Will I still be able to wear contact lens after LASIK?

Doctor's Answer

Generally speaking, yes. But first, we should bear in mind that there are a few different types of contact lenses, and if degree comes back, it could take one of several forms.

Most people wear soft contact lenses nowadays, because they are very comfortable when worn. They will conform to the shape of the eye to a great degree. After LASIK, they may still fit reasonably but there could be a higher chance of slight decentrations and rotations. This may mean that sometimes vision is not that great while wearing these lenses after LASIK. The risk is somewhat higher if there is significant astigmatism, since rotational instability of the lens, if present, would cause fluctuating vision.

Another class of contact lenses are 'rigid' or 'hard' lenses. These are not commonly used, but in rare cases of poor visual quality after LASIK these rigid lenses can restore vision more than soft lenses can, because they will maintain their regular, smooth shape above the patient's own cornea.

So yes, contact lenses of some kind can be used if necessary to restore vision after LASIK in most cases. Fortunately however, it is uncommon nowadays to see significant 'regression', or degree coming back, especially when we make sure that the spectacle power is stable before going for the LASIK surgery.

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