Post PRK-Vision Update
In March, 2005, I had PRK surgery on my eyes. One year after the procedure, my vision had attained my pre-surgical best-correctable state: 20/15. Three years later, it’s slipped. The doc didn’t seem too concerned about it, but I am, getting a new prescription. Just slightly stronger, and it looks like these will be trifocals — the regular vision part will only be -.50, the computer part will be +1.00, and the reading part will be +2.00. My left eye appears to be getting some astigmatism. That has everything to do with me being two years older than last time and little or nothing to do with the PRK.
While I’m mildly disappointed that the vision isn’t as sharp as it was two years ago, I can’t say I’m disappointed with the PRK results. I would be disappointed if I had to begin wearing glasses full-time again, but even that wouldn’t be as bad as my original uncorrected legally blind vision (thankfully, it was correctable even before the surgery to 20/20 or better).
My eyes are very healthy. By all accounts, the PRK was a total success.
My eye doc tries to talk me into surgery every time I’m for an exam. One of these days, I’ll do it, don’t know if it’ll be this year or not, though. I gotta work up the nerve!
I had an eye doctor recommending it for several years before I had it done. Don’t do it unless you’re ready and comfortable about it. You only have one set of eyes, and it’s not a decision to make lightly.
Be very careful to make sure you have a nice, thick corneas and good eye health. If your doctor is recommending it, chances are you are a good candidate. I was on the edge of what lasers could do when I had it done. The lasers have improved significantly in the last three years, so waiting won’t hurt. The experience with the procedure will only get better, and the technology will get better, and the long term effects will be better known.