Why PRK follow-up is different
PRK removes the corneal surface, which regrows over four to five days under a bandage lens, and the cornea then remodels for months. The first week needs the surgeon's eye on the healing surface and the timing of bandage lens removal. After that, the important items are the tapering steroid drops that prevent haze, sun protection, and patience while vision sharpens. These later visits follow a clear protocol and can be with your optometrist.
What your optometrist checks
- Vision, which improves through weeks two to twelve, and refraction from about one month
- The corneal surface for smooth healing and, from a few weeks, for any haze
- Adherence to the steroid taper and eye pressure while steroids are in use
- Dry eye and its treatment
- Sun protection, since UV drives haze in the first year
Haze affecting vision, delayed healing, an unexpected change in refraction or any infection is referred to the surgeon promptly.
For optometrists and patients
We work with your optometrist on the plan, including the steroid schedule and the thresholds for referral, and we share the operative details and the early findings. Patients choose whether to be co-managed or to have all visits here, and the surgeon remains responsible for surgical care either way.
Is this right for your eyes?
Nothing on this page is a diagnosis. Whether this is the right choice for you is decided by a full examination at one of our 4 offices: Pasadena, Huntington Beach, Woodland Hills and Beverly Hills.
About this content: This page was written with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Arbi Melikian, OD. It is general information, not medical advice, and does not replace an eye examination. Individual results vary. Read our medical disclaimer.
