Why You Should Stop Wearing Contacts Before LASIK

If you are considering LASIK, preparing for your consultation is an important part of the evaluation process. One of the most common instructions given before a LASIK assessment is to stop wearing contact lenses for a period of time. This recommendation is based on how contact lenses interact with the cornea and how accurate measurements guide refractive surgery planning. 

At Schwartz Laser Eye Center, serving Scottsdale, Glendale, and Mesa, AZ, our talented eye doctors rely on precise diagnostic data to determine candidacy and create individualized treatment plans.

How Contact Lenses Affect the Cornea

Contact lenses rest directly on the surface of your cornea. Over time, this contact can temporarily alter your cornea’s natural shape and curvature, particularly with rigid gas permeable or extended-wear lenses. Even soft contact lenses can influence corneal measurements by applying subtle pressure to the corneal surface.

Because LASIK reshapes the cornea based on its natural shape, any temporary distortion may affect the accuracy of preoperative testing. For this reason, discontinuing contact lens use allows your cornea to return to its baseline shape before measurements are taken.

Why Accurate Measurements Matter

Before LASIK, detailed diagnostic testing is performed to evaluate your eyes’ corneal thickness, curvature, and overall optical quality. These measurements guide every aspect of surgical planning, from determining candidacy to programming the laser. If contact lenses are worn too close to the evaluation, the data collected may not reflect the cornea’s true anatomy.

Allowing time without contact lenses helps ensure that corneal topography and wavefront measurements are consistent and reliable. This supports accurate planning and helps our clinical team determine whether LASIK or another refractive procedure is most appropriate.

Recommended Time without Contacts

The time required to stop wearing contact lenses varies depending on the type of lenses used. Soft contact lenses typically require a shorter discontinuation period, whereas rigid gas-permeable lenses may require a longer discontinuation period. During your initial consultation, the clinical team at Schwartz Laser Eye Center will provide specific guidance based on your lens type and wearing history.

Following these instructions helps ensure your evaluation yields stable, natural corneal measurements.

Supporting a Comprehensive LASIK Evaluation

Stopping contact lens use before LASIK is not a procedural requirement but rather an essential step in the diagnostic process. By allowing your cornea to stabilize, the ophthalmologists and optometrists at Schwartz Laser Eye Center can perform a thorough assessment and determine whether LASIK, PRK, EVO+ ICL, or another option aligns with your ocular anatomy and vision goals.

If you are considering LASIK, a comprehensive evaluation is the first step. Contact Schwartz Laser Eye Center in Scottsdale, Glendale, and Mesa, AZ, at (480) 483-3937 to schedule a refractive surgery consultation and receive individualized guidance on preparing for your visit.