The ideal result following LASIK surgery is that you no longer need contact lenses to see. Unfortunately, there are some instances in which eye contacts are still necessary. If you are having vision problems following surgery or your optometrist has recommended contacts, here is what you need to know.
Why Do You Need Contacts?
LASIK surgery is designed to reshape the cornea so that light that enters into the eye is properly focused on your retina. The result is usually clearer vision that no longer requires corrective lenses. However, if there are complications, you might have to still wear contacts after the surgery.
Complications can occur for a number of reasons, including issues with how your eyes heal following the surgery. Depending on the severity of the complication, treatment might be necessary. In many instances, treatment can involve performing the surgery again to correct the issues.
Whether or not the procedure is possible again depends on your eye's condition. If your eye doctor feels that your eyes cannot handle another procedure, contacts can be used.
Can You Wear Soft Contacts?
If you have worn contacts in the past, chances are they were soft lenses. Soft lenses are often seen as more comfortable and convenient because you can toss them after a certain period of time for a fresh pair.
Unfortunately, due to the changes that were made to your eye during LASIK procedure, it is possible you will not be able to wear soft lenses. Your eye doctor could recommend the use of rigid lenses instead. It might be possible to wear a hybrid contact lens that has a rigid center and a soft edge. Whether or not this is possible depends on the curvature of your eye.
What Can You Do?
One of the first steps you have to take is determining whether or not you want to wear contact lenses. Eyeglasses are still an option available to you. If you do decide to proceed with the contacts, you need to find an eye doctor who is familiar with fitting hard-to-fit patients.
The changes to your eyes mean that your doctor will have to custom order your lenses and it could take more than one fitting to find the pair that is right for you.
If you are unsure of whether or not you want to wear the contacts, your eye doctor can provide you with invaluable information that is specific to your particular situation.
Share6 July 2016
Hi, I'm Deena, and as I neared middle age, I noticed that my eyesight wasn't as good as it used to be. I first started out needing reading glasses to read the small print in magazines, and then a few months later, I had to put them on to see the computer screen clearly. I knew by then that my eyes were getting worse and that I needed to do something quickly. I made an appointment with the optometrist and the doctor gave me an eye exam. Even though my sight wasn't as bad as I had feared, I still needed prescription glasses. I love my new glasses because I can actually see now. I have put together a lot of information about eye problems, eye tests and even various types of eye wear so that others don't wait as long as I did to see the eye doctor.