When can I go back to work after PRK?

General information about typical recovery, not medical advice. Every eye and every surgery is different, and your surgeon's instructions override anything on this page. Read our full disclaimer.

Short answer

Most people take at least a few days off, and desk workers commonly return around the end of the first week.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology says your surgeon may suggest you take a few days off from work after PRK, and that vision is blurry and gradually improves over about 3 to 5 days.

The first three days are the blocker. EyeWiki describes discomfort peaking at days 2 to 3 with tearing, light sensitivity, and blurred vision, and driving typically not possible in that window. Even remote work is hard when screens hurt.

The realistic pattern for office work is returning once the bandage lens is out and vision is functional, which EyeWiki puts at roughly 20/30 to 20/50 at that visit. Expect to work slower than usual for a couple of weeks with fluctuating vision. Jobs involving dust, chemicals, heavy lifting, or driving need a separate clearance from your surgeon, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology's advice to avoid strenuous activity for up to a week applies to physical jobs too.

When	Typical guidance
Days 1-3	Most people are off work entirely.
Days 4-7	Common return window for desk and remote work once the bandage lens is out.
Week 1-2	Expect fluctuating vision and slower reading. Use lubricating drops.
Physical or dusty jobs	Needs specific surgeon clearance, and strenuous work waits about a week at minimum.

Call your surgeon now if you notice any of these

Severe or worsening eye pain after day 3 or 4, when pain should be easing rather than increasing
Pain that is not helped by your prescribed medicine or by over the counter medicine
Thick yellow, green, or crusting discharge from the eye
Vision that suddenly gets worse after it had been improving
A new white or cloudy spot visible on the cornea
The bandage contact lens falls out, folds, or moves off center before your surgeon removes it
A sudden sharp pain on waking or on opening the eye, which can signal a recurrent corneal erosion
Increasing redness, swelling of the lids, or increasing light sensitivity after the first few days
Any new flashes of light, a shower of floaters, or a curtain or shadow across your vision

These warning signs after PRK can point to problems that need same-day care. Do not wait for your next scheduled visit. If you cannot reach your surgeon's office, use their on-call line, or go to an emergency room.

Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology; StatPearls Publishing, NCBI Bookshelf; EyeWiki, American Academy of Ophthalmology; Journal of Current Ophthalmology

Sources

What Is Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)? American Academy of Ophthalmology. Accessed 2026-08-25.
Photorefractive Keratectomy EyeWiki, American Academy of Ophthalmology. Accessed 2026-08-25.

When can I go back to work after PRK?

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