Ocular Evidence
Community experiences

What people report after refractive surgery

Search structured details from individual public forum accounts. These are anecdotes, not clinical evidence or estimates of how often an outcome occurs.

Read this layer differently from study results. Posts are self-reported, selectively shared and may be incomplete or inaccurate. We never combine them into complication, satisfaction or success rates.
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This category includes PRK and TransPRK reports. Each card retains the procedure stated by its source.

33 reviewed experiences

Only curator-approved records with a currently verified source appear here. No usernames or copied post bodies are published.

Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

PRK experience · 2026

A 27-year-old reported a favorable six-week PRK result after a difficult recovery. The account described severe early pain, a reported infection around day 12 with temporary blur and light artifacts, and ongoing dryness. At day 42 the poster reported no residual prescription and near-perfect everyday vision. The infection description is a patient report, not an independently confirmed diagnosis.

Age
27

Reported starting point

Preoperative prescription-2.75 D in both eyes; supplied in the poster’s reply
Both eyes · stated by poster
Corneal eligibilityReported too thin for LASIK; no thickness measurement provided
Both eyes · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Early postoperative painSevere pain initially, gone by day 3
Both eyes · Day 3 · stated by poster
Self-reported infectionReported infection in one eye around day 12, treated with antibiotics
Day 12 · stated by poster
Reported postoperative prescriptionReported no residual prescription at six-week review
Both eyes · 6 weeks · stated by poster
Ongoing drynessStill using artificial tears at the latest update
Both eyes · 6 weeks · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

PRK experience

A 24-year-old reported satisfaction three weeks after PRK for high myopia. The right eye recovered more slowly, with early burning and nighttime discomfort resolving after bandage-lens removal. At diary day twenty-one, the poster reported no pain, lingering dryness or light sensitivity, although vision still lacked final sharpness. The poster disclosed using AI to help summarize the account.

Age
24

Reported starting point

Preoperative sphere-6.75 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Preoperative sphere-5.25 D
Left eye · stated by poster
Source writing disclosurePoster disclosed AI assistance summarizing their own account
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-upDiary day 21; surgery counted as day 1
Diary day 21; surgery counted as day 1 · stated by poster
Three-week comfortNo pain, lingering dryness or light sensitivity reported
Diary day 21 · stated by poster
Residual blurRight eye still slightly blurrier than left; subjective clarity not a measured acuity
Diary day 21 · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

PRK experience

The poster described PRK with alcohol-assisted epithelial removal. By day thirty-seven, home chart tests suggested fluctuating acuity, worse toward evening, with slower right-eye recovery and nighttime halos or starbursts. Dryness was subjectively minimal. The reported age is 22.5 years and is retained as text rather than rounded for age matching.

Reported starting point

Preoperative sphere-4 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Preoperative sphere-4.25 D
Left eye · stated by poster
Preoperative cylinder-1.5 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Preoperative cylinder-0.75 D
Left eye · stated by poster
Reported age22.5 years
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-upDay 37
Day 37 · stated by poster
Home chart estimatesAround 20/30 in morning, sometimes 20/70 or worse later; self-tests rather than clinical measurements
Day 37 · stated by poster
Nighttime artifactsHalos and starbursts; night driving not yet comfortable
Day 37 · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

TRANSPRK experience

A 25-year-old reported satisfaction after TransPRK at Moorfields in London for -6.25/-6.50 D without astigmatism. The recovery diary described early pain, marked light sensitivity and blur. At five weeks, vision reportedly felt sharp and daily life almost normal, with morning blur improving after drops. Very close vision was less clear than before.

Age
25
Location
United Kingdom
Clinic
Moorfields, London

Reported starting point

Preoperative prescription-6.25 D / -6.50 D; eye assignment not specified
stated by poster
Preoperative cylinder0 D
Both eyes · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointFive-week original-poster update
5 weeks · calculated from stated values
Early painStrong pain on surgery day, settling that evening
Surgery day · stated by poster
Early light sensitivityMarked light sensitivity during early recovery
Day 1 · stated by poster
Morning visionAround one hour of morning blur, generally resolving with drops
5 weeks · stated by poster
Very close visionVery close viewing, around 1 cm, less clear than before; no reported daily-life impairment
5 weeks · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

TRANSPRK experience

The poster reported satisfaction four months after TransPRK for approximately -6.25/-6.50 D and mild astigmatism. Vision fluctuated initially, with slower left-eye recovery and clinician-reported dryness. At four months they described clear vision without glare or halos while still using lubricant drops. A June 25 update reported 20/20 at an optometrist visit.

