Yes, you can wear coloured contact lenses after LASIK surgery, but it is crucial to ensure your eyes are fully healed and to follow your doctor’s advice.
Understanding when and how to use coloured lenses safely can help maintain your vision health and prevent complications.
LASIK surgery has become a popular choice for people looking to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. While many enjoy the freedom of no longer needing prescription lenses, some individuals still wish to use coloured contact lenses for aesthetic reasons. This blog explores the safety, considerations, and steps for wearing coloured contacts post-LASIK, offering you a comprehensive guide for informed decisions.
How LASIK Surgery Changes Your Eyes?
What Happens to Your Cornea During LASIK?
LASIK reshapes the cornea to correct vision problems, which changes your cornea’s curvature and thickness. It is a precise procedure that aims to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and traditional contact lenses. However, the altered shape and sensitivity of the cornea might impact the comfort and fit of coloured contact lenses.
The cornea becomes more delicate post-surgery, which is why proper care and a waiting period are essential before introducing anything that directly touches your eyes, including coloured contacts.
Why Does Healing Take Time?
Post-LASIK healing typically takes a few weeks to months, depending on individual cases and recovery conditions. During this time, your eyes are more sensitive and prone to dryness. Using coloured contact lenses too early can irritate the eyes and disrupt the recovery process.
Full healing ensures your cornea can better tolerate lenses, minimising the risk of discomfort or complications.
Factors to Consider Before Wearing Coloured Contact Lenses
Wait Until Your Eyes Are Fully Healed
Your doctor will typically recommend waiting at least 1 to 3 months after surgery before trying coloured contact lenses. However, this timeline can vary based on how quickly your eyes heal. Wearing lenses too soon can irritate the cornea or interfere with the healing process.
Choose High-Quality Lenses
Not all coloured contact lenses are made equally. Post-LASIK eyes are more sensitive, so it’s critical to opt for high-quality lenses designed for comfort and breathability. Look for contact lenses made from silicone hydrogel or other highly breathable materials that allow sufficient oxygen to reach the cornea.
Get a Proper Fit
LASIK alters the shape of your cornea, potentially affecting how traditional lenses fit. An optometrist can measure your eyes post-surgery to ensure the coloured contact lenses fit correctly and securely.
Ill-fitting lenses can cause discomfort and even damage the cornea, so regular fittings are essential.
Risks of Wearing Coloured Contact Lenses After LASIK
Increased Sensitivity
Post-LASIK eyes are often more sensitive to foreign materials, including lenses. This heightened sensitivity can increase the risk of irritation, redness, and a reduction in overall comfort.
Risk of Dry Eyes
Dryness is a common side effect of LASIK surgery and can persist for weeks or months. Wearing coloured contacts may aggravate dryness, leading to discomfort or complications like corneal abrasions.
To manage dryness, your doctor might recommend using lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes hydrated throughout the day.
Potential for Eye Infection
Poor hygiene practices or substandard lenses can increase the risk of eye infections. Since LASIK temporarily weakens the eye’s natural defences, infections may worsen due to decreased corneal resilience.
Tips for Wearing Coloured Contact Lenses Safely
Consult Your Eye Specialist
Before trying coloured contacts, consult your ophthalmologist or optometrist. They can assess your eye health post-LASIK, determine the appropriate waiting time, and help you select suitable lenses.
Your eye care provider is your best guide to ensure optimal eye health and comfort.
Start with Limited Wear Time
When you first start using coloured contact lenses post-LASIK, limit wear time to a few hours a day. Gradually extend usage as your eyes adapt to the lenses.
Stick to a Strict Hygiene Routine
To avoid complications, follow these hygiene tips:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling lenses.
- Use a sterile lens solution to clean and store lenses.
- Sharing colored contact lenses with others is strongly discouraged, as it can increase the risk of eye infections and other complications.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses for prolonged periods, particularly overnight, to ensure optimal eye health.
Use Lubricating Drops
If dryness persists while wearing contact lenses, use preservative-free lubricating eye drops to provide comfort and moisture.
Always carry lubricating drops for quick relief wherever you go.
Replace Lenses Regularly
Coloured contact lenses have a limited lifespan. Be sure to replace them as recommended by the manufacturer or your eye doctor, whether they are daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses.
Alternatives to Coloured Contact Lenses
Tinted Glasses
If you prefer a pop of colour without the risks of lenses, tinted glasses are a great alternative. They are stylish, safe, and allow you to achieve a similar effect.
LASIK-Compatible Coloured Contacts
Some manufacturers produce coloured contact lenses designed with higher oxygen permeability and enhanced comfort to better suit post-LASIK eyes. These specialised lenses may reduce the risk of irritation and improve safety for post-surgery wearers.
Prioritise Eye Health After LASIK
Adopting coloured contact lenses after LASIK surgery is generally safe, provided you wait until your eyes have fully healed and follow the recommended precautions. Ensure you invest in high-quality lenses, maintain proper hygiene, and consult your eye care provider for personalised advice.
Your eyes deserve the best care. Take all necessary steps to protect your vision while enjoying the aesthetic benefits of coloured lenses.
FAQs About Coloured Contact Lenses After LASIK
How Soon Can I Wear Coloured Contact Lenses After LASIK?
Most doctors recommend waiting at least one to three months or until your eyes are fully healed. It is recommended to consult your ophthalmologist prior to commencing wearing one.
Are There Special Lenses for Post-LASIK Eyes?
Yes, some manufacturers offer contact lenses specifically designed for post-LASIK eyes. These lenses typically feature increased breathability and enhanced comfort to accommodate the altered corneal shape and sensitivity after surgery.
Can Coloured Lenses Affect My Surgery?
Coloured lenses will not reverse or negatively impact the results of LASIK if your eyes are fully healed and the lenses are used properly.
What If My Eyes Feel Irritated While Wearing Lenses?
Remove the lenses immediately and consult your eye doctor. Irritation may indicate improper fit, dryness, or other issues requiring attention.