Contact lenses following laser eye surgery

Laser eye surgery, also known as refractive surgery, is a collective term for procedures in which an ophthalmologist uses a laser to reshape the cornea in order to reduce or correct the need for spectacles. Well-known techniques include LASIK, PRK and SMILE. Following such treatment, many people require fewer glasses or none at all.

However, you may find that you want or need to wear contact lenses again after laser treatment. There can be various reasons for this: a residual prescription, presbyopia that develops later on, or specific symptoms such as dryness or reduced night vision. Furthermore, the cornea may have a slightly different shape after laser treatment, meaning that not every lens will fit as well as before.

Contact lenses following laser eye surgery are standard contact lenses, but the fit and type are adjusted by your optician or contact lens specialist to suit the new shape of your cornea. Sometimes soft lenses are suitable, whilst at other times rigid or scleral lenses are recommended, depending on the situation.

When can you wear contact lenses after laser eye surgery?

Not everyone who has had laser eye surgery will still need contact lenses afterwards. However, in a number of situations, it may be useful or necessary:

• Residual prescription: sometimes a small prescription remains after laser treatment, or your eyesight may change over time.
• Age-related long-sightedness: around the age of 45, most people start to experience presbyopia, which makes it harder to see things up close. Even after laser eye surgery, you will often still need reading glasses or multifocal lenses.
• Irregular cornea: in some people, the cornea is not completely smooth after laser treatment, which can lead to reduced vision or halos. Rigid gas-permeable lenses or scleral lenses can help in such cases.
• Dryness or comfort: after laser eye surgery, some people experience dry eyes. With the right lenses and care, some people can still wear them comfortably; your optician will assess what suits your eyes best.

Which type of lens is right for you?

The choice depends on the condition of your cornea and your preferences. Your optician or contact lens specialist will measure the shape of your cornea and determine which type fits best:

• Soft lenses: if your cornea is regular and your prescription is not too strong, standard soft daily or monthly lenses may work well.
• Rigid gas-permeable lenses: for an irregular cornea or higher residual prescription, rigid gas-permeable lenses often provide a sharper correction.
• Scleral lenses: these larger, rigid lenses rest on the white of the eye and span the cornea, which can be particularly helpful in cases of corneal irregularities or dryness.

How long after laser eye surgery can you wear contact lenses?

Your ophthalmologist will advise you when your cornea has healed sufficiently for you to wear lenses again. This varies depending on the type of procedure: after LASIK it usually takes a few weeks, whilst after PRK it may take longer. Always follow your optometrist’s advice and have your lenses fitted by an optician or contact lens specialist who has experience with laser-treated eyes.

Care and comfort

After laser eye surgery, your eyes may be more prone to dryness. You should therefore use a lens solution suitable for sensitive eyes and rinse your lenses thoroughly before inserting them. There are moisturising eye drops designed for use whilst wearing lenses; the packaging will state whether this applies to your lenses. If you experience irritation or blurred vision, please contact your optician or ophthalmologist.