PRK/LASEK Healing Process

Ensure a safe recovery after Lasek PRK with our comprehensive aftercare guide. Learn about medications, activity limits, and how to protect your vision.

LASEK PRK: Post-Surgery Care

The Importance Of Surface Healing

The recovery phase after Lasek PRK is the most important part of your visual journey. While the surgery creates the new shape of your cornea, your body's healing response determines the final quality of your sight. Because this is a surface based procedure, the healing process involves the regeneration of the eye's outer protective layer. Following the post operative instructions provided by Liv Hospital is essential for preventing infection and ensuring that the new surface of your eye is smooth and clear.

The First 48 Hours

The first 24 to 48 hours after the procedure are when the eye is most sensitive. It is normal to feel some discomfort, watering, and a "gritty" sensation, as if there is a grain of sand in your eye.

Go home and rest in a dark, quiet room with your eyes closed.
Avoid the temptation to look at screens or read during the first day.
Do not rub, touch, or press on your eyes under any circumstances.
Wear the protective sunglasses provided to shield your eyes from light.

Taking a long nap immediately after the procedure is often the best way to pass the initial period of sensitivity comfortably as the cells begin to regrow.

Managing The Bandage Contact Lens

The bandage contact lens placed on your eye by the surgeon is a vital part of your recovery. It acts as a protective shield for the new epithelial cells as they grow across the treated surface.

It must stay in place until your follow up appointment, usually 4 to 5 days later.
Do not attempt to remove the lens yourself, even if it feels slightly uncomfortable.
If the lens falls out, do not try to put it back in; call the clinic immediately.

The surgeon will carefully remove this lens once they have confirmed that the surface skin of your eye has completely regrown and stabilized.

Medicated Drop Schedule

Medication management is your primary responsibility during the healing phase. You will be given a specific schedule for several types of eye drops that are essential for a successful outcome. Antibiotic drops are used to prevent infection while the surface is healing, and anti inflammatory drops help control swelling. Lubricating tears are also provided to keep the eye moist and comfortable. Always wash your hands thoroughly before applying any drops and avoid touching the tip of the bottle to your eye.

Visual Fluctuations And Progress

Visual fluctuations are a normal and expected part of the surface healing process. Your vision will likely be blurry for the first few days and may actually get slightly worse on day two or three before it begins to improve.

Significant improvement usually begins after the bandage lens is removed.
Vision may fluctuate from morning to evening for the first few weeks.
Halos and glare around lights at night are common as the surface smooths.
It can take 3 to 6 months for the final, crispest vision to be fully realized.

This gradual improvement is part of the biological transition as the new surface cells smooth out and the brain adjusts to the new shape.

Essential Activity Restrictions

Activity restrictions are necessary to protect your eyes from physical trauma and environmental irritants.

No swimming in pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water for at least two weeks.
Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for the first week to prevent pressure spikes.
Do not wear any eye makeup, lotions, or creams around the eyes for at least ten days.
Keep soap and tap water out of your eyes while showering for the first week.

Limiting these activities ensures that your eyes can heal in a clean and undisturbed environment, reducing the risk of accidental injury or infection.

Protecting Your Eyes From Irritants

Environmental protection is key to maintaining comfort during recovery. Your eyes will be more sensitive to dust, wind, and bright sunlight while they are healing. Wear high quality sunglasses whenever you are outdoors to block UV rays and wind. Avoid smoky or dusty environments that could irritate the ocular surface. If your home environment is very dry, using a humidifier can help keep your eyes comfortable. Protecting your eyes from these external stressors allows the delicate healing process to proceed without interruption.

Mandatory Follow-Up Visits

Follow up appointments are mandatory and allow the specialist to monitor your progress closely. Missing these visits can be dangerous, as we need to check the internal eye pressure and the clarity of the cornea.

Day 1: To check the initial healing and the position of the bandage lens.
Day 4 or 5: To remove the bandage lens once the surface has closed.
Month 1, 3, and 6: To track visual stabilization and long term health.

Even if you feel your vision is perfect, these clinical checkups are the only way to ensure that the internal healing is proceeding exactly as it should.

Maintaining Long Term Eye Health

Long term eye health maintenance does not end after the recovery period. While the procedure has permanently reshaped your cornea, your eyes are still biological organs that require care. Continue to have an annual comprehensive eye exam and maintain a healthy diet rich in antioxidants. Always wear UV protection when spending time in the sun to protect the corneal tissue. By being proactive about your overall health, you ensure that the benefits of your vision correction surgery last for the rest of your life.

A Partnership For Clear Vision

Successfully recovering from vision correction is a partnership between you and your medical team at Liv Hospital. We are here to support you at every stage, from the moment you leave the laser suite to your final follow up visit. By being diligent with your aftercare and patient with your eyes as they heal, you are ensuring the best possible outcome for your sight. Clear, natural vision is a gift that enhances every aspect of your life, and we are honored to help you achieve it.