How long does it take for PRK to heal?

If you’re considering PRK, you might already know the recovery is slower than LASIK.
But how long does it actually take to heal—and what does healing feel like?

Here’s a clear timeline to help you know what to expect after surgery, from the first few days to full visual recovery.

Day 0: The day of surgery

You’ll go home wearing a protective bandage contact lens. Your eyes will feel:

• Gritty or irritated
• Sensitive to light
• A bit blurry

This is completely normal. Take it easy, rest your eyes, and use your drops exactly as instructed.

Days 1–3: The rough patch

This is when discomfort tends to peak. Your vision will still be blurry, and you may experience:

• Burning or stinging
• Watering eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• A sandy or foreign body sensation

It’s temporary—and manageable with pain relief, eye drops, and rest.

Days 4–7: The turnaround

Your healing surface layer (epithelium) regenerates.
At this point:

• The discomfort starts to ease
• Vision begins to improve
• The bandage lens is removed at your follow-up

You can usually return to light activities like walking or desk work by the end of the week.

Week 2–4: Getting clearer

Your vision may still fluctuate—but it’s improving.
You might notice:

• Glare or halos around lights
• Occasional blurriness
• Slight dry eye symptoms

All normal. Most people return to full-time work and start feeling more like themselves by week 2.

Month 1–3: Sharper and more stable

Your vision gets more consistent. Most patients achieve 20/20 or close to it within 4 to 6 weeks—but improvement can continue for several months.

You’ll have check-ins to track your progress, fine-tune your drops, and answer any questions.

Month 3–6: Full recovery

By this stage, your vision is stable and sharp.
Any residual dryness, night glare, or fluctuations should be fading or gone.

You’re usually signed off at your final follow-up around this time—unless you need further care or enhancement (which is rare).

Does PRK healing take longer than LASIK?

Yes. LASIK patients often see clearly within 24–48 hours.
PRK healing is slower—but the long-term results are just as good.

It’s a great option for people with thin corneas or active lifestyles where flap-related complications (from LASIK) could be a concern.

How to support faster healing

• Use drops exactly as prescribed
• Avoid rubbing your eyes
• Stay hydrated and eat nutritious foods
• Rest your eyes often
• Avoid dusty or smoky environments
• Wear UV-protective sunglasses

What if my vision feels slow to improve?

That’s okay. Everyone heals at their own pace.
If you ever feel unsure, we’re here to support you. Your follow-up appointments are designed to make sure everything’s on track.

Want to know if PRK is a good fit for you?

Take our free self-test. It’s the easiest way to see if you’re likely to benefit from PRK or another procedure.