Can I still wear contact lenses after vision surgery?
Can I still wear contact lenses after vision surgery?
When you have myopia, you usually have two choices: glasses or surgery. Most people with mild myopia and no special needs choose glasses, which can be either frame glasses or contact lenses.
Compared to traditional eyeglasses, contact lenses outperform in correction capabilities and even excel in visual acuity. These ultra-thin lenses are designed to be completely invisible when worn. However, proper use requires careful selection: soft lenses for daytime wear and rigid lenses for nighttime sleep, both demanding strict hygiene. Dangerous habits like rinsing with tap water or using expired disinfectants while sleeping can cause corneal suffocation – bacteria may invade, leading to redness, dryness, or even severe infections causing blindness. Additionally, daily wear time should not exceed 8 hours to prevent eye strain complications.
Meanwhile, laser surgery has been continuously refined. By simply performing a laser procedure to "refine" the eye's curvature and slightly correct its refractive error, patients can completely bid farewell to myopia glasses with fast postoperative recovery—a particularly convenient option for civil service exams or military enlistment candidates. However, this procedure isn't something you can just opt for. Comprehensive examinations are required first to verify corneal thickness meets standards, ensure healthy retina condition, and detect issues like dry eye syndrome. If the examination fails or if the cornea is too thin, doctors won't proceed without hesitation. Post-surgery recovery requires at least one week of protection: avoid water contact, refrain from rubbing eyes, and use prescribed eye drops regularly for anti-inflammatory effects and infection prevention. It's crucial to emphasize that surgery isn't a permanent solution—persistent eye strain may still lead to vision regression. Generally, it's advisable to avoid wearing contact lenses for the first year after surgery. This is because your eyes need time to readapt and adjust to their new state, while also developing proper eye care routines. Since vision recovery doesn't necessarily require contact lenses during this period, it's crucial to prioritize eye health. If you plan to wear them later, always consult your doctor for checkups and maintain good eye hygiene practices. Remember: Your eyes deserve gentle care from day one!