LASIK - shortened

BLOG POSTS

Kansas City PRK Surgery Recovery: Facts, Fiction, and What To Look Forward To

woman undergoing an eye surgery at ophthalmology clinic.

Get the Facts So You Can Experience the Results You’re Looking For

As you wrap up your research on PRK surgery, it’s important to learn about recovery, so you know what to expect.

It’s also essential that you know how to separate fact from fiction, as we never want you to feel clouded by the myths about vision correction, when you could be looking forward to the many benefits of your procedure.

Get your free consultation.

But, First: Why PRK Eye Surgery Instead of LASIK?

You may be considering PRK because you’ve been told that you aren’t a candidate for LASIK. PRK (also known as Advanced Surface Ablation) is the recommended procedure for patients with thinner corneas, corneal scarring from contacts, a history of previous eye surgery, or high-impact careers like athletics or military service.

Although both PRK and LASIK achieve the same outcome — correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism — they take different approaches to get there. LASIK creates a small flap in the cornea to access and reshape the tissue underneath. During PRK surgery, your surgeon will remove the outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium) before reshaping this tissue. Over the next few days, that outer layer grows back, making PRK’s recovery time slightly longer than LASIK.

Here Are the Facts on Kansas City PRK Surgery Recovery

This is what most patients can expect after their surgery at Durrie Vision:

Days 1–2: Your vision is functional. You can watch TV and do light computer work. Driving isn’t recommended yet, and you’ll want to ask a family member or friend to be your driver for your one-day post-op appointment.

Day 3: As the epithelium regrows, your vision may become hazy. Some experience temporary double vision. This is normal and temporary.

Day 4: At your four-day post-op appointment with the Durrie Vision team, your vision begins to stabilize, and most patients are cleared to resume daily tasks.

Weeks 1–2: Your vision will continue to improve in the days that follow. Some light sensitivity and haziness may linger. We recommend avoiding strenuous physical activity during this window.

Weeks 3–4: Most patients experience 90–95% of their final visual outcome.

One month out: Patients tend to experience optimal results by this time. By six to eight weeks, most patients are back to normal activities. Patients who experience dry eyes or glare should know that these symptoms largely resolve themselves within three months.

Get started with a free consultation.

Pure Fiction! Myths About PRK Eye Surgery Recovery

There’s no need to indulge in the myths that exist about PRK or laser eye surgery in general. We provide the facts because they comprise our clinical experience as experts in vision correction.

Here are a handful of fictions about recovery from PRK surgery that don’t add up.

“I’ll be completely out of commission.” On days 1 and 2, you can perform light activities, such as TV and laptop use, while you rest at home. By day 4, most patients experience a turning point and are back to their routines. There’s a window of recovery that is important to plan for, but it’s a matter of days.

“PRK has worse outcomes than LASIK.” PRK eye surgery and LASIK produce similar visual outcomes and satisfaction rates among patients. Durrie Vision’s enhancement rate (the percentage of procedures where touch-ups are needed) is approximately 1% within the first year. This reflects the care, experience, and thoroughness with which we treat our patients, beginning with their preoperative exam.

“The procedure itself is painful.” PRK surgery is a 10-to-15 minute procedure. Anesthetic drops are used during the procedure, and most patients report little more than light pressure. We also offer a mild sedative to those who wish to calm their nerves. Post-operative discomfort is managed with ibuprofen or acetaminophen, along with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drops prescribed by your Durrie Vision doctor.

“PRK vs LASIK is basically a coin flip.” Durrie Vision takes our Advanced Ocular Analysis exam seriously. We make accurate determinations about the best procedure for your eye health and only recommend procedures that are the precise fit for you.

Get a free consultation for PRK.

Looking Forward to PRK at Kansas City’s Durrie Vision

As you get prepared for PRK surgery, we want you to learn more about what your experience will be like at Durrie Vision.

Your PRK procedure will take place in our Overland Park office, which is the same familiar setting where you had your free consultation. The treatment room is private, the lighting is low, and there’s soothing music and comfortable seating to relax you. Blankets, snacks, and drinks are also available. Our staff is friendly and eager to help you feel comfortable and welcome. We’ll walk you through every step of the process.

Your driver can wait for you in your private recovery room. Before you leave, we’ll go over your home care instructions and confirm your one-day and four-day follow-up appointments, so you’ll know what to do after your procedure. You’ll walk away from each visit at Durrie Vision feeling excited and confident about your future without glasses or contacts.

Durrie Vision Makes PRK Surgery Work for Your Budget

PRK eye surgery at Durrie Vision is accessible for you, no matter where your savings stand. We offer financing options, including $0 down with no interest for the first 24 months, allowing you to pay in predictable installments.

We also accept tax-free HSA and FSA funds, which can also be used to either pay off your financing (HSA) or reimburse yourself (FSA). Ask us about discounts for military personnel, first responders, and family members of existing patients, along with additional promotions throughout the year to make PRK an even easier decision.

Ready To See What’s on the Other Side of Glasses and Contacts?

PRK requires a brief period of recovery, but it leads to a life without glasses or contacts. After patients see the results, they wonder why they waited so long.

Choose our relaxing, inviting treatment experience at Durrie Vision, where you’ll receive VIP care from our region’s top PRK surgery team.

Schedule your free consultation online or call (913) 491-3330 today.