can you wear contacts 10 years after lasik? Let’s Break It Down
Hey there, fellow vision enthusiasts! Let’s tackle a question we hear a lot at Liberty Laser Eye Center in Vienna, Virginia: “Can I still rock contact lenses a decade after LASIK?” Maybe you’re craving a break from glasses, want to try colored lenses for a concert, or just miss the convenience. Whatever the reason, we’ve got your back. Spoiler: The answer isn’t a simple yes or no—but don’t worry, we’ll make this as clear as your post-LASIK vision.
Wait… Why Would You Want Contacts After LASIK?
First, let’s address the elephant in the room. Why would someone shell out cash for laser eye surgery only to revisit contacts years later? Turns out, life happens. Maybe you’ve developed presbyopia (hello, reading menus at arm’s length) or your astigmatism decided to throw a curveball. Or perhaps you’re just feeling nostalgic for the days of neon-green cat-eye contacts. (No judgment here.)
At Liberty Laser Eye Center, we’ve seen it all. While LASIK has a success rate north of 96%, eyes change over time. Aging, hormonal shifts, or even that one year you forgot your annual eye exam can tweak your vision Needs. Contacts might be a handy backup—or a fun accessory.
The Big Question: Is It Safe to Wear Contacts Post-LASIK?
Short answer: Usually, yes! But let’s get into the weeds.
Your Cornea’s New Shape Matters
LASIK reshapes your cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. After surgery, your cornea isn’t the same as it was pre-LASIK. Contacts need to sit smoothly on this new surface. If your corneas healed evenly (thanks to fancy tech like wavefront analysis or topography-guided LASIK), standard contacts might work. If not? You may need custom lenses.
Pro tip: Swing by our clinic in Washington DC’s backyard for a corneal check. We’ll map your eye’s surface faster than you can say, “Is there a best LASIK surgeon near me?”
Dry Eyes: The Ultimate Party Pooper
Dry eye treatment
is our bread and butter post-LASIK. Some folks experience dryness for months (or even years) after surgery. Contacts can aggravate this, especially if you’re already reaching for eye drops like they’re candy. If dryness is your nemesis, we might recommend advanced PRK surgery for future corrections—or steer you toward specialty lenses.
Contacts 101: Which Types Work Best Post-LASIK?
Not all contacts are created equal. Here’s the lowdown:
- Soft Daily Disposables: Great for occasional use. They’re breathable and minimize dryness.
- Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: Ideal for irregular corneas (looking at you, keratoconus warriors). They provide sharper vision but need a break-in period.
- Hybrid Lenses: Mix the comfort of soft lenses with the clarity of RGPs. Perfect for post-LASIK corneas that are… let’s say, “quirky.”
- Scleral Lenses: These vault over the cornea, which is golden if you’ve had complications like corneal haze.
FYI
: We keep all these options at Liberty Laser Eye Center. Because why settle for “meh” when you can have “heck yes”?
But First, Let’s Talk Follow-Ups
Before you raid the contact aisle at Target, please book a checkup. Your Lasik doctors (hey, that’s us!) need to confirm your eyes are contact-ready. We’ll check for:
- Corneal stability (no, “winging it” isn’t a medical strategy)
- Residual refractive errors (translation: leftover nearsightedness or farsightedness)
- Dry eye severity (because nobody wants a lens stuck to their eyeball)
Fun fact: We’ve got reviews from patients who’ve successfully worn contacts 15+ years post-LASIK. It’s doable—with the right guidance.
Alternatives to Contacts: Because Options Are Cool
Not jazzed about contacts? Let’s brainstorm:
- PresbyLASIK Surgery: Fixes age-related blurry near vision. Perfect if you’re tired of cheaters.
- Corneal Cross-Linking: For those with thinning corneas. It’s like giving your eyes a tiny suit of armor.
- Enhancement Surgery: If your vision has drifted, a quick LASIK touch-up might do the trick.
IMO
, enhancements are clutch if you’re craving that “20/20 high” again. And yes, we offer affordable payment plans because your wallet deserves love too.
Your Burning Questions—Answered
1. How Long After LASIK Can I Try Contacts?
Wait at least 3–6 months. Your corneas need time to heal fully. We’ll greenlight contacts once your LASIK recovery is rock-solid.
2. Will Contacts Ruin My LASIK Results?
Nope! Contacts sit on the cornea’s surface, while LASIK reshapes deeper tissue. Just keep those lenses clean—Pseudomonas isn’t a vibe.
3. What If My Prescription Changed?
Welcome to the club. We’ll tweak your contact prescription or discuss eye surgery types like topography-guided LASIK for a more permanent fix.
4. Are Contacts Uncomfortable Post-LASIK?
They can be if you have dryness or irregular healing. But with custom fits and dry eye treatment, comfort is totally achievable.
The Bottom Line? Let’s Keep It Real
a decade after LASIK isn’t just possible—it’s pretty common. But skip the DIY approach. Your eyes are too precious for guesswork.
