Does PRK hurt?

If you’re considering laser vision correction, one of the most common questions patients ask is: is PRK surgery painful? It’s a completely understandable concern. After all, your eyes are sensitive, and the idea of any procedure involving them can feel intimidating.

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a well-established form of laser eye surgery that has helped many people reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. While the procedure itself is designed to be comfortable, it’s helpful to understand exactly what happens during treatment and what the post operative recovery period may feel like.

Below, Dr. Matthew Russell explains what most patients experience during and after PRK surgery.

Is PRK Surgery Painful During the Procedure?

The good news is that the procedure itself is typically pain free¹WebMD. 2021. How Painful Is PRK Eye Surgery?. [online] Available at: <https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/lasik/how-painful-is-prk-eye-surgery> [Accessed 10 June 2021].

Before treatment begins, your surgeon will apply anaesthetic drops to numb the surface of the eye. These drops work quickly and help ensure you do not feel pain during the procedure. Many patients report feeling pressure or awareness of the eye being treated, but the treatment itself is not painful.

The laser portion of the procedure is also very quick. In most cases, the entire treatment takes around 20 minutes, including preparation time. The actual laser application lasts only seconds.

During photorefractive keratectomy, the surgeon gently removes the outer layer of cells on the cornea (the epithelium). Then an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea, which helps correct refractive errors such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or astigmatism.

Because the cornea is numb from the anaesthetic drops, patients typically do not feel discomfort while the excimer laser is working.

At the end of the procedure, a bandage contact lens is placed on the eye. This temporary lens protects the surface of the eye while it heals and helps make recovery more comfortable.

What Does PRK Recovery Feel Like?

Where PRK differs from LASIK is mainly in the recovery process.

Once the numbing drops wear off, a few hours after surgery, some patients may experience mild to moderate discomfort. This is because the outer surface of the eye needs time to regenerate.

Common eye symptoms during the early recovery period can include:

• A gritty or sandy sensation
• Light sensitivity
• Watery eyes
• Mild pain or irritation
• Temporary blurred vision

These symptoms are typically short-term and most noticeable during the first two to three days after surgery while the surface of the eye heals.

Your surgeon will usually prescribe eye drops and sometimes pain medications to help manage discomfort and support healing. Many patients also use over-the-counter pain relief options if recommended by their doctor.

How Long Does the Discomfort Last?

For most people, the initial recovery period lasts about three to five days.

During this time, the bandage contact lens remains on the eye to protect the healing surface. Once the epithelium has regenerated, your surgeon will remove the lens during a follow-up appointment.

While some patients worry that laser eye surgery hurt, it’s important to understand that any discomfort associated with PRK surgery is generally temporary and manageable.

After the first few days, the eye usually begins to feel significantly more comfortable. Vision may still fluctuate for several weeks while the eye continues to heal and stabilise.

Managing Your Post-Operative Recovery

Following your surgeon’s instructions carefully is an important part of recovery after photorefractive keratectomy.

You may be advised to:

• Use prescribed eye drops regularly
• Take recommended pain medications if needed
• Rest your eyes as much as possible during the first few days
• Avoid rubbing your eyes
• Limit screen use initially
• Wear sunglasses to reduce light sensitivity

Some patients may also notice temporary dry eye symptoms during the healing process. Lubricating drops are commonly recommended to help keep the eyes comfortable.

When to Contact Your Surgeon

While most patients recover without complications, it’s important to stay in touch with your eye care professional during the healing process.

If you notice unusual or worsening eye symptoms, severe discomfort, or changes in vision, you should contact your surgeon for advice. Regular post operative appointments allow your doctor to monitor healing and ensure everything is progressing as expected.

So, is PRK surgery painful?

The procedure itself is typically pain free thanks to anaesthetic drops, and the laser treatment only takes a few minutes. However, because the surface layer of the eye needs to regenerate, some patients may experience mild pain, irritation, or light sensitivity during the first few days of recovery.

These symptoms are usually short term, and most patients find them manageable with pain relief, eye drops, and adequate rest.

If you would like to learn more about laser vision correction and understand which treatment is going to be most appropriate for you, then please go to our website and book online for a free laser vision assessment.