How Long To Stay Out Of Contacts Before Lasik?

Why Can’t I Wear Contact Lenses Prior to LASIK? - Minnesota Eye Consultants

If you are considering LASIK or other vision correction procedure, then understanding the length of time you should refrain from wearing contacts is imperative. In this blog post, you will learn why it is important to give your eyes a break from contacts before your procedure and how long you should stay out of contacts prior to LASIK.

What is LASIK?

LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis, is a common refractive surgery procedure that can be used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism to improve your vision. The typical procedure is completed in about 25 minutes and is non-invasive. It includes a simple vision test, numbing drops, reshaping of the cornea, and recovery following the procedure.

Why Should Avoid Contacts Before LASIK?

Your doctor may recommend that you avoid contact lenses prior to LASIK because contact lenses can affect the shape of your cornea. The cornea must remain in its natural shape before the procedure in order to achieve the best outcome. Wearing contact lenses can cause swelling and distortions that could affect the accuracy of the procedure and your results.

It is important to listen carefully to your doctor’s advice and discontinue contact lens wear before your scheduled procedure. Even if you are wearing a contact lens that is not designed for regularly prescribed wear, such as a cosmetic/colored lens, you must stop wearing it at least one week before your procedure. Disposable contact lenses must be avoided for at least fifteen days prior to your procedure.

How Long Should You Stay Out of Contacts Before LASIK?

After consulting with your doctor and stopping the use of contact lenses before your procedure, the next step is to determine the amount of time you should avoid contact lenses before your LASIK surgery.

As a general rule, your doctor will instruct you to avoid contacts for two to four weeks prior to the procedure. If you have ever had a corneal ulcer or other type of infection before, your doctor may recommend that you avoid contact lenses even longer before the procedure.

To ensure consistent results, it is important to avoid contact lenses for at least two weeks before your surgery to prevent any potential risks and get the most accurate measurements.

Tips for After Avoiding Contacts Before LASIK

Being without contact lenses can be difficult because many people rely on them for better vision. To reduce any discomfort, it is recommended that you start to get used to being without your lenses prior to the two-week mark. We suggest that you start wearing glasses instead of contacts at least two to three days before discontinuing contact lens wear completely.

Glasses may take a bit of adjustment, but they will provide the same level of clarity as contact lenses. Additionally, you can talk to your doctor about ordering trial contacts that can be worn without any permanent change.

Conclusion

Understanding how long to stay out of contacts before LASIK is essential for a successful refractive surgery procedure. Though it is important to stop contact lenses prior to the surgery, it is recommended that the lenses be avoided for two to four weeks before the procedure. After the lenses have been taken out, it is helpful to transition into wearing glasses in order to get used to not wearing any contact lenses. Overall, it is best to listen to your doctor and follow their instructions in order to ensure the best results from your LASIK procedure.