Is fluctuating vision for months normal after PRK?

What's normal

Vision that is sharp in the morning and softer at night, or that shifts when you blink, is a normal part of PRK recovery for months rather than days. EyeWiki says the refraction is usually considered stable by 3 to 6 months. StatPearls describes full refractive stability typically being achieved at 6 to 12 months.

Several things drive the fluctuation at once. The epithelial surface is still remodeling, which EyeWiki describes as smoothing over roughly weeks 4 to 6. Dryness changes the tear film that light passes through first, and StatPearls calls dry eye one of the most common complications after laser refractive surgery. Steroid drops on a taper can also shift your prescription slightly.

This is why surgeons do not prescribe new glasses right away and why enhancements wait. StatPearls and EyeWiki both say treating residual refractive error generally waits for a stable refraction, at least 3 to 6 months, and longer if there is haze.

Most noticeable in weeks 2 to 8, improving steadily, with refraction usually stable by 3 to 6 months and fully settled by 6 to 12 months.

When it stops being normal

Slow fluctuation with an overall upward trend is expected. A clear, sustained decline is not. StatPearls says corneal haze typically peaks at 1 to 2 months and clears over 6 to 12 months, so a drop in clarity in that window is worth reporting rather than assuming it is normal fluctuation.

Call your surgeon if vision gets noticeably worse and stays worse, if you develop pain or redness, or if you see discharge. Keep all follow up appointments even if vision feels fine, since haze and regression are found on exam.