Reported starting point

Preoperative sphere-6.25 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Preoperative sphere-6.5 D
Left eye · stated by poster
Preoperative astigmatismMild astigmatism; magnitude not specified
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointFour months after TransPRK
4 months · calculated from stated values
Postoperative drynessClinician reportedly noted dryness despite limited subjective symptoms; lubricant drops remained in use
Months 2–4 · stated by poster
Night visionReported good night vision without glare or halos
4 months · stated by poster
Reported optometrist acuity20/20 reported in the June 25 update
June 25 update · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

PRK experience

The poster reported satisfaction after PRK for low myopia and large pupils despite early pain and visual fluctuations. Around week four there were nighttime halos, starbursts and some double vision; occasional dryness appeared at two months. In a later reply beyond three months, the poster said everything was fine and reported -0.25 D in both eyes at the final checkup. The completed procedure is described as PRK.

Reported starting point

Preoperative prescriptionApproximately -1.25 D / -1.50 D with astigmatism; eye assignment unspecified
stated by poster
Reported pupil size8 mm
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-upMore than 3 months
More than 3 months · stated by poster
Nighttime artifactsHalos, starbursts and some double vision around lights
Around week 4 · stated by poster
Later drynessSome dry days reported at two months
2 months · stated by poster
Later reported prescriptionPoster said everything was fine; final checkup reportedly -0.25 D in both eyes
More than 3 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported dissatisfied

PRK experience

Three years after PRK, the poster regretted the procedure despite a substantial reduction in prescription, from around -9.5 D to -1.5 D after an enhancement. They still used glasses or contacts and described difficult recoveries for both operations. A later clarification acknowledged practical benefits but said they would not choose surgery again.

Location
United States

Reported starting point

Preoperative prescriptionAround -9.5 D; eye assignment unspecified
stated by poster

Procedure details

Reported enhancementRepeat PRK after around one year, with another recovery period
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-up3 years
3 years · calculated from stated values
Reported residual prescriptionAround -1.5 D after enhancement; eye assignment unspecified
3 years · stated by poster
Continuing correctionContinued use of contacts or glasses
3 years · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

PRK experience

At almost one year after PRK, the poster considered the result worthwhile but described a long, emotionally difficult recovery. Computer work was limited for one to two months by blur and fatigue. At the later update vision was reportedly nearly 20/20, with improving residual dryness and continued lubricant drops.

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-upAlmost 1 year
Almost 1 year · stated by poster
Computer-work recoveryCould not work at full capacity for around one to two months
Months 1–2 · stated by poster
Reported later acuityNearly 20/20; not an independently verified measurement
Almost 1 year · stated by poster
Residual drynessImproving dryness with continued lubricant drops
Almost 1 year · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

TRANSPRK experience

The poster described favorable early TransPRK recovery at an Amsterdam clinic for low myopia and astigmatism. Early blur, halos and double vision improved. A later reply, just over two weeks after surgery, reported only morning dryness and explicitly denied preoperative dry-eye problems.

Location
Netherlands

Reported starting point

Preoperative sphere-1.25 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Preoperative sphere-0.75 D
Left eye · stated by poster
Preoperative cylinder-0.75 D
Both eyes · stated by poster
Preoperative dry-eye historyExplicitly reported no dry-eye problems before surgery
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-upJust over 2 weeks
Just over 2 weeks · stated by poster
Later early drynessOnly mild morning dryness; no daytime difference noticed
Just over 2 weeks · stated by poster
Early work recoveryReturned to screen-based work on day six, with fatigue and fluctuating clarity
Day 6 · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

TRANSPRK experience · 2025

At ten weeks after May 2025 TransPRK, the poster described sharp, stable daytime vision and controlled dryness but mild nighttime starbursts or ghosting. Early recovery involved strong light sensitivity and fluctuating blur, with a plateau around week two. Lubricant drops remained in use as needed.

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-up10 weeks
10 weeks · calculated from stated values
Night visionMild starbursts or ghosting with driving and dim-light reading
10 weeks · stated by poster
DrynessDryness controlled; lubricant drops used as needed
10 weeks · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

TRANSPRK experience

A 22-year-old described severe burning and sharp pain, rated 9/10, on the first night after TransPRK, with swelling, tearing and light sensitivity. Pain eased the next day. By day six the bandage lenses were off and vision felt substantially better; the poster considered the procedure worthwhile despite the difficult early recovery.

Age
22

Reported starting point

Preoperative sphere-3 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Preoperative sphere-3.25 D
Left eye · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-upDay 6
Day 6 · stated by poster
First-night painSevere burning and sharp pain, rated 9/10
First night · stated by poster
Day-six recoveryFeeling good with improved vision after bandage-lens removal
Day 6 · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

TRANSPRK experience

A 32-year-old described satisfaction about three weeks after TransPRK. Early pain and tearing improved, and chart acuity reportedly reached decimal 1.0 right and 1.25 left at day fifteen. By day twenty-two light sensitivity had largely resolved, although intermittent ghosting remained.

