PRK results

I had PRK surgery 5 weeks ago. The myopia corrected was moderate 2.5 and 3.0
diopters. There was an astigmatism in one eye. Although I am seeing better
than one week post-op, it is in no way satisfactory. My distance vision is
blurry, and driving is still a bit precarious. The funny thing is that I can
read letters at 20/20 on the eyechart, but the quality of general scenery
outdoors is really not good.
Is this normal after 5 weeks?

 

I recall (though it's been awhile since I have followed PRK patients) that
recovery can take a bit longer, and changes are still possible up to six
months, and sometimes even one year. At this point in time following your
surgery, the wound response is still very active, and close to its peak. A
slight bit of haze is not uncommon, and if it develops at all, will usually
develop at this point of maximum healing response. Good luck and check
with your physician.

DrG

 

Thanks Dr. In your opinion, is blurry distance vision post-PRK frequently
caused by haze due to incomplete corneal healing? I wonder about this, as
according to the Snellen chart, I can see letters just fine, but something
is definitely missing in clarity. If this is the case, I'll just be a
patient patient...

 

I really wouldn't expect haze to be a factor in a prescription as low as
yours. It could also be due to some temporary irregularities on the
surface of the eye - dryness even. Try some slightly viscous artificial
tear, such as Refresh Plus, and see if this clears it up for a few moments.

DrG

 

As a matter of fact, now that you mention this, I get excellent clarity
after application of this product. But it only lasts a few moments. Then
it's back to blurryville...