you may experience temporarily blurred vision. In most cases, patients can resume normal activities, including driving, at this point.
  • One to three months: As the epithelium continues to grow, your vision should become sharper and crisper.
  • Three to six months: During this time, your eyesight should continue to stabilize. By the end of the first six months, you can expect to enjoy all the benefits of refractive surgery.

Keep in mind that each individual is unique. Therefore, healing and stabilization times may vary, depending on your specific case.

Our team will guide you through your recovery and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your questions.

Specialized Care for Optimal Results

The best way to minimize risks and ensure a healthy recovery following PRK is to choose skilled and highly trained doctors. At Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A.Dr. Jeffrey Minkovitz and his team specialize in PRK, delivering improved eyesight and an improved quality of life for our patients.

Learn More About the Recovery 

Most patients are fully recovered and can enjoy their final results within six months of PRK surgery. Our team will guide you through your recovery and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your questions. If you would like to learn more about PRK and what it can accomplish, schedule a consultation at our practice. Request an appointment online or call our office at (302) 652-3353.

Staff at Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A.

Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A.

Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A., has been a trusted fixture in the community for more than three decades. Our caring, expert staff is affiliated with the:

  • American Medical Association
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • Delaware Academy of Ophthalmology

Call us at (302) 652-3353, use our online form to request a consultation, or email us.

Message Our Staff

"Wonderful staff and lots of friendly faces. Everyone eager to answer questions and make your visit a pleasant experience. Cataract surgery with Dr. Minkovitz was terrific - his surgical staff was efficient and helpful. Thanks Eye Physicians and Surgeons!"

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