Can Contact Lenses Be Worn After LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK surgery is a life-changing treatment that can correct your vision by reshaping corneal tissue in the eye through a surgical laser. This groundbreaking procedure produces clearer eyesight and reduces your need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Stephen Wilmarth and the experts at Wilmarth Eye and Laser Center are proud to offer LASIK eye surgery for our patients in Roseville, CA.

There may be situations where you might still need contact lenses, although you must also understand how contact lenses can work following the laser vision correction procedure because it may not be the same for everyone.

Understanding LASIK eye surgery

The LASIK procedure focuses on adjusting the cornea to allow light to focus on the retina. The cornea requires reshaping for one’s eyesight to improve.

The laser procedure does not require any intensive measures, although it will produce a flap in the cornea to help reshape the corneal tissue. The flap is then closed once again, and it will take a few days for the flap to heal.

Why are contact lenses tough to wear after LASIK?

The reason why it is often hard to wear contact lenses after LASIK is because the lenses are intended to flex to maintain a secure shape over the eye. It becomes harder for the lens to keep its shape over the eye after LASIK because there are no parts of the eye to correct.

What lenses can work?

Our team at Wilmarth Eye and Laser Center in Roseville, CA recommends you consider gas permeable lenses if you still require contacts after your surgery. These are rigid lenses that aren’t as flexible as traditional models. Gas permeable lenses will not conform to the cornea surface. The design provides a consistent fit that will go well over the lens and will maintain its position to keep your vision under control.

What about non-prescription lenses?

Non-prescription lenses could still be used, but you’d have to ensure those lenses are rigid enough to stay on the eye. Non-prescription decorative lenses have increased in popularity because of the wide variety of colors and images that are available. These lenses are mostly used for fashion or costume-related reasons, and you should be cautious if you’re going to wear non-prescription lenses for any purpose. You can talk with Dr. Wilmarth about whatever specific lenses you want to wear to see if whatever you’re choosing is suitable for your needs. You should always use a prescription lenses to avoid injuries to your eyes.

Contact us today for LASIK eye surgery in Roseville, CA

LASIK surgery is an amazing procedure that you can benefit from, but you might have questions about how it works and what you can do afterward. You can contact board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Wilmarth and the rest of the team at Wilmarth Eye and Laser Center in Roseville, CA if you have questions about how well LASIK can work for you. Contact us online today to schedule an appointment for service.