Can You Get LASIK If You Wear Lenses? Everything You Need to Know
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is an eye surgery which has been a revolution in the eye care world, serving as a wonderful option for people willing to get rid of spectacles and lenses forever. It is a procedure used to reshape the corneal lining of the eyes, changes in which lead to vision problems. The inability of the eye to focus light on the retina causes different vision troubles such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, which hamper normal vision.
But if you are a regular contact lens wearer, your eye doctor may advise you to stop using them for a certain period before your LASIK surgery. Several aspects come into the picture when LASIK is involved, which will be explored in this piece.
LASIK and Contact Lenses – What’s the Connection?
Contact lenses remain in physical contact with the surface of the eyes. When worn on a regular basis, they can alter the natural shape of the cornea. LASIK, as mentioned above, focuses on reshaping the cornea to correct the vision. Now, since contact lenses form a physical contact with the surface of the eyes, inaccurate measurements and suboptimal outcomes may be there, leading to overcorrection or undercorrection when worn very near to the surgery.
There are two types of contact lenses usually worn by people across the world:
Soft contact lenses
Soft contact lenses are the ones responsible for mild warping of the cornea layer. They are known to cause issues of dryness when used for prolonged periods of time. They are snug and can fit on the curvature of the eye.
Hard contact lenses
Hard contact lenses have higher chances of shaping the cornea as they sit directly on the top of the cornea layer without conforming to its shape. As a result, it takes longer for eyes to return to their natural form after use of such lenses.
Can You Still Be Eligible for LASIK If You’ve Worn Lenses for Years?
LASIK is a wonderful option for people looking to permanently resolve the problems of vision correction. It helps in avoiding the hassle of wearing, storing, and dealing with dry eyes due to contact lenses. However, it is crucial to understand that LASIK is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. There are several factors that are determined before ophthalmologists suggest LASIK.
- A general eye health checkup is used by doctors to evaluate signs of infections, inflammation, scarring, and eye diseases.
- Prolonged use of contact lenses can cause microscopic damage to the cornea, leading to abnormal growth of blood vessels and a reduction in oxygen supply. To understand the corneal tissue health, corneal thickness is measured.
- Lenses can temporarily warp the corneal layer of the eye. To evaluate the curvature and shape of the cornea, ophthalmologists use topography mapping.
- Use of lenses for prolonged periods of time disrupts the tear film, causing dry eyes in users. To evaluate the issues of dry eyes, tear film assessment is used by doctors. Generally, surgeons recommend lubricating drops or medications prior to LASIK to help with issues of dry eyes.
- Doctors also check if the patient’s vision prescription is stable for the past 12 months with no major changes using refraction stability.
- Issues of inaccurate measurements may arise with prolonged use of contact lenses. That is why ophthalmologists recommend a waiting period or a contact lens holiday period which helps in stabilizing the corneal layer.
There is a waiting period or contact lens holiday period before the LASIK surgery in order to prepare the eyes for surgery. It differs based on the patient’s condition and the type of lens used by the patient. Here is a list to give an idea:
- For soft contact lenses, the waiting period is generally from 1 to 2 weeks before the LASIK surgery.
- For hard contact lenses, the waiting period may extend from 3 to 4 weeks before the LASIK surgery.
- Specifically for astigmatism, toric soft lenses are available, which require a waiting period of around 2 weeks.
After the waiting period is over, a comprehensive LASIK evaluation is done by surgeons to assess the health of the eyes of the patient. Usually, pre-LASIK assessment looks as follows:
- General eye health checkup to check for eye conditions and signs of inflammation or dryness
- Checking of the corneal curvature to detect any irregularities
- Using pachymetry to measure the thickness of the cornea
- Using tear film evaluation to identify and rectify symptoms of dry eyes
- Measuring the size of the pupil before surgery
- Checking the eyes for higher-order aberrations using wavefront analysis
To obtain the best LASIK results, a few tips can be helpful. These include:
- It is highly important to follow the contact lens holiday period religiously.
- Ensuring that eyes are lubricated via eye drops and medications to sustain the corneal layer.
- Adequate rest for the body and the eyes helps in reducing symptoms of dry eyes.
- It is recommended to avoid using any eye makeup or lotions before the surgery.
Post-LASIK Care for Former Contact Lens Wearers
After LASIK surgery, most patients notice improvement in vision within 24 to 48 hours of the surgery. It takes a little while to process the vision without corrective lenses. Sometimes, people also face issues of light sensitivity and dryness in the initial days after the surgery. There are several post-operative care tips that can help to protect the healing cornea and prevent any complications. These include:
- It is recommended to use either antibiotic or steroid lubricating drops to prevent dry eyes and infections.
- It is advisable to wear protective gear or eye masks to avoid accidental rubbing of the eyes.
- It is recommended to avoid direct splashing of water in the eyes, as it can cause pressure in the eyes and harm the cornea.
- It is important to limit screen time to reduce any strain and dryness in the eyes.
- As the eyes are more sensitive to irritation after the surgery, it is recommended to avoid dusty or smoky environments.
- It is also advised to avoid entering pools, lakes, or hot tubs for 2 to 4 weeks after the operation to prevent infection.
Can You Get LASIK If You Wear Lenses – Final Thoughts
LASIK surgery has been a revolution in the eye world. It has helped tons of people to avoid the hassles of contact lenses and seek a permanent solution for vision correction. With the right care, transition from contact lenses or other temporary solutions for vision correction to permanent solutions can be done.
Whether you’re considering LASIK after years of lens wear or simply exploring your options, understanding the process, preparation, and recovery is key to making an informed decision. Always consult a certified ophthalmologist to assess your eye health and determine if LASIK is the right fit for your lifestyle and vision goals.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Can I get LASIK if I wear contact lenses every day?
Yes. However, you will be asked to stop wearing contact lenses for a certain period of time before LASIK surgery by the eye doctors.
How long should I stop wearing lenses before a LASIK consultation?
The duration of not wearing lenses before LASIK consultation depends on the type of lens used. For soft contact lenses, it is recommended to stop wearing them at least one week before the surgery. On the other hand, hard lenses require a period of 2 to 4 weeks of avoidance before the surgery.
Do soft and hard lenses affect LASIK eligibility differently?
Yes. Soft lenses only temporarily affect the cornea. On the other hand, hard lenses reshape the cornea significantly more, making it take longer for the eyes to return to their natural shape.
Is LASIK safer for people who no longer want to wear contact lenses?
The LASIK surgery is considered a safe and effective option for people who are tired of using contact lenses, often feel symptoms of dry eyes, lens intolerance, and eye irritation due to contact lenses.
Will my vision prescription affect LASIK if I’ve used lenses for years?
Not necessarily. Even though hard lenses temporarily affect the shape of the eyes, it does not matter when all adequate pre- and post-LASIK surgical measures are followed.
