Can I use my phone after PRK surgery?

If you've just had PRK surgery (photorefractive keratectomy) or are planning to, you may be wondering when it's safe to use your phone again. Screens are a big part of daily life—from checking texts to working remotely—so it's natural to want clarity on how soon you can get back to normal use.

In this guide, we'll walk you through what to expect after surgery, how phone use can affect healing, and what best practices to follow for a smooth recovery.

To learn more about the procedure, visit our PRK surgery Brisbane page. If you're considering vision correction and want to know if you're a candidate, take our suitability self-test.

Why using a phone after PRK surgery can affect your recovery

PRK is a surface laser procedure that removes the top layer of the cornea and reshapes the tissue underneath. Unlike LASIK, there's no corneal flap—but this also means the surface needs more time to heal¹https://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/prk/.

In the early stages of recovery, your eyes are particularly sensitive. Looking at screens (like your phone, tablet or computer) can:

• Increase eye strain
• Delay healing
• Worsen dryness or irritation
• Cause light sensitivity and discomfort.

That's why most doctors recommend avoiding screen time in the first 24 to 48 hours.

Can I look at the screen after PRK?

Yes, but not right away.

You should avoid screens completely for the first 24 to 48 hours after PRK. This allows your eyes to rest and reduces the chance of delayed healing or discomfort. Even short periods of screen time during this window can cause strain.

After that, you can gradually reintroduce screen use—but in moderation.

How long should you avoid your phone after PRK Surgery?

Here’s a rough guide:

• First 1-2 days: Avoid all screens entirely
• Day 3 onwards: Use screens for short periods (5–10 minutes at a time)
• Week 1: Slowly increase use, but take regular breaks and use lubricating drops
• After Week 1: Most people can return to light screen-based work, but vision may still be blurry or fluctuate.

Always follow the specific advice of your surgeon.

Essential post-procedure care after PRK surgery: Limiting screen time

In addition to avoiding phones and computers early on, here are some key care tips:

• Use your prescribed eye drops as directed to reduce dryness and inflammation
• Keep lighting soft when looking at screens to reduce glare
• Increase font sizes and use night/dark mode on your phone
• Take breaks every 15–20 minutes if you're using screens
• Blink often to keep your eyes moist.

More best practices for safe phone use after LASIK surgery and PRK

Whether you've had PRK or LASIK, the early recovery phase requires extra care. The recommendations are similar:

• For PRK, screen use is limited for longer due to surface healing
• For LASIK, you may resume light phone use sooner, but should still limit exposure for a few days.

In both cases, listening to your eyes is key. If your eyes feel tired, dry, or sore, it’s time to rest.

Final thoughts: Take it easy on the screens

Your phone isn’t going anywhere—and neither is your vision. Giving your eyes a short break from screens after PRK can make a big difference in comfort and healing.

Be gentle with your eyes, follow your surgeon’s instructions, and introduce screen time slowly. Most people return to regular device use within a week or two, with improved comfort and clarity over time.

Wondering if you're suitable for PRK?

Take the PRK suitability self-test