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After PRK · Post-operative care
Guidance for the first days and weeks after surgery.
- Name
- Treated eye(s)
- ☐ Right ☐ Left
- Date of surgery
For a good result, attend all medical appointments and have all the tests requested.
What you may feel in the first days
When the anaesthetic wears off you may have discomfort, stinging, watering, mild redness, light sensitivity and difficulty opening your eyes. A gritty feeling, dry eye, mild eyelid swelling, misty vision and fluctuating vision are also possible, improving gradually. After PRK, discomfort tends to be greater until the corneal surface heals.
When you get home
- Do not drive after surgery; go straight home.
- Start your medication when you get home. Rest and keep your eyes closed for three hours.
- Wear an eye shield or protective glasses until the next day.
- Sleep with an eye shield for the first three days and wash it with soap and water before use.
THE BANDAGE CONTACT LENS
It protects the cornea while it heals and is removed by the team, usually between day 3 and day 5. Do not remove it. If it comes out, do not put it back and contact your doctor immediately.
Medication after surgery
Medication and times are set by the doctor. Fill in or check the table before printing.
With contact lens · until day 3 to 5
| MEDICINE | EYE | WHEN / TIMES A DAY | DURATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 times a day | |||
| 4 times a day, up to hourly | until the end of month 1 | ||
| Compounded eye drops | 1 drop twice a day; extra if in pain |
After the contact lens is removed
| MEDICINE | EYE | WHEN / TIMES A DAY | DURATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 times a day | until 2 weeks are completed | ||
| 4 times a day; every 12 h in month 2 | 2 months | ||
| 4 times a day, up to hourly | until the end of month 2 |
Oral medication · pain control
| MEDICINE | HOW TO TAKE | WHEN |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablet up to every 8 h | if in pain (painkiller) | |
| 1 tablet up to every 6 h | if in pain (painkiller) | |
| 1 tablet up to every 8 h | if nausea or vomiting |
HOW TO USE THE EYE DROPS
Wash your hands and do not touch the eye, lashes or eyelids with the bottle. Close your eyes gently, without squeezing, for 2 to 3 minutes and do not wash your face straight afterwards. Wait at least 5 minutes between different drops. You do not need to wake up at night to use the drops.
Care and appointments
Protection and hygiene
- Do not scratch or rub your eyes. Avoid any injury to the eyes.
- Keep up your hygiene routine without letting water, shampoo or soap into your eyes. If this happens, put in two to three drops of lubricating eye drops. You can wash your face without rubbing your eyelids.
- Wear sunglasses during the day and outdoors, especially in the sun, for at least two to three months.
| For | Avoid |
|---|---|
| 7 days | Physical exertion. |
| 15 days | Dusty places, plants and volatile substances without eye protection. |
| 30 days | Team sports, swimming pools, the sea, saunas and make-up. |
CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY
Marked drop in vision, severe pain, severe eyelid swelling or pus-like discharge. Use the contact number given below.
Next post-operative appointment
- Date
- Time
- Contact
- Place
- Additional instructions
This leaflet does not replace individual instructions or follow-up by your ophthalmologist.