About Recovery

  • Q How long does it take to recover after the surgery?
    A
    Post-operatively, you eye sight will be about 0.3 to 0.4. The band-aid contact lens will help increase your visual acuity so you can manage most activities of daily living. The epithelium takes about 2-3 days to grow back. During this time, you may experience foreign body sensation, pain, or excess tears, all of which are a normal part of recovery. Please apply eye drops regularly to help reduce discomfort, and take oral pain medication if required. Your first post-operative appointment will be 3 to 4 days after the procedure. Once your epithelium has completely grown back, the doctor will remove the bandaid contact lens. As the epithelium grows back, and the oedema and inflammation settles down, your eye sight will improve, then stabilise over the next couple of months.
  • Q Do I need to take supplements after the surgery?
    A
    We will provide you with vitamin B and C supplements after the procedure to promote healing. Eating a healthy, balanced diet, and avoiding spicy foods, will also aid recovery.
  • Q Can I fly on an airplane after the surgery?
    A
    Yes. Smart TransPRK is a surface procedure that keeps the corneal structure intact, therefore your eyes will be minimally affected by the pressure changed related to flying in airplanes. However, keep in mind that there may be more noticeable discomfort during the first couple of days after the procedure.
  • Q Am I more likely to get presbyopia after refractive surgery?
    A
    Presbyopia is a condition involving the lens, which naturally progresses with age. Refractive eye surgery is done on the cornea and will not change the likelihood nor the onset of presbyopia. In recent years, people have been experiencing presbyopia from an earlier age. This is most likely due to the increased use of electronic products such as phones, computers and tablets. Limiting screen time and allowing your eyes to rest is te best way to delay the onset of presbyopia.
  • Q Will my visual acuity regress after the surgery?
    A
    With all types of refractive surgery, there is a risk of regression. It is more likely with high myopia, as the surgery ablates more of the cornea. Compared to other types of refractive surgery, smart TransPRK maintains the most residual corneal thickness, with the lowest risk of regression.