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Can You Wear Contacts After LASIK?

Lasik Eye Surgery | Liberty Laser Eye Center > Liberty Laser Eye and Vision Care Blog > Blog > Can You Wear Contacts After LASIK?
Contacts After LASIK
Categories Blog Posted on Author administrator Tags Clinics, Contacts After LASIK, Laser, pair, those, Wearing Contacts, your

Can You Wear Contacts After LASIK? Let’s Get Real (And Maybe a Little Sassy)

So, you’ve had LASIK—or you’re thinking about it—and now you’re wondering: “Can I still rock contact lenses post-surgery, or am I doomed to a lifetime of squinting at menus without my glasses?” First off, congrats on leveling up your eyeball game! LASIK is a game-changer, but let’s face it—sometimes life throws curveballs (or costume parties) where contacts might come in handy. Let’s break this down like we’re chatting over coffee, with zero medical jargon and a dash of humor.

Why Even Consider Contacts After LASIK?
Wait, isn’t the whole point of LASIK to ditch the contacts and glasses? Yes. But here’s the tea:

  • Life isn’t perfect. LASIK corrects common issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, but aging (thanks, presbyopia) or conditions like keratoconus might still demand some optical backup.
  • Special occasions. Maybe you want vampire-red lenses for Halloween or need ultra-sporty contacts for your marathon hobby.
  • Dry eye woes. Some folks experience dryness during LASIK recovery, and temporarily using contacts (with your surgeon’s blessing) can help.

FYI, at Liberty Laser Eye Center in Vienna, Virginia, we’ve seen it all. Our team’s motto? “Your eyes, your rules.” (But let’s make those rules safe, okay?)

Hold Up—Is It Even Safe to Wear Contacts Post-LASIK?
Short answer: Yes, but timing and fit matter. Let’s get nerdy for a sec.

When Can You Start?

  • Wait for your corneas to heal. Rushing into contacts too soon risks irritation or infection. Most Lasik doctors recommend waiting at least 2–4 weeks.
  • Get the green light first. Your surgeon will check your Lasik recovery progress during follow-ups. No sneaking into that costume party early!

What Type of Contacts Work Best?
Your cornea’s shape changes after LASIK, so standard contacts might not cut it. Options include:

  • Soft lenses (daily disposables for occasional use).
  • Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses for irregular corneas (looking at you, keratoconus warriors).
  • Scleral lenses (larger, vaulting over the cornea)—great for severe dryness or post-surgery irregularities.

Pro tip: Always get a topography-guided fitting. Fancy term, but it just means mapping your cornea’s new shape for a perfect fit.

“But Wait—I Thought LASIK Was Permanent!”
Oh, it is—for most people. Lasik eye surgery has a success rate of around 96%, but biology loves curveballs. Here’s why you might still need contacts:

  1. Presbyopia hits (aka “Where did my arm length go?”). PresbyLASIK Surgery or monovision LASIK can help, but some prefer reading glasses or multifocal contacts.
  2. Regression. Rare, but possible. Blame aging, hormones, or your eyeballs being stubborn.
  3. New eye conditions. Keratoconus or corneal thinning might require corneal cross-linking + specialty contacts.

The Dry Eye Dilemma
Dry eyes post-LASIK? Join the club. Dry eye treatment (think artificial tears, punctal plugs) usually does the trick, but some folks use moisture-rich contacts temporarily. Just don’t make it a habit without consulting your best Lasik surgeon.

“How Do I Find Contacts That Fit Post-LASIK? (Asking for a Friend)”
Glad you asked! Here’s the cheat code:

  1. Skip the drugstore. Post-LASIK corneas are unique snowflakes. Generic lenses = discomfort city.
  2. Book a specialty contact lens exam. Clinics like ours in Washington DC use wavefront analysis and 3D mapping to nail the fit.
  3. Prioritize oxygen flow. Hybrid or silicone hydrogel lenses let your corneas breathe.

PSA: If you’re Googling “affordable Lasik eye surgeons near me,” just know—cheap isn’t always better. You’ve got one pair of eyes; treat them like VIPs.

Alternatives to Contacts: Because Maybe You’re Over It
Not thrilled about returning to contacts? We feel you. Here are Plan B options:

  • Advanced PRK Surgery: A laser reshapes your cornea’s surface—ideal for thin corneas.
  • Topography-Guided LASIK: Customized treatment for tricky corneas.
  • Reading glasses: Embrace the “distinguished academic” vibe.

And hey, if you’re in Northern Virginia, swing by Liberty Laser Eye Center for a post-LASIK annual eye exam. We’ll keep your peepers in check.

FAQ Zone: Burning Questions, Straight Answers

Q: How soon after LASIK can I wear contacts?
A: Most surgeons say 2–4 weeks, but always wait for their approval. No exceptions.

Q: Will contacts affect my LASIK results?
A: Nope—if fitted correctly. Ill-fitting lenses can cause irritation, though.

Q: Are contacts comfortable post-LASIK?
A: With a custom fit? Absolutely. With old lenses? Prepare for a “nope” fest.

Q: What if I need LASIK again?
A: Enhancements are possible, but discuss options like PresbyLASIK or Advanced PRK with your surgeon.

The Takeaway (With a Side of Sass)
Can you wear contacts after LASIK? Yes—but let’s do it right. Ditch the DIY approach, partner with your surgeon, and invest in a pro fitting. And if you’re near Washington DC, remember: Liberty Laser Eye Center in Vienna, Virginia, has your back (and your corneas).

Still debating LASIK? Check out our reviews or compare Lasik eye surgery types over a consultation. Because life’s too short for blurry selfies. 😉

TL;DR Table: Contacts After LASIK—Key Facts

Factor Details
Timing Wait 2–4 weeks post-surgery; get surgeon approval.
Lens Type Soft, RGP, or scleral lenses (custom-fit!).
Fit Requires topography-guided mapping.
Comfort Achievable with proper hydration and fit.
Alternatives Advanced PRK, reading glasses, or embrace your 20/20 freedom.

Ready to ditch the hassle? Contact Liberty Laser Eye Center—your nearest experts in making blurry vision ancient history. Let’s chat!