If you’re preparing for LASIK surgery, one of the most important steps in the pre-operative process is to stop wearing your contact lenses for a specific period of time before the procedure. While it might seem like an inconvenience, this step is critical to ensuring the accuracy, safety, and success of your LASIK surgery. At Columbus LASIK Vision, we emphasize this guideline to all our Philadelphia and nearby patients to ensure the best possible results. Here’s why it’s important to give your eyes a break from contacts before LASIK.
How Contact Lenses Affect Your Eyes
Contact lenses rest directly on the cornea (the clear, front surface of the eye). Over time, wearing contacts can:
- Alter the Shape of the Cornea: Contacts can temporarily distort or flatten the cornea, which affects the accuracy of pre-LASIK measurements.
- Reduce Oxygen Flow: Contacts limit the amount of oxygen reaching your corneas, which can impact overall eye health and healing capacity.
- Cause Dryness or Irritation: Wearing contacts for extended periods can lead to dry eye symptoms, a condition that may complicate post-surgery recovery.
For LASIK to be successful, the cornea must return to its natural shape to allow for precise measurements and optimal outcomes.

Why It’s Important to Stop Wearing Contact Lenses Before LASIK – Columbus Lasik Vision
Why Accurate Measurements Matter
The success of LASIK surgery relies on accurate measurements of your corneal thickness, curvature, and refractive error. These measurements are used to:
- Determine your candidacy for LASIK.
- Customize the laser treatment to reshape your cornea and correct your vision. If contact lenses are still altering the shape of your cornea during the pre-operative evaluation, the measurements may be inaccurate, potentially leading to suboptimal results.
How Long Should You Stop Wearing Contacts Before LASIK?
The timeline for discontinuing contact lens wear depends on the type of lenses you use:
- Soft Contact Lenses: Stop wearing them at least 1 to 2 weeks before your consultation and surgery.
- Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: These lenses affect the cornea more significantly, so you’ll need to stop wearing them at least 3 to 4 weeks prior to your evaluation.
- Hard Contact Lenses: Hard lenses may require you to stop wearing them for 4 weeks or more to allow the cornea to stabilize.
Your LASIK surgeon at Columbus LASIK Vision will provide specific instructions based on your lens type and eye health.
What Happens If You Don’t Stop Wearing Contacts?
Wearing contact lenses too close to your LASIK evaluation or surgery date can result in:
- Inaccurate Measurements: Distorted corneal measurements can lead to incorrect laser treatment and less-than-ideal visual outcomes.
- Complications During Surgery: An improperly shaped cornea can interfere with the laser’s precision during the procedure.
- Longer Recovery Time: Corneal irregularities may impact how quickly your eyes heal post-surgery.
Tips for Transitioning Away from Contacts Before LASIK
Giving up contacts before surgery might feel challenging, especially if you rely on them daily. Here are some tips to ease the transition:
- Switch to glasses for the recommended period before surgery.
- Use lubricating eye drops to manage any dryness or discomfort.
- Follow your surgeon’s timeline and instructions closely.
Remember, the temporary inconvenience of wearing glasses will lead to long-term freedom from corrective eyewear after your LASIK procedure!
Why Choose Columbus LASIK Vision in Philadelphia?
At Columbus LASIK Vision, we prioritize your safety, comfort, and long-term vision success. Here’s why Philadelphia residents trust us for their LASIK procedures:
- Experienced Surgeons: Our team has performed thousands of successful LASIK surgeries with exceptional results.
- Advanced Technology: We use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure precise measurements and customized treatments.
- Personalized Care: We provide detailed pre-operative instructions to set you up for success.
- Convenient Location: Located in Philadelphia, we make it easy for residents and those in nearby areas to receive world-class LASIK care.
Conclusion
Stopping contact lens use before LASIK is a crucial step in achieving the best possible results. By allowing your corneas to return to their natural shape, we can take accurate measurements, provide precise treatment, and ensure a smooth recovery.
If you’re considering LASIK in Philadelphia, schedule a consultation with Columbus LASIK Vision today. Our experienced team will guide you through every step of the process, helping you achieve clear vision and freedom from glasses or contacts.