What Are the Side Effects of PRK Surgery?

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) surgery corrects mild to moderate sight problems using lasers. PRK reshapes the surface of the cornea so that light traveling through it properly hits the retinas, sharpening vision. Although 95 percent of people who undergo PRK have 20/40 vision or better without glasses or contacts, the surgery does carry some side effects.

Mild Discomfort

• Within the first 72 hours following the surgery, many PRK patients have reported slight eye irritation and watering.

Sensitivity to Light

• Light sensitivity is a very common among PRK patients within 24 to 48 hours after the surgery.

Loss of Best Corrected Vision

• Although PRK is highly effective at improving vision, it is not a guarantee of 20/20 vision. Some patients whose vision isn't completely corrected through surgery experience trouble achieving perfect vision through glasses or contacts.

Unusual Light Effects

• Some PRK patients notice halos or glares around lights, particularly at night.

Corneal Haze

• A rare side effect of PRK, corneal haze occurs when the usually transparent cornea develops opaque blotches, making vision blurry.

Reaction to Anesthesia

• A risk with any surgery that involves anesthesia, the patient could have a negative response to the anesthesia, such as an allergic reaction.