Hi everyone! I'm really glad this forum exists; it has been so much more helpful reading testimonies than reading vague descriptions of PRK.
That being said, I underwent PRK on tuesday (today is day 6). I should've done more research but anyways, I thought it was going to be like a week before my vision became 20/20 - but now I know better! I had a pretty high prescription, around -6.70 or so and astigmatism. The first few days, especially the day after the surgery were pretty horrible and I was extremely light sensitive. Over the weekend, I could see 20/40. I just had a few questions:
I just had my contact lens taken out today and as expected, my vision got worse and things became fuzzier. Typing this is a challenge! I was wondering approximately how long it takes for your vision to go back to 20/40 or the way it was a few days after the surgery and before the lenses are taken out? I did expect this decrease in vision but I am kindof worried because my job is visually demanding (ie. reading lots of documents, staring at a computer screen) and I would like to go back to work if not tomorrow, then the next day. I could manage with the vision I had over the wknd (20/40 - even though it was blurry) but not with the vision that I have right now.
I was also wondering for those who have visually demanding jobs, was there anything you guys did to help with the blurriness/fatigue of eyes? My doctor says to just keep putting drops in and blinking but I wanted to know if there's anything else that can help, ie. should I take breaks, etc. Or was there anything that you guys did that helped with the blurriness in general? Did you sleep more? I am wondering whether I should even go on the Internet, watch TV, read anytime soon for long periods of time. Would these activities tire my eyes out and thus make them regress?
Any advice would be appreciated. Or perhaps I should just go about my normal activities as much as I can and just deal with the blurriness? Right now, I am just praying for 20/40 vision again! I am also moving this Saturday - hopefully this strenuous activity won't cause too much harm to my eyes. Thanks!!
Answers
I went back to 20/40 pretty quickly but noticed that the quality of my vision was far from how it was (I was about 20/40 before the surgery).
I am a programmer and stare at a computer screen pretty much all day. Nothing really helps this fatigue.. you'll notice that your eyes can go longer and longer without fatigue. It was slow and gradual for me. Going outside and looking at things in the distance helped me though.
I don't think this causes regression or anything like that but the eyes definitely get tired easily in the beginning.
That's what I did.
Hopefully you aren't doing any heavy lifting with them...
Thanks Matt! My vision has
Thanks Matt! My vision has gotten better again but you're right, the quality isn't as good. The computer screen is not as clear this time around.
Unfortunately, my job doesn't really allow me to go outside (at least until lunchtime) but I will definitely try to look at things in the distance frequently!
And also, I asked about the moving thing because I've heard that you're not supposed to do any strenuous activity where sweat might get into your eyes for a while. But anyways, I don't have a choice but to move haha. Thanks again!!
Good Luck Lily!
Hi Lily,
Just wanted to wish you luck with your move. I don't know if age means anything, but I am almost 40 and I have found that my healing process is really slow. My co-worker just got her surgery last week and 6 days later can see better than I can after 4 weeks. I guess everyone is different as they say.
While I can get around without glasses now, I need to use reading glasses. It also helps with the computer and reduces eye strain...so does enlarging the font. The eye doc told me using them would not harm my eyes ad if I don't need them as my eyes continue to heal to put them on the shelf. Maybe they would help you untl your eyes improve. I got 1.25 magnification at the drug store.
Hang in there with the blurriness. I found myself feeling like I was out of it or in a fog for the first 3 weeks because things were out of focus especially after working in fluroescent lighting all day and working with machinery. Things are getting better (it comes and goes), but I couldn't imagine having to work on a computer screen all day like you do. But if it helps, I find that a really good night's sleep makes my vision clearer and last longer during the next day. Keep your eyes lubricated and be patient.
All the best!
Carla