At Liberty Laser Eye Center in Vienna, Virginia, we blend cutting-edge tech (looking at you, wavefront analysis) with a “no-sales-pitch” vibe. Whether you’re exploring contacts, curious about LASIK cost, or just need a corneal cross-linking pep talk, we’re here.
So… Ready to See What’s Next?
Hit us up for a consult. We’re your nearest LASIK nerds, and we’d love to geek out over your eye goals. Because 10 years post-LASIK? You’ve earned options. Let’s make sure they’re awesome.
Quick Comparison: Post-LASIK Contact Lens Options
| Lens Type | Best For | Comfort Level | Cost (Monthly) |
|———–|———-|————–|—————-|
| Soft Daily | Occasional use, low dryness | High | $30–$50 |
| RGP | Irregular corneas, sharp vision | Moderate (after adjustment) | $50–$100 |
| Hybrid | Balance of comfort/clarity | High | $70–$120 |
| Scleral | Severe dryness/irregularities | High | $100–$200 |
Final Thought
Your eyes aren’t stuck with one forever solution. LASIK, contacts, hybrids—they’re all tools in your vision toolbox. And hey, if you’re near Washington DC, pop by Liberty Laser Eye Center. We’ll help you pick the right tool… and maybe crack a joke about that time we all thought rimless glasses were cool. (They weren’t. Let’s move on.)
Related Articles
People Also Ask
Most patients enjoy stable, clear vision for a decade or more after a successful LASIK procedure. The primary long-term effect is not regression of the initial correction, but the natural, age-related changes that affect all eyes, such as presbyopia (the need for reading glasses) which typically begins in the mid-40s. Some individuals may experience a very gradual, minor shift in their prescription over many years. Maintaining excellent eye health with regular comprehensive eye exams is crucial to monitor for any changes and address conditions like dry eye, which can sometimes persist. For a detailed financial and health perspective on long-term outcomes, see our internal analysis, The Cost-Benefit Analysis Of LASIK Over 20 Years.
It is not uncommon for some patients to experience vision changes, including blurriness, a decade after LASIK. The most frequent cause is a natural, age-related condition called presbyopia, which affects the eye's ability to focus on near objects and typically begins around age 40. Other potential reasons include a minor regression of the initial corneal correction or the development of cataracts. These changes are generally not a failure of the LASIK procedure itself but a normal part of the eye's aging process. A comprehensive eye exam is essential to determine the exact cause. For more on the long-term stability of vision correction, see our internal article How Long Does Lasik Last? Read More Here.
For individuals who have had LASIK, standard contact lenses are often not suitable due to the altered corneal shape post-surgery. Specialized lenses are typically required. Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are frequently recommended because they maintain their shape on the eye, creating a new smooth optical surface over the irregular cornea, which can correct residual refractive errors and improve vision quality. For some patients, hybrid lenses (with a rigid center and soft skirt) or specially designed soft toric lenses for irregular astigmatism may be options. A comprehensive evaluation by an eye care professional is essential to determine the best lens type based on the individual's specific corneal topography and visual needs post-LASIK.
Yes, it is often possible to have a LASIK enhancement procedure, even 20 years after your initial surgery. The primary determining factor is whether you have sufficient corneal thickness and healthy eye structure to safely accommodate a second treatment. As we age, presbyopia (the need for reading glasses) typically develops, which LASIK does not correct. A comprehensive evaluation with an ophthalmologist is essential. They will assess your corneal thickness, current prescription stability, overall eye health, and rule out conditions like cataracts, which are a more common age-related concern. The technology has advanced significantly in two decades, and your surgeon will determine if a LASIK touch-up, PRK, or another vision correction option is most suitable for your specific situation.
Patients who have undergone LASIK surgery often inquire about wearing colored contact lenses. Generally, it is permissible to wear colored lenses after LASIK, but only after the eyes have fully healed and with explicit approval from your ophthalmologist. This typically requires waiting several months post-surgery to ensure the corneal flap has stabilized and your prescription has settled. It is crucial to use high-quality, properly fitted lenses to avoid complications like corneal abrasions, infections, or dry eye exacerbation. Always follow professional guidance for lens care and wearing schedules. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor eye health and ensure the safe use of any contact lens after a refractive procedure.
Patients who have undergone LASIK surgery and later need vision correction for presbyopia or residual refractive errors have several contact lens options. For those with good corneal health post-LASIK, soft toric lenses can correct residual astigmatism, while multifocal soft lenses address age-related near vision loss. However, due to the altered corneal shape, some patients find better comfort and vision with rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. These provide a smooth, regular optical surface that can significantly improve visual quality. A specialty option is the scleral lens, which vaults over the irregular cornea entirely, offering exceptional comfort and stability. The best choice depends entirely on a comprehensive post-LASIK evaluation by an eye care professional who can assess corneal topography and tear film health. Custom-designed lenses are often required to achieve optimal fit and vision.
