One eye at a time with PRK? - Lasik Eye Surgery Message Board

bowriter · 02-09-2006, 04:20 PM

I am scheduled to get PRK done on 2/15. It was strongly advised by the doctor to do only one eye at a time because of the longer healing process (PRK vs lasik). I have to have PRK because of thin corneas. The doctor suggested I wait at least 2 weeks apart before getting the second eye done so that I'll have at least one good eye while the other heals.

Is two weeks too soon? From reading some of these forums on PRK, it sounds like the healing process is a bit complicated compared to lasik. I am going to a reputable doctor in this area, one of the top three I believe that do this sort of thing in St. Louis.

Has anyone had any good results from PRK? I've read plenty of the bad and I'm beginning to wonder if there are any good stories out there? I do appreciate the stories good or bad because it gives me more information to bring forth to my doctor tomorrow (for my eye dilation process). For all who have shared their stories, thank you for the information. I really hope it works out for all of you. I agree that no two people heal alike, but it's also good to know we have this support link.

Elyse S. · 02-10-2006, 12:06 PM

Dear Bowriter,
I guess I agree with the one eye at a time, but I am 5 weeks post today, 2-10, and still can't see clearly out of my left. Thank goodness my right eye is clear. Went to the doc 2 days ago to find out wazzup, and we started me on different drops, other than the FML which has to be taken to reduce swelling and help healing, thinking my eye could be reacting to the Systane and causing a film, which in turn, could be causing my blurriness. My right is 20/20-20/25ish and the left is 20/60. It is very irritating to see off balance like this. Thank goodness I have 1 good eye. Obviously, 2 weeks would have not been enough of a time spread for me.

Just be forewarned, in the days after, particularly 2 1/2 - 4, it is VERY painful!!! This was the worst experience I have ever had, and I've had a handfull of surgeries, and had I known then what I know now, I would have NEVER done it. But, that's just me. I am still in the "I regret doing this" stage. The doc said it could take up to 6 months for my L eye to clear up.

I wish you luck. Some don't have any pain or problems, and then there's ME!!!
Let us know how you do.

Elyse S.

bowriter · 02-10-2006, 08:45 PM

It sounds like you had both eyes done at the same time. I can understand your frustration with that. Mine are scheduled 2 weeks apart, but I can always postponne the second eye until I feel ready. Right now I'm scheduled to have my right eye done on 2/15. I know there will be some discomfort with it for a few days and then after that, it's just putting up with haze and blurriness for awhile.

I don't know if this will help you or not, but on another bulletin board someone mentioned that they were told to take vitamin C everyday and this will help with the hazing problem and improve the night vision. I mentioned this to my doctor and two of the doctors at that office confirmed it. They suggested taking 2-500mg tablets a day: one in the morning and one later in the day for a total of 1,000mg a day. The one doctor suggests to his patients to start taking it 5 days prior to the procedure and continue for a couple of weeks after. I started taking it several days ago so I should have plenty of it in my system by the day of the first eye procedure. They also did a dry eye test on me and I had a lot of tears, more than average. They said that was good too. But who knows what lies ahead. I've done so much research and asked so many questions of people, that I feel that I am committed, so there's no turning back. I hope you continue to recover. I'm sure you will. I've been told over and over that patience is the key and no two eyes heal the same way. I'll stay in touch and let you know how it goes!

Elyse S. · 02-14-2006, 09:35 AM

Dear Bowriter,
Good luck to you!!! Get good pain meds! I only had haze for about a week, and it really was not that bad. It was the pain in the days after and the non-clear vision with the Left eye that are the two most prominent things at this time. I have changed my eye drops, 1 week tomorrow, your lucky day, and I see virtually no difference. They now tell me it could take up to 6 months for this eye to clear up. I could just imagine if both my eyes were like this. Arrrgggghhhh!!! It seems strange to me how they couldn't give me glasses for the time being. 20/20 (R) vs 20/60 (L). I would think they could accomodate me with glasses. Go figure. I don't know you, but I WILL be thinking about you tomorrow.

Vitamin C you say? I'll add that to the 9 pills I already take. 4 are the same thing, 2 pills a day.

Good luck to you, keep in touch. I'm curious as to how you'll be feeling. Some have no pain, and I hope for your sake, you're one of the lucky ones.

Take care
Elyse S.

bowriter · 02-14-2006, 01:20 PM

Thanks for your words of encouragement. Yes, tomorrow is the day. Right eye first, then the left on 3/1.(unless I decide to wait longer). When you say "pain" are you referring to the feeling of gunk or dirt in your eye? Similar to a dirty contact lens? I know when my lenses got something in them, it was a horrible feeling. If that is what it is like, I think I can deal with it hopefully, because with contacts, I was used to stuff getting under my lenses. Is most of the discomfort gone after 24 or 48 hours? This is what they tell me, but I know everyone is different.

Be patient. Some eyes heal differently and at different paces. You may wake up one day and the vision will be noticeably better. I've read so much on this stuff and heard different experiences. My doctor told me that if they have to do enhancement surgery, they like to wait at least 6 months, because by then, the eyes should be fine and if they are not, enhancement surgery may have to take place.

Make sure to wear really good sunglasses when outdoors. Not just for UV protection but also for glare (the good ones will elimnate the need to squint). Those are expenses glasses but worth it. I bought some from Lens Crafters (I got a pair of Ray Bans) this weekend in preparation for this. (don't go to a discount sunglass shop). I paid about $120 for mine but insurance covered some of it. The doctor recommended good sunglasses after this procedure and to wear them all the time outdoors for awhile.

I'm sure your left eye will be fine but if you are unsure, you might want to get a second opinion.

I'll let you know how it goes.....thanks again for thinking of me. It means a lot, it really does!
Bowriter