Worried about the outcome - Lasik Eye Surgery Message Board

lee9178 · 03-12-2006, 04:13 AM

I am 27 years old and I have been wearing glasses/contacts scince I was 7 I have 20/800 vision in both eyes with a bad astigmatism. I have wanted this for so long but I am worried because I am a mechanic and I am worried about the dust and infection. I can olny take one week off of work is that enough. Oh I am having PRK on 3-30-2006. Can anyone give me any advise.
Thank you
Lee

Laner · 03-12-2006, 10:18 PM

I had Lasik and do not know much about PRK. I did a quick search and found the following about PRK.
One of the main differences between LASIK and PRK is that the recovery time for the PRK is usually somewhat longer.
Short-term side effects can include sensitivity to light and visual distortions such as fuzziness or halos in the visual field. These should disappear when the eye is completely healed. Most patients are pleased with the outcome. Recovery time can be approximately 3 months, however, 90% of healing is complete within the first 3 to 4 weeks.It is common for patients to achieve 20/20 vision after the procedure, and about 93 - 98% of PRK patients will no longer need glasses for daily activities such as driving.
I was scared before my Lasik surgery too. But it was a breeze!!! I hope your surgery goes well
Laner

bowriter · 03-13-2006, 10:12 AM

Lee, I just had PRK on my right eye on 2/15 and my left eye on 3/1. They strongly advised me not to do both eyes at once because with PRK, they heal much slower than lasik patients. You will have fuzzy vision for about a week (which is why they leave one eye untouched). The untreated eye can wear a contact lense while the other heals. Then when the first eye is strong enough (mine was strong enough after about 6 days), then you can have the other done. They usually advise to wait 2 or more weeks between eyes.

The first two days were the worst for me, in that the eyes burned and watered a lot. Very sensitive to light for a few days too. I would definately consult with your doctor about doing one eye at a time. I had both mine done on a Wednesday, and was back at work on Friday. Although, the air and flourescent lights in the office made me miserable, so I only lasted about 6 hourse both Fridays. But by Monday I was fine. A week will definately do it. After about 3 or 4 days I was good.

PRK is a safer procedure, just a longer healing time. You won't get that perfect vision as quick as lasik patients do. You have to prepare to be very patient about that. However, my right eye obtained 20/40 vision in less than a week and about 20/25 on the days my second eye was done. It's still healing and I'm hoping for 20/15. We'll see! (no pun on words...).

Good luck and feel free to ask many questions. Check out the "One eye at a time with PRK" forum" There is an earlier one prior to the most current forum. Both titled the same. For some reason, the closed the first forum and continued it on a second forum. Go figure......

Bowriter

lee9178 · 03-13-2006, 10:39 AM

thank you for the reply I actully have no choice about having both done my employer isnt happy with me taking off for a week to do something they deem as cosmetic surgery. I am going to try it I was just worried because all I see about PRK is that it hurts and it takes along time to heal thank you for the positive feedback.
Thank you
Lee

bowriter · 03-13-2006, 11:56 AM

One week (as long as you don't have to drive for a few days) should be plenty of time. Your eyes will be strong enough, or should be strong enough, for driving by then. However, they do take the clear band-aid lens off after a few days, and I'll warn you....your vision will be fuzzy again for a about 2 to 3 days after that. That's because it roughs up that outer layer that is healing. The entire procedure is painless. Afterwards, when the numbing drops start wearing off, you'll feel them burn (like when your eyes are irritated from a cold, or soap is in them). It's tolerable, but I wouldn't equate my experience to being painful. It's more of a nuisance. The first night, they water profusely while you're trying to sleep. So don't plan on much sleep the first two nights.

I would get a pair of goggles to wear while you're working on cars. At least for awhile. You'll be fine and probably pleased with the results. Like I said, my right eye was good for driving after about 5 days (until the band-aid came off and fuzzied it up again!). Then I had two days of fuzzy vision again until the outer layer re-healed. If you get this done on a Monday, I would say by the following Monday, you'll be fine for driving. The first two days are the most miserable, but again, I wouldn't say "painful". At least not for me.