Age
32

Reported starting point

Preoperative sphere-2.75 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Preoperative sphere-3 D
Left eye · stated by poster
Reported corneal thickness650 µm
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-upDay 22
Day 22 · stated by poster
Reported decimal acuityRight 1.0; left 1.25
Day 15 · stated by poster
Residual ghostingIntermittent ghosting remained
Day 22 · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

PRK experience · 2024

A 29-year-old reported satisfaction after February 2024 PRK for high myopia, with pre-existing corneal scars attributed to contact-lens use. The early diary included fluctuating vision and a temporary setback after accidental eye contact. A later original-poster reply reported 20/20 at almost three months, with previously existing occasional floaters still noticed.

Age
29

Reported starting point

Preoperative sphere-7.75 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Preoperative sphere-7.5 D
Left eye · stated by poster
Reported baseline corneal scarsCorneal scars reportedly present before surgery
stated by poster
Floater historyMinor floaters existed before PRK and were occasionally noticed afterward
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-upAlmost 3 months
Almost 3 months · stated by poster
Reported later acuity20/20
Almost 3 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

PRK experience

The poster described a PRK recovery diary with early pain, dry eyes and slower right-eye recovery. At three months they reported 10/10 in both eyes at an ophthalmologist visit, clear everyday vision and no noticeable dryness or other side effects. Their earlier right-eye astigmatism was no longer perceptible.

Reported starting point

Preoperative sphere-4.25 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Preoperative sphere-3.5 D
Left eye · stated by poster
Preoperative cylinder-0.25 D
Both eyes · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-up3 months
3 months · calculated from stated values
Reported three-month acuity10/10 in both eyes
Both eyes · 3 months · stated by poster
Reported three-month drynessNo dry eyes or noticeable secondary effects at latest update
3 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

TRANSPRK experience · 2023

A 27-year-old in Munich reported satisfaction four weeks after TransPRK for myopia and astigmatism. They explicitly reported no preoperative dry-eye problems. The first 48 hours involved burning and light sensitivity; visual fluctuations diminished markedly around week three. At week four there was mild residual ghosting, particularly in the left eye.

Age
27
Location
Germany

Reported starting point

Preoperative sphere-2 D
Left eye · stated by poster
Preoperative sphere-2.5 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Preoperative cylinder-0.5 D
Left eye · stated by poster
Preoperative cylinder-0.75 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Preoperative dry-eye historyNo dry-eye problems before surgery
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointFour-week update within the original post
4 weeks · calculated from stated values
Early recoveryBurning and light sensitivity in the first 48 hours, substantially better from day three
First 3 days · stated by poster
Residual ghostingMild ghosting, particularly in the left eye, with lights and text
4 weeks · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

PRK experience · 2023

A 39-year-old reported satisfaction nearly two weeks after January 2023 PRK. Early blur and light sensitivity improved, with a reported 20/25 result at the day-seven appointment. Some fluctuations remained after bandage-lens removal. The -2.50 baseline value comes from contact-lens packaging and is not treated as a measured spectacle sphere.

Age
39

Reported starting point

Preoperative contact-lens power-2.50 D in both eyes, as stated from contact-lens packaging
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-upNearly 2 weeks
Nearly 2 weeks · stated by poster
Reported day-seven acuity20/25; eye-specific values not supplied
Day 7 · stated by poster
Continuing fluctuationsSome fluctuations remained after bandage-lens removal
Nearly 2 weeks · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

TRANSPRK experience · 2022

A 24-year-old reported TransPRK at Moorfields in January 2022 for low myopia. Severe pain and light sensitivity eased after the first two days. By day six, normal activities felt manageable, although vision remained blurry with mild aching and dryness. The procedure label follows the poster; the technical description is not independently confirmed.

Age
24
Location
United Kingdom
Clinic
Moorfields, London

Reported starting point

Preoperative sphere-1 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Preoperative sphere-0.5 D
Left eye · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-upDay 6
Day 6 · stated by poster
Early painSevere pain during the first day and night, continuing the following day
First 2 days · stated by poster
Day-six recoveryNormal activities manageable; remaining blur, mild aching and dryness
Day 6 · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

TRANSPRK experience

A 24-year-old reported a favorable TransPRK recovery at Moorfields Private in London. The diary described early haze and brief dryness, with a zero prescription and vision reportedly better than 20/20 at 4.5 months. Preoperative corneal thickness was reported as 510 and 513 micrometers; this account does not establish suitability for another patient.

