One downside of TransPRK is its longer recovery time compared to other forms of vision correction surgery. While full recovery can take up to three months, healing happens in stages and everybody is different. Some people may notice clear vision sooner, while others may take a little longer to reach each milestone.
This article gives you a general idea of what to expect, but don’t worry if your recovery doesn’t follow this exact timeline. As always, if you have any concerns, contact your surgeon.
Want a quick overview? Watch our one-minute Instagram reel for a snapshot of your healing journey!
Day of Surgery
This is a day of rest.
Avoid:
- Sleeping the first two hours after surgery as it may cause dry eyes
- Looking at any screens (eg. phone, tv, tablets, computer) within the first 24hrs
- Rubbing, poking, or touching your eyes as it could lead to complications
- Getting water into your eyes.
- Exposure to eye irritants such as smoke or dust (for at least one week)
Do:
- Drink lots of water—a hydrated body means hydrated eyes!
- Using tylenol or advil if pain relief is required
- Use UV protection (we’ll provide you sunglasses) for the first week any time outside and in bright rooms too!
- Use a clean cloth to gently wash your face
- Call your clinic immediately if experiencing increasing pain or loss of vision.
24 Hours After Surgery
Continue to rest and take care of yourself and follow the previous day’s instructions unless otherwise specified.
Avoid:
- Showering (to prevent water from entering your eyes)
- Overly brisk activities
Do:
- Bathe instead of shower
- Answer the 24 hour check in call
- Light activities with a focus on rest
- Lubricating the eyes with artificial tears especially while using screens
48 Hours – 6 Days After Surgery
Your vision will gradually improve throughout this period. On Day 5, you’ll have your post-op appointment where your bandage contact lenses are removed. This often leads to another boost in clarity and healing.
Avoid
- Eye make up
- Driving before adequate vision has been confirmed in post operative exam
- Continue to avoid soap and water near the eyes
Do:
- Return to light office work (reduce screen brightness and increase text size for comfort)
- Face make up
- Resume showering
- Keep your eyes lubricated with artificial tears.
- Drive once cleared by your surgeon
Tip: Ease back into work gradually. Pushing yourself too soon can cause headaches or eye strain.
Day 7 Onwards
Congratulations! You’re one week into your healing journey! By now, you’ve likely stopped most prescription drops (though remember to follow your surgeon’s guidelines). However, lubrication remains key. Keep using artificial tears regularly.
Avoid:
- Touching eyes while applying eye makeup
- High-impact activities such as mountain biking
Do:
- Apply eye makeup carefully
- Resume outdoor activities like jogging, biking, golf, and lifting weights
2 Weeks Onward
By this point, most patients have regained about 90% of their vision. This is when many people feel comfortable returning to work or regular activities. Athletes can usually start reintroducing their sports.
Do:
- Racket sports (tennis, badminton, etc.)
- Swimming & hot tubs
- Scuba diving & snorkeling
- Sun tanning (with sunglasses)
- Contact sports (hockey, football, soccer, etc.)
3 Months Onward
By now, your eyes are fully healed! You can safely return to all activities, including:
- Water skiing
- Wind surfing
- Kayaking
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this gives you a clearer picture of what to expect and how to plan your TransPRK recovery. For example, if you love summer kayaking, you might want to schedule your surgery in the winter to be fully healed by the warm months.
For more information on preparing for TransPRK, check out our previous article.
Curious if you’re a good candidate? Book your free consultation today!