How Long Before LASIK Should I Stop Wearing Contacts?

LASIK eye surgery is a transformative procedure that offers a fast and effective solution to common vision problems like hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism. And, unlike many surgical treatments, LASIK doesn’t require extensive preparation. Nonetheless, to ensure the best outcomes, there are some steps you should take ahead of your surgery. These steps are simple but important. They will play a direct role in the comfort and success of your vision correction procedure.

At 20/20 Institute, we pride ourselves on providing an inimitable LASIK experience for people living in and around Denver, Colorado. Our state-of-the-art technology and experienced eye surgeons work to ensure that you receive personalized care and attention, tailored to address your unique needs. Our commitment to your satisfaction goes beyond simple vision correction. We strive to enhance your overall quality of life by providing the safest and most effective solutions for your visual health and clarity.

If you are considering LASIK vision correction surgery, call 20/20 Institute at 303-202-0669 to schedule your FREE LASIK consultation today. We maintain offices in Downtown Denver, Englewood, and Westminster. We welcome patients from all areas of Colorado.

Why Do I Have to Stop Wearing Contact Lenses Before LASIK?

The reason you should stop wearing contact lenses in advance of your LASIK procedure is rooted in the way they interact with your cornea. Contact lenses can temporarily reshape the cornea. This reshaping, although subtle, can lead to inaccuracies in the measurements taken during the LASIK procedure—these measurements are pivotal in accurately determining your LASIK candidacy and ensuring your most optimal results.

Refraining from contact use for the appropriate amount of time is very important in attaining the most precise pre-procedure eyeglasses prescription and getting the most accurate corneal curvature measurements for your Custom LASIK treatment. The period of not wearing contacts before LASIK may also help to reduce the risk of corneal swelling and allow for a healthier eye surface at the time of surgery.

At 20/20 Institute, we are entirely committed to the health and safety of each patient we see. In preparation for your LASIK procedure, we will provide you with detailed instructions—and around-the-clock support—to help safeguard these things and ensure your eyes are ready on the day of your surgery.

When Do I Need to Stop Wearing Contacts Before LASIK?

LASIK is designed to reduce your reliance on glasses and contact lenses, but leading up to surgery, you will still need the assistance of prescription eyewear to see. At what point before LASIK should you make the switch from contact lenses to glasses? That depends—at least somewhat—on the type of contacts you wear.

If you wear soft contact lenses, you may have heard different advice for the required time you should be out of those contact lenses before your LASIK. Many National LASIK chains only ask patients to stop wearing their soft contact lenses for 1-2 days before LASIK. What National LASIK chains do not choose to publicly post is the success of their LASIK outcome results. At 20/20 Institute, we are committed to taking all the steps needed to ensure that you achieve the very best visual outcome possible from your LASIK procedure.

Our doctors recommended that you stop using soft contact lenses at least 1-2 weeks before you undergo LASIK vision correction. If you use rigid gas-permeable lenses, a longer period without them, typically 4-12 weeks, is strongly advised. During your initial LASIK evaluation, we will assess your contact usage to help you determine when it will be necessary to stop wearing your contacts. This can vary slightly from person to person, making it important to follow the advice specifically provided to you by our experienced LASIK surgeons.

Why Do I Have to Stop Wearing Contact Lenses Before LASIK?

The reason you must stop wearing contact lenses in advance of your LASIK procedure is rooted in the way they interact with your cornea. Contact lenses can temporarily reshape the cornea. This reshaping, although subtle, can lead to inaccuracies in the measurements taken during the LASIK procedure—measurements that are pivotal in ensuring optimal results. The period of not wearing contacts before LASIK may also help to reduce the risk of corneal swelling and allow for a healthier eye surface at the time of surgery.

At 20/20 Institute, we are entirely committed to the health and safety of each patient we see. In preparation for your LASIK procedure, we will provide you with detailed instructions—and around-the-clock support—to help safeguard these things and ensure your eyes are ready on the day of your surgery.

What Other Steps Should I Take In Preparation for Laser Eye Surgery?

While preparation for LASIK vision correction is far from complex or arduous, it does involve more than simply taking your contact out. Depending on your medical history, habits, and individual needs, things to consider before LASIK include:

• Medications You Are Taking. Inform your surgeon about all medications you’re currently taking. Some medications might affect the healing process, so it’s important to have a detailed discussion.
• How to Get Home After Surgery. Plan for someone to drive you home after the surgery. Your vision may be blurry, and it’s essential to have a reliable transportation plan.
• How to Reduce Infection Risks. Keep your eyes free from makeup, creams, and lotions on the day of your surgery. This will help to reduce the risk of infection. It’s also important to not wear eye makeup for 48-72 hours after your procedure.

We take every care to ensure your experience is as safe as it is rewarding, but some things are beyond our control. Adhering strictly to the preoperative guidelines from our team will help to protect your health, improve your experience, and provide the most pleasing outcomes.

Regardless of your lifestyle and habits, certain steps should be taken in preparation for LASIK eye surgery that apply to every patient. These include:

• Get a good night’s sleep before your surgery.
• Keep your body well-hydrated in the days leading up to the surgery.
• Avoid activities that strain your eyes, like prolonged screen time or reading in low light.

Lastly: If you’ve been advised to stop wearing contact lenses, make sure to wear your glasses instead of your contacts for the recommended period.

Will I Still Need Contacts After LASIK?

LASIK can provide increased freedom from prescription eyewear. It may not completely eliminate your reliance on glasses and contact lenses. However, our track record offers some hope. With our advanced technology and expert care, 99.67 percent of our patients have achieved 20/20 vision or even better*.

It is important to note that, if you still need contacts after LASIK, your prescription will be different than before the surgery. If post-LASIK adjustments are needed, they are usually much less intensive than the original prescription. At 20/20 Institute, we conduct thorough postoperative evaluations to ensure that, if you do need additional vision correction, it is precisely tailored to your new visual status. Our goal is to ensure that even if contacts are necessary, they contribute to your enhanced visual experience with comfort and clarity.

Our Commitment to Your Vision

We understand that choosing to undergo LASIK eye surgery is a significant decision. We are dedicated to providing you with the most rewarding experience possible. This starts with your FREE LASIK consultation where we will take time to listen to your concerns and desires, carefully evaluate your visual health, and make our most informed suggestions based on your specific needs.

Many of our competitors in Denver boast of performing thousands of procedures every year. Unfortunately, they lack the follow-through to publicly report the results of those procedures. As a local, independent, and doctor-owned-and-operated LASIK provider, we are extremely careful in our evaluation of LASIK candidacy.

Take a look at our patient testimonials and numerous 5-star reviews for an authentic glimpse at the high-quality care and life-changing vision improvements we provide. From your initial consultation through each of your post-surgery follow-ups, we will ensure you receive the comprehensive care you deserve. Our team is always available to answer questions and provide guidance as we work to ensure your absolute comfort and satisfaction.

Contact Us for a FREE LASIK Vision Correction Consultation

Are you ready to explore how LASIK can transform your vision? Contact 20/20 Institute online or give us a call to schedule your FREE, no-obligation LASIK vision correction consultation. We welcome the opportunity to help you determine if LASIK is the right decision for you.

20/20 Institute maintains three metro-area offices. We serve patients from Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Boulder, and all areas of the state.