Can I Continue Wearing Contacts Before My LASIK Surgery?

Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are common refractive errors that compromise your vision. You have to wear prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses just to navigate the world safely and easily.

Although some may enjoy the fashion aspect of glasses, most would prefer to inhabit a sharp and in-focus world at all times. LASIK eye surgery presents a safe and effective solution.

LASIK, short for laser in situ keratomileusis, is an extremely popular vision-corrective procedure. It has been used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism since the 1990s. Millions of patients no longer need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses because of this incredible treatment.

The reason for LASIK’s popularity lies in its effectiveness, efficiency, and safety. The treatment is known for being quick and providing long-lasting results.

Custom Bladeless LASIK, as offered by Clearview Vision Institute, delivers even more precise results and better visual outcomes than traditional LASIK. Our surgeons use a femtosecond laser to reshape the cornea instead of a blade.

As a result, we can create a thinner corneal flap, personalized to your eye and vision needs. This reduces the risk of flap-related complications and allows us to correct refractive errors to a higher degree.

Through Custom Bladeless LASIK eye surgery, you can stop relying on prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses to get through the day. You might be surprised just how many aspects of your life improve. Not only will your vision be significantly sharper, but you can also expect better optical balance and no more blurriness.

Of course, you are also free from annoying experiences like misplacing your glasses, eye irritation from contact lenses, and running out of contact lens fluid at inopportune times.

To help ensure that your surgery and recovery are successful, you must follow the instructions provided by your surgeon. Patients must stop wearing contact lenses for at least 1–3 weeks before their LASIK procedure. The exact amount of time depends on the type of contacts that you normally wear.

This blog explains why this pre-operative step is necessary for LASIK patients who wear contact lenses. We also provide additional information for those considering or preparing for LASIK eye surgery at Clearview Vision Institute.

Will LASIK eye surgery fix my eyesight?

Yes—LASIK eye surgery is one of the most effective treatments for vision correction. It treats refractive errors like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea. This allows light to focus properly on the retina, resulting in clearer and sharper vision without needing prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses.

LASIK is a permanent vision-correction procedure. After this procedure, you can stop wearing your prescription glasses and contact lenses. You’ll be able to enjoy clear vision without the hassle.

Most patients do not require touch-ups for LASIK either. However, it’s still important to have regular eye examinations every one to two years to make sure your eyes are healthy.

How Laser Eye Surgery Works

Traditional LASIK surgery uses a microkeratome (a mechanical blade) to create a corneal flap. Although this process is generally safe and effective, it comes with a higher risk of flap-related complications due to variations in flap thickness and shape.

Custom Bladeless LASIK uses advanced laser technology to reshape the cornea with higher precision. With the femtosecond laser, surgeons can create a higher-quality flap. The thickness of the corneal flap is consistent and predictable.

Additionally, the thickness, shape, and other variables are easily customized for a more personalized approach. Not only does this address your unique needs, but it also lowers the risk of a wide array of complications common in other LASIK procedures.

Once the hinged corneal flap is created using the laser, the surgeon uses another laser to reshape the cornea. Then, the flap is placed back onto the corneal bed. By reshaping the cornea precisely, it corrects the refractive error that was causing your poor vision.

The procedure is usually completed in 30 minutes or less. Many patients begin to notice significant vision improvements within 24 to 48 hours, although it may take several weeks for your vision to stabilize fully.

Preparing for LASIK Eye Surgery

Proper preparation helps ensure optimal results and a smooth recovery. Consequently, it’s very important that you follow the instructions provided by your surgical team. These include the following:

• Stop wearing contact lenses. You must stop wearing contact lenses for a prescribed period before the surgery. Contact lenses can distort the shape of the front surface of the eye, so your eye will need time to return to its natural shape.
• Skip the eye makeup. Do not use eye makeup, face creams, or lotions on the day before or after LASIK treatment. The particles from these products can lead to eye irritation and increase your risk of infection.
• Do not use products containing fragrances or alcohol. Perfume, hairspray, aftershave, and mousse should all be avoided on the day of your LASIK surgery.
• Shower in the morning. A clean face (and clean eyelashes) are best on the day of your LASIK eye surgery. Removing potential contaminants from your face and eyes lessens your risk of infection.

How long will I need to stop wearing my contacts prior to LASIK surgery?

As mentioned earlier, before your LASIK surgery, you will need to stop wearing your contact lenses for at least 1–3 weeks. Patients who wear hard contact lenses are advised to stop wearing them for up to one month for every decade.

However, if you’re still uncertain, you can consult your doctor or eye surgeon. During your preoperative eye exam appointment and/or LASIK consultation, they will conduct a thorough examination and give detailed instructions on when you should stop wearing them.

How else should I prepare for LASIK eye surgery?

During your preoperative appointment, your doctor will provide you with thorough instructions on how to prepare for your LASIK eye surgery, including listing any medications or activities that should be avoided before the procedure. It is important to arrange transportation to and from your LASIK appointment, as you cannot drive immediately after your surgery.

Furthermore, on the morning of your LASIK procedure, it is strongly advised to shower and wash your hair, as you will be unable to get any water directly in your eyes after treatment (washing the hair greatly increases the risk of exposing the eyes to water).

In addition, you should eat something filling to avoid hunger after your treatment. Also, plan to wear something comfortable and ideally loose-fitting to your procedure so you can get straight into bed for rest upon returning home.

Finally, in the days leading up to your LASIK eye surgery, prepare your meals for convenient access during your recovery, as you will be unable to do any safe food prep or cooking with blurry eyesight. Also, be sure to get lots of rest, and try to eat a healthy diet to help ensure that your body is in the best possible condition for the procedure.

Work With Your Doctor to Ensure the Best Outcome

Your doctor’s priority is a safe and successful surgery that leads to a swift recovery without any complications. Their expertise and knowledge are invaluable. However, you also have an important part to play.

It is absolutely critical that you are honest with your doctor about your medical history, your family’s medical history, and any past eye-related issues. Do not omit any ocular or medical issues, medications, or allergies.

Your doctor needs to have a complete picture of your past and current health to provide a proper diagnosis. This also allows us to create a personalized treatment plan that accurately addresses your unique situation and vision goals.

Following your diagnosis, your doctor provides instructions for preoperative steps and postoperative care. You must follow each instruction carefully and without fail to ensure complete success.

By diligently following all the preoperative instructions provided by your LASIK doctor, including adhering to the cessation of wearing contact lenses for a specific time frame prior to your scheduled procedure, you will be helping to ensure the likelihood of a successful LASIK procedure. This will result in the long-term vision correction that you desire and deserve.

Contact Clearview Vision Institute Today

Are you considering LASIK eye surgery in Toronto? We applaud this decision and are here to answer any questions you may have about it during your consultation.

To book an appointment, call Clearview Vision Institute at 647-493-6371 or contact us here.