PRK Eye Surgery: 13 Do’s and Don’ts to Know Before Your Procedure

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a proven laser vision correction procedure that’s often recommended for patients who may not qualify for LASIK or SMILE vision correction. At Carrot LASIK & Eye Center, we walk each patient through a customized plan to ensure the best possible outcome and a smooth recovery. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can make a big difference in your overall experience. In this article, we’ll cover some essential do’s and don’ts to help you feel confident before your procedure. Schedule your consultation with Carrot LASIK & Eye Center today to find out if PRK is right for you.

#1 Do: Stop Wearing Contact Lenses in Advance

Contact lenses can temporarily change the shape of your cornea, so it’s important to stop wearing them ahead of time. For soft contacts, discontinue use at least 3 days to 1 week before your pre-op exam and before your procedure. For gas permeable lenses, stop wearing them at least 3 weeks in advance. The team at Carrot LASIK & Eye Center will give you specific timing based on the type of lenses you wear.

#2 Do: Pick Up All Prescriptions Ahead of Time

Make sure you have all prescribed medications and eye drops ready before your surgery day. This prevents last-minute errands and ensures you can begin your recovery right away once you’re home from Carrot LASIK & Eye Center.

#3 Do: Eat a Light, Balanced Meal

Before heading in for your PRK procedure, eat a small but satisfying meal. Avoid heavy or greasy foods, which can cause nausea or discomfort. Our team recommends eating enough to stay full and satisfied throughout the appointment.

#4 Do: Shower and Wash Your Hair

You may need to avoid showering or washing your hair for a few days after surgery to keep water out of your eyes. Take a thorough shower the morning of your procedure, following your surgeon’s guidelines.

#5 Do: Dress Comfortably

Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment, and skip jewelry or bulky hair accessories. You’ll want to be as relaxed as possible during your time at Carrot LASIK & Eye Center.

#6 Do: Bring a Driver with You

You won’t be able to drive after PRK laser eye surgery, so make transportation plans in advance. Bring a trusted friend or family member to take you home after your procedure. They will need to arrive with you and stay on site during the procedure.

#7 Do: Line Up Low-Screen Entertainment

You won’t be able to use devices normally—load up on audiobooks, podcasts, or phone calls to help pass the time.

#8 Do: Get Plenty of Rest the Night Before

Rest is an important part of preparation. Try to get a full night’s sleep before your surgery day so you feel calm, alert, and ready.

#9 Do: Clarify Medication Instructions with Your Doctor

Unless directed otherwise, continue taking your regular medications. Be sure to confirm with your Carrot LASIK & Eye Center provider during your pre-op appointment.

#10 Don’t: Wear Eye Makeup, Lotions, or Perfume

Skip eye makeup, moisturizers, perfumes, nail polish, and deodorants for at least three days before surgery. These can interfere with the surgical field and increase the risk of irritation or infection. PRK patients will not be able to wear eye makeup for 1-2 weeks after their procedure.

#11 Don’t: Drink Alcohol or Smoke

Alcohol and smoking can dehydrate your body and slow healing. Avoid both the day before and the day of your procedure to support a smooth recovery.

#12 Don’t: Bring Valuables

Avoid bringing unnecessary items like jewelry or large bags. Keeping things simple makes the day easier and prevents loss or damage.

#13 Don’t: Ignore Feeling Sick

If you’re not feeling well on the day of surgery, contact Carrot LASIK & Eye Center right away. It’s important to be in good health before undergoing any procedure.

Extra Prep Tips from the Carrot LASIK & Eye Center Team

  • Prep easy-to-eat food ahead of time. On days 0 to 2 of your PRK surgery recovery, your vision will be blurry, and your eyes may be sensitive. Prepare finger foods that don’t require cooking.
  • Turn on your phone’s accessibility features. Use tools like text-to-speech and voice assistants to stay connected without straining your eyes.
  • Have sunglasses ready. Light sensitivity is common after PRK, and non-prescription sunglasses will make your first few days more comfortable.
  • Darken your recovery space. Use blackout curtains or turn off lights so you can rest in a dim environment.

Get Ready with Confidence

Following these simple do’s and don’ts can make a major difference in your comfort and recovery after PRK. Every step is designed to give you the best possible outcome and ensure a smooth experience with Carrot LASIK & Eye Center. Schedule your consultation today and let our expert team guide you through every step of the process.

FAQ’s About Do’s and Don’ts to Know Before Your PRK Procedure

Should I stop using cosmetics before PRK surgery?

Yes, you should stop using eye cosmetics such as mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow at least 3 days before your procedure. Carrot LASIK & Eye Center advises patients to avoid lotions and creams as well, to reduce the risk of irritation or infection during laser surgery.

How does PRK differ for patients with astigmatism, myopia, or farsightedness?

PRK is a highly effective treatment for patients with refractive errors including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. At Carrot LASIK & Eye Center, your doctor will determine your eligibility using advanced diagnostics to customize the laser correction precisely to your needs.

Do I need to stop wearing my corrective lens before the pre-op appointment?

Yes, stopping the use of your corrective lens—especially contact lenses—is critical before your evaluation and procedure. Carrot LASIK & Eye Center uses corneal topography to map the surface of the eye, and wearing lenses can temporarily alter the natural shape of the cornea, affecting accuracy.

Can I take medication before surgery if I have dry eye syndrome?

If you’ve been diagnosed with dry eye syndrome, discuss your current treatment plan during your pre-op doctor’s visit. Carrot LASIK & Eye Center may make specific recommendations to ensure the surface of your eye is healthy and stable before PRK.

Will I be under anesthesia during the PRK procedure?

PRK is performed using numbing eye drops, which act as a localized form of anesthesia. Carrot LASIK & Eye Center ensures patients are comfortable throughout the procedure and monitors your response to the drops closely.

Is it okay to go in a swimming pool before PRK surgery?

It’s best to avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and saunas in the days leading up to surgery. At Carrot LASIK & Eye Center, we recommend staying away from environments that may expose your eyes to bacteria or irritants, to reduce the risk of complications.

What does PRK involve for someone who has never had laser surgery before?

For those new to laser surgery, PRK reshapes the cornea without creating a flap, unlike LASIK surgery. Carrot LASIK & Eye Center walks each patient through the process step-by-step to ensure a clear understanding of how the treatment works on the human eye.

How will PRK affect my visual perception and visual acuity afterward?

While vision may be blurry for a few days after surgery, PRK significantly improves both visual perception and visual acuity over time. Carrot LASIK & Eye Center uses precise diagnostics to tailor the treatment, leading to clearer, sharper vision as healing progresses.

Why is a bandage contact lens used after PRK?

A soft bandage contact lens is placed on the eye after PRK to protect the surface as it heals and to reduce discomfort. At Carrot LASIK & Eye Center, this temporary lens is carefully fitted and monitored until the epithelium has fully regenerated.



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