When can you work and drive after PRK surgery?
If you're considering PRK, you're probably wondering how long you'll be out of action. When can you go back to work? When can you drive safely again?
Here’s what you need to know about getting back to your daily life after PRK, including a clear timeline and what to expect.
Quick reminder: what is PRK?
PRK is a type of laser eye surgery that corrects your vision without creating a flap in your cornea. Instead, the surface layer is gently removed and your eye heals naturally over the following days.
The result? Clear, glasses-free vision. But the recovery is slower than LASIK—and that affects how soon you can return to activities like working or driving.
Can you work the day after PRK?
In most cases, no. Your vision will be blurry, and your eyes may feel gritty or sore.
The first 3–5 days after PRK are focused on healing and rest.
When can you go back to work?
Here’s a general timeline:
- Day 1–3: Rest your eyes. No work. Avoid screens. Vision is still very blurry.
- Day 4–7: Your vision begins to improve. Some people return to light desk work by day 5, especially if screen time is limited.
- Week 2: Most people are back to full-time work and screen use by the second week.
Your return will depend on the type of work you do:
- Office work: Usually safe to resume after 5–7 days
- Manual labour or outdoor work: May require 7–10 days, especially to avoid dust or debris
- High-risk work (e.g. machinery, law enforcement): Check with your surgeon for a tailored plan.
When can you drive after PRK?
Driving is not safe in the first few days after surgery.
Your eyes will still be healing, and you’ll be wearing a bandage contact lens that slightly affects clarity.
Most patients are cleared to drive around day 5–7, once:
- The bandage lens is removed
- Vision has stabilised enough to meet legal driving standards
- You feel comfortable and confident behind the wheel.
Your eye surgeon will confirm this during your follow-up appointment.
Can night driving be more difficult after PRK?
Yes. For a few weeks (sometimes months), you may notice:
- Glare or halos around lights
- Reduced contrast at night
This is temporary and improves as your eyes continue to heal.
Tips for easing back into work and driving
- Use your eye drops regularly—they reduce dryness and help your vision stay clear
- Take regular screen breaks—follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Wear sunglasses outdoors—to reduce light sensitivity and protect your healing eyes
- Don’t overdo it—listen to your body and take extra rest if you need it.
How long until your vision is “normal”?
- Week 1: Blurry and improving
- Week 2–4: Steady improvements, though some fluctuation is normal
- Month 1–3: Vision stabilises
- Month 3–6: Final results become clear.
Most people are back to their usual routines within a week or two, even if full visual sharpness takes a bit longer to arrive.
Want to know if PRK is right for you?
The best way to find out is to take our free self-test. It gives you insight into whether you're a good candidate—and what your next steps might be.
Find out if you are suitable for laser eye surgery
Not everyone is eligible for vision correction surgery.
Find out if you could benefit from this life changing surgery by taking the quick self-suitability quiz below:
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Hi, I’m Daemon McClunan
I’m proud to be the founder of both Atlantic Eye Centre, an eye specialist centre, and LIQID Medical Pty, a biotech company. My passion for research and innovation has led me to create four patented devices, and receive awards during my specialist training.
With a medical degree from Stellenbosch University, a specialist degree from the University of Cape Town, and experience working in Laser Eye Surgery centres in Canada, Germany, India and London, I’m dedicated to providing dedicated, patient-centred care.
Beyond the clinic, I’ve embarked on humanitarian missions, travelling over 15,000km by motorbike to provide rural eye screenings. In my downtime, I love mountain biking, diving, and spending quality time with my family.
My goal is for every patient to feel genuinely informed, comfortable, and well cared for – from their first conversation right through to their last post-operative visit.
Dr Daemon McClunan
MBChB(SU), DipOphth(SA), MMed(UCT), FcOphth(SA)
