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

Doctor's Answers 3

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.

Most patients are able to continue wearing contact lens after LASIK.

Due to changes in cornea shape following LASIK surgery, the optometrist can adjust the shape of the contact lens to permit a good fit between the contact lens and cornea.

Do remember though that the same precautions to prevent contact lens related complications like infections and allergies still apply.

Maintain good hygiene practice and moderate the duration of use. It is generally a misconception that patients undergoing LASIK have to sacrifice the option of wearing contact lens altogether.

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Dr E-Shawn Goh

Ophthalmologist

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

Yes – patients often ask this question, and in fact it is common place that post-lasik patients still love wearing colored contact lenses to give them that large-eyed “manga-doll” like look after surgery.

The same instructions about safe contact-lens use still apply. Patients are still advised to avoid over-use of contact lenses, sleeping with them in their eyes, as well as proper hygiene methods in taking care of their lenses.

If my vision deterioriates again after LASIK and my degree comes back, will I still be able to wear contact lens?

Yes – some patients do report regression of their power after Lasik, and have the option of choosing an enhancement procedure, wearing spectacles / contact lenses. Some individuals have mild regression that occurs late after surgery that fortuitously allows them to manage their presbyopia symptoms so that they do not require reading spectacles. Consult your ophthalmologist in this unlikely scenario and you can best decide your options.

As above – wearing contact lenses is still possible after Lasik, however due to the altered shape of the cornea post-Lasik, contact lenses may not fit as well, and so have a tendency to fall out especially if the eye is dry.

Similar Questions

How can I prevent blood clots on the whites of my eyes after LASIK?

Hi Susanne In the first step of the LASIK procedure, a ‘flap’ is created using a femtosecond laser (or, in the past, a special blade called a microkeratome). During this step, the laser is ‘connected’/docked to the eye with a ring-like device that grips the white part of your eye. You can watch an animation here: There are many small blood vessels on this part of the eye, and sometimes the suction pressure providing the grip may cause some of the blood vessels to leak some blood, causing red patches after the LASIK.

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What factors should I consider in deciding whether Punctal Plugs are the right treatment for my dry eyes after LASIK?

Punctal plugs are very effective for treating dry eyes that occur during waking hours, whether or not the situation is associated with LASIK. They help to reduce the need for eyedrops, so are very useful for people who have to use artificial tears very frequently eg instead of having to use the eyedrops every 2-3 hourly, sometimes after the plugs are placed, the eyedrops might only be needed every 4-6 hourly. As long as there is no active eye inflammation (eg persistent eye redness/discharge), punctal plugs can help anyone with moderate dry eyes requiring frequent eyedrop instillation.

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