Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a laser eye surgery that corrects refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure reshapes the cornea’s surface using an excimer laser to improve how the eye focuses light. Post-operative care is important for a successful visual outcome because PRK requires the outermost layer of the cornea to heal and regenerate. This guidance explains how to safely manage screen use, including watching television, during the recovery period.
The Critical First Days: Screen Restrictions
The initial phase of recovery requires an absolute period of rest for your eyes, which means completely avoiding all screens, including the television, computer, and mobile phone. Most eye care experts advise patients to maintain this total screen avoidance for at least the first 24 to 48 hours following the procedure. This immediate restriction minimizes strain when your eyes are most vulnerable and sensitive to light.
During this time, the eyes are healing a surface abrasion on the cornea. Resting your vision entirely helps the corneal surface begin its regenerative process without interruption. Instead of visual input, patients should rely on listening to audiobooks, podcasts, or music for entertainment. Some surgeons may recommend extending this complete visual rest for up to 72 hours, depending on the individual’s healing rate and level of discomfort. Following your specific post-operative instructions is important, as the exact timeline for resuming any activity, including screen time, can vary.
Understanding Why Screens Are Problematic After PRK
The primary reason for screen restriction is that focusing on a screen significantly increases eye strain and actively slows the healing process. When the eyes are forced to focus on a fixed distance, such as a television or a phone screen, the eye muscles fatigue rapidly. This sustained focusing effort diverts metabolic energy away from the corneal epithelial cells that are working to resurface the eye.
Screen use severely exacerbates post-PRK dry eye, a common side effect of the surgery. Staring at any digital display causes a drastic reduction in the spontaneous blink rate. The blink rate typically drops from 15 to 20 blinks per minute down to only 5 to 7 blinks per minute. Reduced blinking means the tear film is not adequately refreshed, leading to a drier ocular surface. This dryness is detrimental to the healing of the corneal nerves and the new epithelial layer.
Furthermore, the heightened sensitivity to light, often called photophobia, makes the brightness and contrast of screens uncomfortable. Exposure to the light emitted by screens can feel harsh to the freshly corrected and sensitive eyes. Attempting to use screens too soon or for too long can result in symptoms like blurred vision, a gritty sensation, and general eye discomfort, signaling that the eyes are being overworked.
Guidelines for Introducing Screens Back Into Daily Life
Once the absolute restriction period has passed, typically after 48 to 72 hours, screen time should be reintroduced gradually and carefully. Initial screen sessions, including watching television, should be limited to very short durations, perhaps only 5 to 10 minutes at a time. This strategy allows the eyes to slowly adapt to the visual demand without causing significant strain or fatigue.
A strategy for managing screen time is the strict application of the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, you must stop looking at the screen and shift your gaze to an object located at least 20 feet away for a minimum of 20 seconds. This action allows the internal focusing muscles of the eye to relax, which reduces strain and prompts a necessary increase in the blink rate.
Adjusting the viewing environment and the device settings is also beneficial for mitigating strain. You should reduce the brightness and contrast of the television screen to a comfortable level and consider enabling any available ‘dark mode’ or blue light filtering features. The room lighting should be kept soft but not completely dark to avoid a high-contrast difference between the bright screen and the surrounding environment.
Maintaining a proper viewing distance is important, particularly for television, where sitting further back is better than the close-up focus required for a phone or computer. The use of prescribed artificial tears must be a consistent, proactive habit before, during, and after any screen exposure. Lubricating the eyes frequently helps to compensate for the reduced natural blinking and keeps the corneal surface moist, directly supporting the epithelial healing process.