20/20: My PRK Experience with Boston Laser

As someone with astigmatism in both eyes, in addition to distance issues, I could see but things were always slightly hazy. Not one for contacts (I caaannot touch my own eyes) and terrible at keeping up with my glasses prescription, I sort of toughed it out (for way too long…).

I’d always been intrigued by Lasik, but didn’t know if I would even be a candidate. I hadn’t even heard about PRK until I talked to Boston Laser, but’s actually what about 20% of people have in lieu of Lasik. While the end results are the same, the experience is different– it’s all about what is best for the individual patient.

*Before:

My consultation in their Medford office was thorough as everything from your current prescription to the shape of your eyes to any potential dryness is measured and considered. Because of my corneas, PRK was the route deemed best for me. Dr. Jason Brenner was very open about the procedure and willing to discuss any questions. I was told I would need time for my eyes to heal, that it would be uncomfortable for a few days and would deal with light sensitivity. My biggest concern (and maybe yours) was assuaged– no, you cannot go blind! 😉

I booked my procedure for a few weeks later, taking a long weekend in conjunction with Veterans’ Day. Of course I also talked to everyone I know who had PRK done previously and their resounding, unanimous reply was: DO IT! Even though there would be some healing time to get through, all of them said they would do it again in a heart beat. So here I go!

*Day Of:

On a Thursday evening, my boyfriend brought me to their Brookline office, where my prescription and eyes were checked again by Dr. Brenner and his (fabulous!) team. Once they confirmed that everything checked during my consultation was still valid, it was go time. NOW it felt real! I opted to take the small dose of medicine offered to keep me calm (highly recommend because you WILL be nervous, even knowing you’re in good hands).

*Procedure:

Did you know PRK only takes about 10 minutes total? Wild! We were also streaming my experience on Facebook Live, so after an intro to what we were doing, and my choosing a stuffed sloth to hold onto (as one does), we were ready to start. I was settled onto the table and my head placed just so. Each eye is done one at a time, so the first eye was ‘prepped’ which essentially means your eyelid is gently taped open. Dr. Brenner confirmed with me what we were doing before we began and kept me informed throughout as he performed each step. As I kept focused on a green light, I was told it would feel as though my eye was underwater– perfect way to describe it and an unusual feeling, but at no point could I feel anything. A few minutes later, the eye was done! Next up was the second eye which went just as well as the first.

In what felt like no time at all, I was done! Set up with my first follow-up appointment the following morning, and with all my care information in hand, it was time to go home. After stopping for prescriptions — eye drops and oral pain meds– I was ready for bed.

*After:

Day 1: Not too bad! Light sensitivity and some blurriness, but not in pain. Despite needing sunglasses inside the house haha, I felt okay. At my appointment, everything looked perfectly on track and I was sent back home to rest.

Day 2: Light sensitivity is picking up, as in I am wearing a sleep mask with sunglasses OVER it inside my home at dusk. Okay, so thiiiis is what people mean by that. And at this point, I am thinking, “eek, I’ve heard day 3 is the toughest…”

Day 3: Is the most uncomfortable, yup. You still can’t read your phone or watch TV or truthfully do much at all but veg. I put on movies I had seen a bazillion times to listen to them and Natalie came over to hang and break up the day (thank GOD).

Day 4 – on: Yay, progressively better! By Monday (day 4), I feel well enough to drive again. By Day 5, I am back at work (more on that below).

*Recovery:

One week out at my second follow up appointment, I am at 20/20 vision! That’s seriously incredible to me. The team and I are both thrilled with how everything went.

Back at work, I will say that for a couple of weeks, working on a computer was TOUGH. Being on a screen, with eyes that feel dry and are still fluctuating in terms of prescription is frustrating, albeit normal. I didn’t have a problem driving or doing most things, but anything to do with screens was a struggle at first. I was using preservative free drops nonstop it felt so plan on stocking up.

Note: Everyone will recover differently! I feel like I was on the quicker end of recovery overall, but with PRK, your vision can fluctuate for even months afterwards. I do have blurry moments few and far between now, but I haven’t had any issues with halos around lights during night driving or lingering dry eye.

*Takeaway:

I AM SO, SO GLAD I HAD THIS DONE! I don’t think I realized how my not seeing clearly was straining my eyes and making you tired. It’s been life changing already and I without reservation would recommend having it done.

Boston Laser has a really impressive safety protocol in place and I trusted Dr. Brenner, the staff, and their practice wholeheartedly. Their team is warm, smart, competent, and personable. Their offices are state of the art, clean, and welcoming. With several locations in the Boston area, it’s easy to pop in for a consultation too!

What do you guys think? Anything else you’d like to know about my experience with PRK and/or Boston Laser? Let me know!.

*While my procedure was complimentary, all opinions are my own. I am thrilled with my results and genuinely impressed with my level of care. Thank you for supporting the brands that support A Sequined Life! *

📸: Sarah Surette Photography