Can I Wear Contact Lenses After LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK eye surgery is popular among people who want to improve common refractive errors and see more clearly. Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley uses top instrumentation and technology to perform our advanced procedures.

Many who undergo vision correction wonder if they still need glasses or contact lenses afterward. Our skilled ophthalmic surgeons work with each patient to ensure the best possible results, whether that means using contacts only in certain situations or not at all. Call our office near Los Angeles, CA to schedule a consultation and determine if you are eligible for LASIK.

Who is a candidate for LASIK?

Candidates for LASIK must meet certain criteria to ensure the success and safety of the procedure. These include:

• Age: Patients must be at least 18 years old to qualify for LASIK eye surgery. This is because our eyes continue to develop and change into adulthood.

• Eye health: Some medical conditions can affect the success of LASIK. Be sure to tell your doctor about any current eye diseases, like glaucoma or cataracts or family history of keratoconus or a history of any connective tissue disease that you may have.

• Corneal thickness: Thin corneas may alter the healing of the cornea after the correction and could lead to poor results. OAV can determine the thickness of your corneas during an assessment.

Will I need contacts after LASIK?

Almost all patients at OAV find that their vision is so clear after LASIK that they no longer need corrective lenses.

However, some people may need glasses or contacts for specific activities. This is because each person’s eyes are different and respond to surgery differently. Vision correction procedures also do not prevent age-related vision changes in the eyes over time. This condition is known as presbyopia.

Here are examples of situations where you might need prescription eyewear after laser surgery in Los Angeles, CA:

• Reading: Very small print could still be difficult to read even after vision correction. Older patients with presbyopia may need reading glasses.

• Driving at night: The light from headlights and street lamps can be more intense than normal daylight. Some prescription lenses have an anti-glare coating that improves nighttime driving.

• Sports: Laser surgery can improve your vision for many activities. However, some contact lens wearers find that they have an edge in sports, like baseball, football, and hockey.

When will I know if I need prescription lenses after LASIK?

The best way to determine if you need glasses or contacts after LASIK eye surgery is to meet with a skilled ophthalmologist at OAV. Our team members can perform an exam and provide an estimate about what to expect after surgery.  Only very rarely do patients require contact lens correction following their LASIK procedure.

Many patients notice enhanced vision almost immediately after laser surgery, and it may continue to improve over the following 8 – 12 weeks. Minor side effects, like blurry vision, are normal and should subside rather rapidly as healing occurs. Our staff will provide guidelines on how to care for your eyes and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. We also provide advice about wearing glasses and contact lenses if necessary.

Explore your vision correction options

When it comes to vision correction, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley is dedicated to providing each patient with the best possible outcomes no matter their needs. Our team of ophthalmologists has years of experience and advanced training in LASIK and other cutting-edge laser procedures. Call our office near Los Angeles, CA to schedule a LASIK consultation.