For many people, undergoing a LASIK procedure means waving goodbye to their glasses or contact lenses. However, even with the high success rate of laser eye surgery, some post-LASIK patients may still need to wear contact lenses under certain conditions. This guide answers the key questions surrounding contact lens options after LASIK surgery and how to maintain long-term eye health.
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Can you wear contact lenses after LASIK?
1. What is LASIK and what does it treat?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular laser vision correction procedure used to treat refractive errors including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. During the LASIK procedure, the eye surgeon uses a laser to reshape the cornea so that light is properly focused onto the retina, resulting in clearer vision.
LASIK is often chosen over other forms of refractive surgery such as PRK or wavefront-guided treatments because of its faster recovery time and high success rate. However, it may not be suitable for everyone.
2. Can you wear contacts after LASIK eye surgery?
Although LASIK significantly improves vision, some individuals may still experience residual refractive errors or changes to their visual acuity over time. Common reasons to wear contact lenses after LASIK include:
Residual refractive errors: Slight under- or overcorrections may remain after the surgical procedure.
Presbyopia: Age-related loss of near vision can develop, requiring additional vision correction.
Distance or near vision enhancement: Some people use monovision or multifocal contact lenses to optimise specific visual tasks.
Activities requiring sharper vision: Sports or professions needing enhanced distance vision might benefit from wearing contact lenses occasionally.
3. What are the best contact lens options post-LASIK?
The cornea is delicate post-surgery, so it’s vital to wait until it has fully healed before introducing contact lenses. Typically, this means waiting two to three months and attending a follow-up eye exam with your eye doctor before wearing any lenses again.
4. What are the best contact lens options post-LASIK?
Standard soft contact lenses may not always fit well on a post-LASIK corneal surface. The reshaped cornea can lead to irregularities that require specialty lenses, such as:
Rigid gas permeable lenses: These offer precise correction for irregular corneas and can improve visual acuity.
Hybrid lenses: With a rigid centre and soft skirt, these provide the clarity of RGP lenses with added comfort.
Scleral lenses: Ideal for severe irregularities or dryness, these vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, creating a tear-filled cushion.
These gas permeable lenses and other alternatives are tailored to manage vision problems caused by irregular corneal shape. Custom lens fittings are essential to ensure a good match for your unique corneal shape.
5. Can I wear coloured contact lenses after lasik surgery?
Yes, coloured contact lenses or cosmetic contact lenses can be worn post-LASIK, but only after the cornea has fully healed and with medical advice from an eye care professional. Always choose medically approved, high-quality lenses.
6. What if contact lenses cause discomfort or dryness?
Dry eyes are a common side effect after LASIK. Using oxygen-permeable lenses and hydrating eye drops can help. Scleral lenses are especially beneficial for patients dealing with dryness or irregular corneas.
7. Are there alternatives to contact lenses?
Yes. Reading glasses or distance glasses can be a simple alternative, particularly for presbyopia. For patients with more significant visual changes, a secondary enhancement procedure like PRK may be an option. Consultation with your eye doctor or a specialist in ophthalmology will determine the safest and most effective route for better vision.
FAQs
Can you wear RGP lenses after LASIK? Yes, RGP lenses are often recommended to improve visual acuity if the corneal shape has become irregular.
Are soft lenses suitable for post-LASIK wearers? Sometimes, but they may not offer a stable fit. Your optometrist can advise on suitability.
What lens is best for keratoconus post-surgery? Scleral lenses or RGP lenses are typically preferred for managing keratoconus and providing clear, stable vision.
Will I need contacts again after cataract surgery if I’ve already had LASIK? It depends on your eye health, intraocular lens choice and whether residual refractive errors remain. An eye exam will clarify this.
Can I wear glasses instead of contacts after LASIK? Yes, some post-LASIK patients prefer to wear glasses for reading or distance vision, particularly if they experience presbyopia or visual fatigue.
Is LASIK a permanent fix for vision problems? It treats specific refractive errors, but ageing, presbyopia, or eye health changes can require additional correction later on.
Life after LASIK: what’s next?
Can you wear contacts after LASIK eye surgery? While LASIK offers life-changing improvements to vision, some post-LASIK patients may benefit from specialised contact lenses to fine-tune their sight or support eye health. From hybrid lenses to scleral and RGP lenses, there are plenty of options tailored to post-LASIK corneas. As always, speak to an optometrist or eye surgeon for personalised medical advice and the best contact lens options for your needs. Even after vision correction surgery, maintaining regular eye care is key to achieving clear vision.