Does dry eye go away after PRK?

“Normal postoperative healing involves some degree of ocular surface dry eye, but this typically recovers to preoperative levels over time,” Bower said. “We found a pretty low number of patients who had long-lasting severe dry eye still present at the 12-month visit.

Why are my eyes dry after PRK?

Corneal denervation during PRK and LASIK impairs corneal sensation and feedback to the lacrimal gland causing a spectrum of ocular surface conditions associated with reduced tear production and secretion, tear film instability, corneal and conjunctival epitheliopathy and dry eye symptoms.

Does dry eye go away after LASIK?

Post-LASIK dry eye usually lasts for at least 1 month. Tear function and dry eye symptoms improve to preoperative levels thereafter. However, a small number of patients still experience chronic dry eye symptoms more than 1 year after LASIK.

How long wear artificial tears after PRK?

Use Preservative-Free Artificial Tears at least 4 times a day for the first several months and more often when looking at a screen for prolonged periods.

How often use artificial tears after PRK?

Tears: Use preservative-free (PF) artificial tears at least 6 times a day. You may use them more frequently. We recommend Refresh, Systane, of Genteal tears. After 2 weeks you can switch from the preservative free to the regularly bottled tears.

How long does it take PRK to heal?

Patients will generally take about a week to heal from the basic side effects of PRK, which we will cover in brief below. Once the initial healing period is done, the patient’s vision will gradually improve over the course of the next few months.

How do I clean my eyes after PRK?

Keeping your eye closed may help your eye heal. You can shower or wash your hair the day after surgery. Keep water, soap, shampoo, hair spray, and shaving lotion out of your eye, especially for the first week. Do not rub or put pressure on your eye for at least 1 week.