Post PRK decreased vision

On july 23rd I had a PRK surgery to correct a little astigmatism I had in my left eye (it was a 'retouch' since I had previous LASIK surgery on 11/1996 and Dr. suggested the PRK instead of the LASIK again). One morning after a  month I had the surgery I woke up and had a feeling of pressure in my eye and couldn't open it for minutes, after the discomfort went away I finally opened my eye and discover I couldn't see well as I did one day before (by then I was able to see very clear). I went to the Dr.'s office and told me I had intraocular pressure and prescribed medication to treat it as well as refreshing tears, so I had to use it for 2 weeks and my vision improved after 3 days. Now, what I just explained happened again this last sunday and went to the dr. again and told me this time I didn't have intraocular pressure (though I had the same symptoms [headache on my left side, blurried vision, sensation of 'something in my eye']), but still recommeded using the same medication again, just in case the 'machine' didn't take the reading well. The next day I had a follow-up visit and my vision was worst than the day before. He recommended not using the intraocular pressure medication this time, only the refreshing tears.  Dr. says this is not common after a PRK and that my vision shouldn't be like this, instead it should be improving, since my eye look ok inside. Now it's been more than 5 days and my vision remains the same, no improvement at all. I just want to have another opinion, Do you have any idea why is this happening? Why it happens right after waking up? Why do I have the sensation of having 'something' in my eye? Why are these headaches? What do you recommend I should do? Please I'm desperate. Thanks.

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear ileana888,

During PRK, the outer layer of the cornea known as the epithelium is removed and then regrows. It is possible that membrane which causes a tight bond to the underlying layer is not well healed yet.  During nighttime, the cornea swells and the outer layer may become disrupted so you have foreign body sensation. I would recommend that you go back to your doctor in the early morning when this occurs.  This can also explain the vision changes.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California