What comes to mind when you think of someone recovering from a surgical procedure? You probably picture the person lying in a hospital bed or on the couch passively watching tv. But what if you are recovering from eye surgery? Should you be looking at your television, computer, or mobile device? Eye surgery is not your typical surgical procedure. Similarly, the recovery phase is different.

What is PRK Surgery?

PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is a form of refractive surgery involving a laser to treat various visual issues caused by refractive errors. With PRK surgery, your eye surgeon will use a laser to reshape your cornea to improve how it focuses light on the retina.

PRK aims to correct refractive errors to help treat myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia. The procedure may reduce your need for contact lenses or eyeglasses. It may even allow you to see clearly without corrective lenses.

24-hour No-screen Period After PRK Surgery

Eye care experts advise patients to spend their first 24 hours after the procedure away from screens and lights. It would help if you avoided all visually demanding activities like reading or driving. But following your 24-hour no-screen period, you can return to work and resume your normal daily activities, including watching TV and using a computer.

The First 24 Hours Post-op

• In the first three to four hours after surgery, you should rest and try to keep your eyes closed.

• Afterward, you can perform light activities. However, you should be aware of air conditioning, dust, and any activities that may harm your eyes or lead to something getting into your eyes.

• Avoid getting water or soap into your eyes when taking a bath.

• Use the prescribed eye drops to deal with dryness or itching instead of rubbing your eyes.

• After 24 hours post-surgery, you can resume your normal rhythm. However, it would be best to continue using your lubricant eye drops to prevent dry eyes.

At this stage in your recovery, your eyes are still healing. So, you should follow your eye doctor’s instructions and precautions to ensure your recovery goes smoothly.

How to Use Your Computer After 24 Hours

If your job requires prolonged periods of computer time, you should use your lubricated eye drops every so often. That will prevent your eyes from drying out. However, you should not panic if some drying happens. It will not affect the outcome of your PRK procedure, but it can cause temporary fluctuations in vision. So, it would be best to use the first 24 hours post-surgery to establish a good eye drops routine and adjust to your new eyesight.

Some sensitivity to light and discomfort is expected immediately after PRK surgery. You should rest and avoid touching your eyes after the procedure. Provided you follow these guidelines and those recommended by your eye doctor, your recovery will proceed well. Your eyes will quickly return to total health.

For more on PRK surgery, visit Laser Vision Delaware at our Wilmington, Delaware office. Call 302-656-2020 to schedule an appointment today.