PRK Recovery: What to Expect and How to Speed Up Healing After Eye Surgery

When you undergo PRK recovery, photorefractive keratectomy, a laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct vision without creating a flap. Also known as surface ablation, it's a common alternative to LASIK for people with thin corneas or active lifestyles. Unlike LASIK, PRK removes the outer layer of the cornea entirely, which means healing takes longer—but it also means less risk of flap-related issues down the road.

Most people notice improved vision within a week, but full corneal healing, the process where the surface layer of the eye regenerates after the laser treatment can take up to a month. During this time, you’ll likely deal with blurry vision, light sensitivity, and mild to moderate discomfort. It’s not uncommon to feel like your eyes are gritty or sore, especially in the first 3 to 5 days. Your doctor will give you medicated eye drops to prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and keep your eyes moist. Skipping these drops or rubbing your eyes can delay healing or cause serious problems.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is rushing back to screens, driving, or outdoor activities too soon. UV exposure can slow healing and even cause haze on the cornea. Wearing sunglasses—even on cloudy days—isn’t optional. You’ll also need to avoid swimming, saunas, and makeup around the eyes for at least two weeks. Sleep helps more than you think: keeping your eyes closed for long stretches lets the surface repair without interference. Many patients report better results when they take a full week off work, even if their vision seems okay.

Not everyone heals the same way. Factors like age, overall health, and whether you smoke or have dry eye syndrome can change your timeline. If you’re over 40, you might notice temporary difficulty focusing up close during recovery—this isn’t a failure of the surgery, just your eyes adjusting. And while most people achieve 20/20 vision or better, some need a minor touch-up procedure months later. That’s normal.

What you won’t find in most brochures are the small daily habits that make recovery smoother. Keeping a humidifier in your bedroom, drinking extra water, and using preservative-free artificial tears (not the kind with redness relievers) can cut down irritation. Some patients swear by cold compresses for the first 24 hours, while others find relief with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen. Avoid ibuprofen or aspirin unless your doctor says it’s okay—they can increase bleeding risk during the early healing phase.

There’s no magic shortcut to PRK healing time, the period it takes for the cornea to fully regenerate and stabilize after surface laser surgery, but you can control your environment and follow your doctor’s instructions closely. The key is patience. Your eyes aren’t broken—they’re rebuilding. And with the right care, most people end up with clearer vision than they’ve had in years.

Below, you’ll find real-world advice from people who’ve been through PRK recovery—what worked, what didn’t, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that turn a smooth process into a frustrating one.