Any Experience With PRK Surgery?

August 17, 2007 ·

Yesterday, Candace and Cole brought me to the eye doctor so I could have my first appointment in preparation of eye surgery. I’ve been considering it for a while, but was hesitant. When Cole ended up not being as expensive as we thought, we had some money available and figured this was a good time to try. (Plus, I like playing with Cole in the morning and the glasses keep me from biting his neck which I enjoy doing.)

After this first appointment, my doctor recommended PRK surgery over LASIK. I trust her opinion. I’m just so much less familiar with PRK (even though it is the older of the two procedures.) As far as I know, the long term benefits are better, but the recovery time is longer and a bit more painful.

Has anyone had experience with PRK surgery? I know each case is different, but I’d love to know how it went for you.

Comments

7 Responses to “Any Experience With PRK Surgery?”

Jayci on August 18th, 2007 9:58 am

I know a few people here that have done PRK, and I also know a woman who did Lasik. PRK is given to fighter pilots because the lasik wouldn’t allow the eye flap to heal properly and it would detach again with all those g-force turns. But since you aren’t going to be riding any roller-coasters like that, I wonder why your doctor recommended it? The people who I’ve seen do PRK have swollen red, dry, itchy, burning eyes. I’m not even trying to scare you, but that’s what they say it feels like and it makes my eyes just burn thinking about it! lasik people’s eyes recover a lot faster and they love it. Also, with PRK you can’t see clearly for a couple of months after (I can’t remember the exact time). Did your doc give you a reason for PRK? let me know if I just dashed your confidence. I hope not!! I want lasik real bad too.
Brian on August 18th, 2007 10:07 am

Jayci, thanks for weighing in. I was actually told about the PRK-only for the fighter pilots. That makes me feel cool if nothing else.

I’d also ready about the much longer recovery time both in pain and blurry vision. I suppose that would be worth it if it meant a healthier eye for the rest of your life…but it sure doesn’t sound like fun.

I think the reason that Dr Fant recommended PRK was for the longer term benefits. She also said that it would be better with the astigmatism that my eye has.

I have a few more questions for the next time I get to talk with her. Hopefully I can get some more information.
Rachel on August 19th, 2007 12:51 pm

I thought I already left a message, but I guess not. Anyway, I meant to say that I don’t know much about either one, but let me know what you find out because I want to get eye surgery someday too, but am nervous about the procedure. Let me know which one you decided on and why.
stacey on August 20th, 2007 11:11 am

Maybe get a second opinion just to be sure. I will say the lasik is worth every penny and more. However you fix your eyes, it’ll be worth the investment.
So how did you get Cole-y on sale?
Staci on August 21st, 2007 10:06 pm

Hey Amber worked for Wellishvision institute(they do the surgeries), but she had to have a different type not sure if it was the one you are talking about but you should call her she will tell you all about it for a while she had a video we watched. Plus she wil tell you if she has heard anything about your doctor.
Staci on August 22nd, 2007 4:55 pm

OK Amber did have the PRK surgery. I told her about you and she said you should call her, she will tell you all about it.
Brian on August 22nd, 2007 8:29 pm

STACI,

I talked with Kenny the other day and he told me that Amber and his mom both had PRK. I intend to make some phone calls for sure.

Thanks for keeping me (and my eyes) in mind.