Can I Wear Contacts After Cataract Surgery?

If you’ve worn contact lenses for years, you might be wondering what happens to your lens routine after cataract surgery. The good news? Yes, you can wear contact lenses after cataract surgery, but timing matters.

Your eyes need proper healing time before you can safely resume wearing contacts. Keep reading to learn about the healing timeline, when you can return to contact lens wear, and vision correction options that might reduce or eliminate your need for contacts altogether.

How Soon After Surgery Can I Wear Contact Lenses?

Your eyes typically need about four to six weeks to heal after cataract surgery, though this timeline varies from person to person. Your ophthalmologist at Mid Ohio Eye will perform a thorough examination after this healing period to determine if your eye is ready for contact lens wear.

The waiting period serves two purposes. First, it reduces the risk of infection in your healing eye. Contact lenses can introduce bacteria or trap debris against your eye during this vulnerable time. Second, it allows your eye shape and tear production to stabilize.

Once your eye has healed sufficiently, your eye doctor will perform a new contact lens fitting to ensure optimal comfort and vision correction. If only one eye underwent surgery, you can continue wearing a soft contact lens in the unoperated eye with your eye doctor’s approval.

What About Before Surgery?

You’ll need to stop wearing your contact lenses before cataract surgery. Contact lenses can affect the precise measurements your eye surgeon needs to perform the procedure successfully.

Your cataract surgeon will provide personalized instructions on when to stop wearing your contacts. Typically, you must remove soft contact lenses at least 24 hours before the operation. If you wear rigid contact lenses, you’ll need to stop wearing them at least 48 hours before the procedure. Following these guidelines helps ensure accurate measurements and optimal surgical outcomes.

Will You Still Need Contacts After Surgery?

Today’s advanced cataract surgery technology may significantly reduce or eliminate your need for contact lenses. Depending on the type of intraocular lens (IOL) you choose, you might achieve excellent vision without any corrective lenses at all.

Mid Ohio Eye offers several advanced IOL options. Multifocal IOLs provide clear vision at all distances, enabling most patients to engage in daily activities without the need for glasses or contacts.

Toric IOLs are specifically designed to correct astigmatism, offering sharper vision and greater freedom from corrective lenses. Extended Depth of Focus IOLs, like the Vivity IOL, deliver excellent distance and intermediate vision with functional near vision using technology that stretches light without splitting it.

If you still need vision correction after your eyes have fully healed (around six weeks post-surgery), Mid Ohio Eye offers comprehensive contact lens services. You’ll work with skilled doctors and technicians to find the right contact lenses for your needs.

The practice provides a wide array of options, from simple soft lenses to specialty lenses for patients who need bifocals, toric lenses for astigmatism, and even custom tinted lenses.

Making the Right Choice for Your Vision

While cataract surgery requires a temporary pause in contact lens wear, many patients discover they need contacts less frequently or not at all after choosing advanced IOL technology. The key is working closely with your ophthalmologist to select the IOL option that best matches your lifestyle and vision goals.

Ready to discuss your cataract surgery options and learn which approach is right for you? Schedule an appointment at Mid Ohio Eye in Columbus, OH, today!