Wearing contact lens before LASIK measurement. Should this be a problem?

Question

I had a Lasik consult and my measurements taken kind of spur of the moment. I rarely wear contacts, but I wore them for about 6 hours 3 days ago and 5 hours 2 days ago. Should this be a problem? I think that the person doing my consult misunderstood and thought I had only wore them for 5 hours total. Thanks

David Malitz, MD · Answer

Contact lenses can warp or alter the shape of the cornea.  For this reason, we like the patients to be out of their contacts for 1-3 days prior to the pre operative evaluation.   For RGP contacts we have the patient out for 4 or more weeks or will put them in a soft lens for several weeks and then have them out of the soft lens for 3 days.   If the measurements vary from visit to visit, we will have the patient out of their contacts until they are stable.  If you are not out of your contacts and your measurements are off, it is more likely that you will need a retreatment or "enhancement" for the best results.

Samer Hamada, MD · Answer

It is extremely important to have accurate measurements of the refractive status of the eye prior to any refractive surgery, in particular corneal shape, curvatures, and other parameters. All of which could be affected by contact lens wear.I always advise my patients to keep soft contact lenses off for 2 weeks and hard ones for one month.Please always seek medical advice directly from your specialist

Wearing contact lens before LASIK measurement. Should this be a problem?

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Wearing contact lens before LASIK measurement. Should this be a problem?

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Everything you need to know about LASIK

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.