Cataract surgery is one of the most common and effective procedures performed in the U.S., offering relief from the cloudy vision caused by cataracts. However, for individuals who wear contact lenses or are considering them post-surgery, questions about whether it’s possible to wear contacts after the procedure are common. While cataract surgery does address the cloudy lens in your eye, it’s important to understand how the process impacts your eyes, your vision, and the use of contacts.
What Happens During Cataract Surgery?
The primary goal of cataract surgery is to remove the cloudy lens in your eye and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL helps restore clear vision, eliminating the need for glasses or contacts in many cases. However, cataract surgery alters the way your eye focuses, which can affect your prescription for contact lenses.
It’s crucial to give your eye time to heal after surgery. Immediately following the procedure, your eye will need to adjust to the new lens, and the natural healing process may cause some temporary fluctuations in your vision. Only after a sufficient healing period, typically around 4 to 6 weeks, can your eye doctor assess whether contacts are an appropriate option.
Can You Wear Contacts Right After Surgery?
In most cases, wearing contact lenses immediately after cataract surgery isn’t recommended. Right after the procedure, your eye will be recovering and sensitive. The surface of your eye can take time to heal, and contact lenses could potentially irritate the eye, interfere with healing, or even increase the risk of infection.
Additionally, the prescription needed for contacts may be different after surgery. When cataracts are removed, your vision changes, and your eye doctor will want to ensure your eye has fully healed before adjusting your prescription for contacts. Wearing contacts too soon could lead to discomfort and less-than-ideal vision correction.
When Can You Start Wearing Contacts Again?
Generally, patients can start considering contact lenses about 6 to 8 weeks after cataract surgery. During this time, your eye will stabilize, and your doctor will check that the IOL is properly positioned. Your doctor will also measure your vision to determine the best fit and prescription for contacts.
After cataract surgery, some people find they no longer need glasses or contacts for distance vision, thanks to the intraocular lens. However, if you still require correction for nearsightedness or astigmatism, contacts might be necessary to fine-tune your vision. In some cases, especially for those with astigmatism, your doctor may recommend specialty contact lenses such as toric lenses or even scleral lenses.
Are Contacts an Ideal Choice After Cataract Surgery?
For some people, contact lenses are the ideal choice post-surgery, but for others, glasses might be a better option. The decision depends on several factors, including the type of IOL you received, your eye health, and your lifestyle needs.
Monofocal IOLs, which are the most common, correct vision at one distance- either near, intermediate, or far. If you opt for this type of lens, you may need contacts or glasses to correct vision at other distances. Multifocal or accommodating IOLs, on the other hand, are designed to provide clearer vision at multiple distances. If you have this type of lens, you may find you don’t need glasses or contacts for most activities.
What Are the Benefits of Wearing Contacts After Cataract Surgery?
There are clear benefits to wearing contact lenses post-surgery, especially for those who rely on glasses for vision correction. Contacts can provide a wider field of vision and eliminate the need for glasses that fog up or slide down the nose. Additionally, contacts don’t interfere with sports or other physical activities, which glasses can sometimes do.
For people with astigmatism, wearing contact lenses may also help provide clearer, sharper vision compared to glasses. Toric lenses are specially designed to correct astigmatism and provide better vision clarity than standard lenses. Your eye doctor can help determine whether contacts are the right choice for you after cataract surgery.
Are There Risks to Wearing Contacts After Cataract Surgery?
Though wearing contact lenses is generally safe, there are some risks to be aware of, especially after cataract surgery. Your eye is more vulnerable immediately after the procedure, and contacts can introduce bacteria if not handled properly. Poor hygiene or improper use of contact lenses can lead to infection, which could interfere with the healing process.
It’s also important to note that wearing contacts can sometimes lead to dry eyes, a condition that is already common after cataract surgery. Dry eyes can cause discomfort and may make wearing contacts more challenging. Using lubricating eye drops as prescribed by your doctor and taking proper care of your contacts can help reduce this risk.
How Do You Care for Your Eyes When Wearing Contacts After Cataract Surgery?
Caring for your eyes after cataract surgery and while wearing contacts requires a few extra precautions. Make sure you follow your eye doctor’s instructions on cleaning and disinfecting your lenses, as improper hygiene can lead to infections or irritation. Avoid wearing contacts while swimming or in hot tubs, as the water can introduce bacteria that might harm your eyes.
It’s also important to stay hydrated and use artificial tears if you experience dry eyes. Dry eyes can be a common issue after cataract surgery, and managing them is essential for maintaining comfort when wearing contacts.
Can You Wear Contacts Long-Term After Cataract Surgery?
Yes, many people are able to wear contact lenses long-term after cataract surgery. However, it’s important to have regular eye exams to ensure your lenses still fit properly and that your eye health is stable. Your eye doctor will monitor your eye health to detect any changes and adjust your prescription or lens type as necessary.
It’s important to remember that while cataract surgery may reduce the need for glasses for many people, some individuals may still require corrective lenses for reading or other near-vision tasks. In such cases, contact lenses may be an ideal solution for those who prefer them over glasses.
Wearing contact lenses after cataract surgery is possible, but it’s essential to wait until your eye has fully healed and your doctor has determined the best course of action. Most people can begin considering contacts after 6 to 8 weeks, but the exact timeline will vary depending on individual circumstances. Always follow your doctor’s advice and take steps to care for your eyes to ensure the best results. Whether you choose contacts or glasses after cataract surgery, your doctor will work with you to find the most effective solution for your vision needs.
Ready to take the next step toward clearer vision? Schedule a consultation with SuraVision today to discuss your options and learn more about Cataract Surgery. Call us at 713-730-2020 or book your appointment online!