Corrective Contact Lens after LASIK

The aim of LASIK surgery is to reshape the cornea in an attempt to improve a patients vision. However perfect 20/20 vision is not guaranteed with every LASIk procedure. Besides poor vision some patients may experience the complications of LASIK surgery, such as headaches, eyestrain and night visual disturbances. A repeat enhancement procedure is suggested as a way to remedy these complications but it is not always the best solution and it may not suit all patients. Contact lenses may be used as an alternative to repeating the procedure especially in patients who may have a thin cornea, may not want the risk of further complications, cannot afford another LASIK procedures and have other eye or vision problems which cannot be treated with LASIK surgery.

Types of Contact Lens after LASIK

You need to take into account that LASIK surgery changes the surface of the cornea and as a result you need to take special care when choosing the appropriate contact lenses. Due to the irregular corneal surface, soft contact lenses cannot be used as they adhere to the cornea and do not provide the desired effect. Gas permeable contact lenses are recommended as they provide the necessary optical correction required to improve a patients vision. They are rigid lenses that adequately adhere to the irregular surfaces of the cornea and maintain the lens shape.

Hybrid & Sclera Contact Lens for LASIK Patients

For many years gas permeable contact lenses have been used to correct post-LASIK visual complications and developments in this regard has given rise to highly specialized contact lenses for LASIK patients. The two options available are the sclera contact lens and the hybrid contact lens.
Sclera contact lenses are very comfortable and there is a special liquid that fills the space between the front of the cornea and the back surface of the lens. This ensures a good fit although the cornea has an irregular shape and helps with dry eyes as well.
Hybrid contact lenses have a highly permeable oxygen central area, they are designed to provide a stable fit over the irregular corneal surface and are also comfortable to wear.

Cosmetic Tinted & Color Contact Lens after LASIK

For patients that have had successful LASIK surgery, tinted contact lenses can be safely used for cosmetic purpose. The irregular corneal surface must be taken into consideration when choosing the type of lenses used and you should seek advice from your opthamologist or optometrist before continuing with tinted contact lens. Your previous pair of colored contact lens which you used before LASIK will obviously not be suitable after you undergo the LASIK procedure and you will have to invest in new lenses.

Your needs as a patient must be taken into consideration before the correct pair of contact lenses are chosen, this will depend on the complications you are experiencing and the extent of your visual problems. Contact lenses improve a patient’s vision and may decrease the complications of LASIK surgery, greatly improving a patient’s quality of life.