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Wearing Contacts After LASIK: What You Need to Know 10 Years Later

Lasik Eye Surgery | Liberty Laser Eye Center > Liberty Laser Eye and Vision Care Blog > Blog > Wearing Contacts After LASIK: What You Need to Know 10 Years Later
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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

Wearing Contacts 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.)