Age
24
Location
United Kingdom
Clinic
Moorfields Private, London

Reported starting point

Preoperative sphere-6 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Preoperative sphere-5.5 D
Left eye · stated by poster
Preoperative cylinder-0.25 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Preoperative cylinder-1.5 D
Left eye · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-up4.5 months
4.5 months · calculated from stated values
Reported final acuityReported better than 20/20; exact numeric acuity scale uncertain
4.5 months · stated by poster
Reported final prescriptionZero prescription
4.5 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

PRK experience · 2026

The poster reported satisfaction six days after PRK at Moorfields in London for around -4 D and astigmatism in both eyes. They described a faster-than-expected return to everyday activities after the initial recovery. This is an early recovery account with no verified long-term outcome or quantified postoperative acuity.

Location
United Kingdom
Clinic
Moorfields, London

Reported starting point

Preoperative sphere-4 D
Both eyes · stated by poster
Preoperative astigmatismAstigmatism in both eyes; magnitude unspecified
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-upDay 6
Day 6 · stated by poster
Early functionReported functioning relatively normally within three to four days
Days 3–4 · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

PRK experience

A 22-year-old reported satisfaction during the first twelve days after PRK for high myopia. Day three was the most painful, with strong early light sensitivity and fluctuations in vision. At day six they reported 20/20 in the right eye and 20/30 in the left. The left eye remained less clear as recovery continued.

Age
22

Reported starting point

Preoperative sphere-6.25 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Preoperative sphere-5 D
Left eye · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-upDay 12
Day 12 · stated by poster
Reported day-six acuity20/20
Right eye · Day 6 · stated by poster
Reported day-six acuity20/30
Left eye · Day 6 · stated by poster
Visual fluctuationsBetter vision in the morning, worsening toward evening
First 12 days · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported dissatisfied

PRK experience

At 3.5 months after PRK, the poster described persistent blur, particularly in the right eye, and dissatisfaction with the outcome. The original-poster replies give a preoperative prescription of -1.75 D in both eyes. Reported Schirmer values differed between eyes, but the better tear-production result did not correspond to clearer vision.

Reported starting point

Preoperative sphere-1.75 D
Both eyes · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-up3.5 months
3.5 months · calculated from stated values
Persistent blurRight eye remained noticeably blurrier than left
3.5 months · stated by poster
Reported tear findingsSchirmer 10 mm left, 30 mm right; test timing unspecified
stated by poster
Reported residual astigmatismRight -0.50 x 160; left -0.25 x 160; complete current prescription not supplied
3.5 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported dissatisfied

PRK experience

At two months after PRK, the poster reported a clear left eye but a blurry right eye measuring 20/30. They described right-eye haze and no improvement since month one, and felt discouraged. The report does not state a preoperative prescription, age or clinically verified cause of the blur.

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-up2 months
2 months · calculated from stated values
Reported acuity20/30
Right eye · 2 months · stated by poster
Reported hazeHaze in right eye; diagnosis not independently verified
Right eye · 2 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported dissatisfied

TRANSPRK experience · 2021

At six weeks after April 2021 TransPRK, the poster described initial improvement followed by worsening blur from week three onward. Computer text needed progressive enlargement after returning to work. They felt anxious about the decline despite reassurance at follow-ups. The baseline sphere sign is unclear in the source and is not inferred.

Reported starting point

Preoperative prescriptionApproximately 5.5 in both eyes, sign unspecified; -2.5 astigmatism reported
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-up6 weeks
6 weeks · calculated from stated values
Blur progressionVision declined after initial improvement, with increased screen magnification needed
6 weeks · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

PRK experience · 2021

One year after December 2021 PRK, the poster reported satisfaction and clear vision without glasses or contacts. Vision reportedly stabilized around six months, when they could read 20/15. Dryness continued improving over the following months. A small amount of nighttime starbursting remained without perceived interference with driving.

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-up1 year
1 year · calculated from stated values
Reported six-month acuity20/15
6 months · stated by poster
Dryness trajectoryDryness continued improving between six and twelve months
Months 6–12 · stated by poster
Nighttime starburstsSmall amount remained, without perceived driving impairment
1 year · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

PRK experience · 2023

One year after January 2023 PRK at Stanford, the poster reported satisfaction and 20/20 in both eyes. The diary described severe early pain, several weeks of blur and a later reported 20/10 result around day fifty. Dryness became much less noticeable over the year. Current age 27 is stated; age at surgery is not established.

Location
United States
Clinic
Stanford Laser Eye Center
Provider
Dr. Manche

Reported starting point

Preoperative sphere-4 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Preoperative sphere-3.25 D
Left eye · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-up1 year
1 year · calculated from stated values
Reported one-year acuity20/20 in both eyes
Both eyes · 1 year · stated by poster
Dryness trajectoryDryness declined over the year and was barely noticeable at the update
1 year · stated by poster