Your PRK Recovery Guide

What's happening

The top layer regrows over 3-5 days.

Unlike LASIK, PRK doesn't use a flap. We removed the thin outer layer of your cornea (the epithelium) entirely, then reshaped the tissue underneath with a laser.

That outer layer regrows on its own over 3 to 5 days. A protective contact lens 'bandage' covers the eye during that time. The bandage lens comes out at your follow-up.

What helps

Here's the plan —
and why it works.

Days 1-3

Rest + meds

These are the rough days. Prescription pain meds as needed, drops on schedule, keep eyes closed as much as possible. Sunglasses indoors if needed for light sensitivity.

Days 4-5

Bandage removal

We remove the protective contact lens. Vision often jumps noticeably at this visit. Steroid drops continue for weeks.

Week 2-4

Steady improvement

Vision clears week by week. Most patients resume normal activities. Dry eye and light sensitivity gradually fade.

Month 1-3

Final sharpening

Vision continues to refine. Final result at 3 months. Enjoy the no-glasses life.

Call us immediately if

Pain suddenly gets dramatically worse after day 3, you see sudden decrease in vision, notice significant yellow or green discharge, or the bandage contact lens falls out. Some discomfort for 2-3 days is expected — getting worse instead of better is not.

Common questions

Honest answers to common questions.

How much does it hurt?+

The first 2-3 days are the hardest — patients describe it as feeling like something is in the eye, with light sensitivity and tearing. We'll give you prescription pain medication. By day 4, most discomfort is gone.

When will my vision clear?+

Vision is blurry the first few days — this is expected while the top layer regrows. It clears steadily over 1-2 weeks. Full visual stabilization takes 1-3 months, longer than LASIK.

Why is my vision worse than before surgery right now?+

This is normal for PRK. Your natural cornea is healing over. Vision fluctuates daily as it does. Trust the process — at 3 months you'll be seeing better than you ever did with glasses.

When can I drive?+

Usually once the bandage contact lens comes off and vision has cleared enough — typically 7-10 days. We'll confirm at your follow-up visit.

When can I go back to work?+

If your job doesn't require sharp vision, 3-5 days. If it does (computer work, driving, precision tasks), plan on a full week off.

Can I wear eye makeup?+

Nothing on or near the eye for 2 weeks. After that, fresh makeup only (replace anything old) and remove gently every night.

Slower start, same great endpoint.

The top layer regrows over 3-5 days.

Here's the plan —
and why it works.

Rest + meds

Bandage removal

Steady improvement

Final sharpening

Call us immediately if

Honest answers to common questions.

We're here when you need us.

Slower start, same great endpoint.

The top layer regrows over 3-5 days.

Here's the plan —and why it works.

Rest + meds

Bandage removal

Steady improvement

Final sharpening

Call us immediately if

Honest answers to common questions.

We're here when you need us.

Here's the plan —
and why it works.