Has anyone had PRK eye surgery done by a military hospital? What was your recovery like?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 13:43:00 -0500

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Feb 8 at 2021 2:10 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 14:10:04 -0500

I had PRK in December 2002. The recovery wasn't super pleasant. Recovery for LASIK is way easier from what I have observed

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2021 4:21 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 16:21:14 -0500

Because of my lens thickness I had LASIK on my right, and PRK on my left. That was 10+ years ago.

Now, my LASIK eye is far sighted, and I need glasses to type this response. My PRK eye is fine near and far. Maybe it's a function of age, but in retrospect I would do both PRK.

Yes, recovery is LONGER with PRK, but I think in the end you will be better off for it.

I am not a doctor, this is only my personal experience.

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Feb 9 at 2021 8:54 AM

CSM Chuck Stafford — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 08:54:59 -0500

Had PRK in both eyes @ Tripler in Hawaii -- used the eyedrops through an uncomfortable "dry eye" weekend. Well worth it -- Good Luck

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2021 9:22 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 09:22:40 -0500

The surgery feels pretty weird, but not painful. Afterwards my eyelids felt like they were made of sandpaper for about a week. I got halos around any light source when dark that lasted probably three months, but eventually went away.

It was totally worth it. Best thing I ever got from the military!

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Feb 9 at 2021 11:00 AM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 11:00:06 -0500

Recovery for PRK sucks but PRK does not permanently weaken your eyes and at ten years, I am still 20/20 or better. Mine was done at TAMC. You need to get a good brief of the risks v benefits of both procedures and if they do not provide that, insist that they do.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2021 4:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 16:34:51 -0500

Thanks everyone. It’s now 5 days since my surgery, Including surgery date. Like some have mentioned, my eyelids feel like mild sandpaper. The actual pain and swelling has mostly went. I glad I got it done.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2021 6:45 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 18:45:49 -0500

I assist with PRK. MOST ppl have no problem with recovery assuming that they take their drops as directed and get plenty of rest. I've only seen one infection but the soldier admitted to not taking their drops. We give pain meds because you will have some pain with PRK especially around day three so it is important to try and stay ahead of the pain.