1 month post pterygium surgery

[list2002]

I am 1 month post pterygium surgery and am concerned about my vision.  Both eyes were better than 20/20 prior to surgery.  The first week after surgery my vision was very blurry in the operated eye, which I expected.  Now, however, 1 month later, I am getting concerned.  There is almost no post operative pain in the eye, but it does still feel a bit swollen at times, and the vision is still quite blurry.  At what point can I consider my change in vision permanent and start looking for help?  I have read it could take up to 3 months to fully recover from this procedure, but then I've had friends that have been 100% 3 weeks after surgery.  Thanks for your input.  Seeing the doctor for 2nd follow up in a week.

[Christopher C Shen, MD]

There are various reasons the vision could be affected post-surgery.  The eye could have some surface irritation or dryness that would resolve with aggressive lubrication with artificial tears.  A second possibility is that the pterygium created some astigmatism on the cornea and this can be resolved with a new prescription for glasses/contacts.  Both should be apparent on the eye exam so I would see your doctor and keep him/her informed of your concerns.

[list2002]

Thanks for your feedback, I have been using lubricating eye drops fairly aggressively so don't think it's dry eye.  I'll update after the follow up.  Hope it is correctable, my job requires 20/20.