PRK Recovery: What to Expect After Laser Eye Surgery

When you undergo PRK recovery, the process of healing after photorefractive keratectomy, a type of laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct vision. Also known as surface ablation, it’s an alternative to LASIK for people with thin corneas or active lifestyles. Unlike LASIK, PRK doesn’t create a flap, which means the surface of the cornea must regrow on its own — and that changes everything about how you heal.

PRK recovery isn’t quick. Most people feel discomfort for 3 to 5 days, with blurry vision lasting up to a week. The corneal healing, the natural process where the outer layer of the cornea regenerates after the laser removes tissue is slow because your body has to rebuild tissue from scratch. You won’t see sharp vision right away — it takes weeks, sometimes months, for your eyes to stabilize. That’s normal. What’s not normal is sudden pain, light sensitivity that gets worse, or vision loss. If you notice those, call your doctor immediately. Many patients skip follow-ups because they feel fine, but those appointments catch issues like haze or infection before they become serious.

What you do after surgery matters more than you think. Avoid rubbing your eyes, even if they itch. Wear sunglasses outside — UV light can slow healing. Use your prescribed eye drops exactly as directed, even if your eyes feel better. Skipping drops because you’re impatient won’t speed things up; it just increases your risk of complications. Your doctor will likely give you steroid drops to prevent scarring and antibiotics to prevent infection. Don’t swap them out for over-the-counter drops — that’s how people end up with permanent vision problems. And don’t go back to swimming, hot tubs, or dusty environments for at least two weeks. Your eyes are vulnerable during this time.

People often compare PRK to LASIK, but the real difference isn’t the laser — it’s the recovery. LASIK lets you drive the next day. PRK doesn’t. But PRK lasts longer. It’s safer for athletes, military personnel, and anyone who might get hit in the eye. The lack of a flap means no risk of flap dislocation, even years later. That’s why many surgeons recommend PRK for people with active lives. If you’re considering PRK, don’t let the longer recovery scare you. It’s not about speed — it’s about long-term safety.

PRK recovery is different for everyone. Some people see clearly in a month. Others take three. Age, overall health, and how well you follow aftercare instructions all play a role. If you’ve had previous eye surgery, dry eyes, or autoimmune conditions, your healing might take longer. That’s okay. The goal isn’t to rush — it’s to get it right. The posts below cover real experiences, common mistakes, how to manage pain, when to expect clear vision, and what to do if healing stalls. You’re not alone in this. Millions have done it. You can too — if you know what to expect.