Wearing contacts before LASIK?

I had a consult for Lasik surgery 5 or 6 years ago, and at the time I was told I couldn't wear my contacts during the 3 weeks before surgery, which was why I never went through with it. I can't stand to wear my glasses for more than a few hours. Has anything changed?

2 answers to “Wearing contacts before LASIK?”

A: You must give up contacts before LASIK

Jon Dishler, MD

Contact lenses often cause what is called "spectacle blur."  This means that the contacts make your glasses not exactly correct due to the swelling or distortion of the shape of your eye which can affect the readings doctors take of your eyeglass prescription. The laser must be programmed with... more

A: Contacts before LASIK

Steven Dell, MD

Unfortunately, the protocols are similar today. Even though the contact lenses are much better today they can still alter your corneal shape and thickness. If measurements are taken when you have not been out of lenses for several weeks, this can lead to an inaccurate surgery. This is a risk that neither you... more

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