{"id":32931,"date":"2025-09-16T08:49:40","date_gmt":"2025-09-16T06:49:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/contact-lenses-after-eye-laser-surgery-aftercare-are-they-even-necessary\/"},"modified":"2025-09-16T08:52:42","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T06:52:42","slug":"contact-lenses-after-eye-laser-surgery-aftercare-are-they-even-necessary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/contact-lenses-after-eye-laser-surgery-aftercare-are-they-even-necessary\/","title":{"rendered":"Contact Lenses after Eye Laser Surgery (Aftercare): are They Even Necessary?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Imagine the surgery like a wardrobe reset: everything superfluous is removed &#8211; <strong>including glasses and contact lenses<\/strong>. That&#8217;s precisely the goal of eye laser surgery. And yet the question arises: <em>&#8220;Contact lenses after <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/laser-eye-surgery-vienna\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/augenlasern-wien\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">eye laser surgery <\/a><\/strong>&#8211; are they even necessary?&#8221;<\/em> In short: <strong>almost never<\/strong>, sometimes <strong>briefly<\/strong> &#8211; and only <strong>with medical approval<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<!--more-->\n\n<p><strong>The Most Important Things at a Glance:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The goal remains freedom from lenses:<\/strong> Contact lenses after surgery are exceptions &#8211; e.g., as a therapeutic bandage lens or a short-term bridge for fluctuations in early healing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Timeline (guidelines):<\/strong> 0-1 week: no personal lenses. Week 2-6: only with approval, if at all, then briefly and preferably daily disposable lenses. After that: individually depending on the method, tear film, and tolerance.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dos &amp; Don&#8217;ts:<\/strong> Excellent hygiene, lubricating eye drops readily available, plan screen breaks. Taboo in the early phase: colored lenses, sleeping with lenses, water\/sweat in the eye. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The dry eye phase is normal:<\/strong> The tear film stabilizes. Helpful: artificial tears, 20-20-20 rule, pleasant room climate. Re-evaluate lens tolerance if necessary.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The \u201cParadox\u201d Explained: Freedom from Glasses and Rare Exceptions <\/h2>\n\n<p>The question sounds like a tongue twister for logic: <strong>Why talk about contact lenses if you want to get rid of them after eye laser surgery?<\/strong> Quite simply: the goal is and remains freedom from glasses in everyday life &#8211; without glasses, without lenses. Nevertheless, there are <strong>rare exceptions<\/strong> where contact lenses may be <strong>temporarily<\/strong> useful. Sometimes a <strong>therapeutic bandage lens<\/strong> supports healing (e.g., for surface procedures), and occasionally a short-term correction bridges minor fluctuations in early regeneration.   <\/p>\n\n<p>This doesn&#8217;t change the fundamental idea of the surgery &#8211; it&#8217;s more like a <strong>plaster after sports<\/strong>: put on briefly so it heals better, and then removed.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Special Cases where Contact Lenses may Make Sense after Laser Surgery<\/h2>\n\n<p>After successful laser treatment, contact lenses are not a new permanent chapter, but &#8211; if at all &#8211; <strong>rare, targeted solutions<\/strong>. Three scenarios occur in practice: <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Transitional Correction for Residual Refractive Error &#8211; Time-Limited <\/h3>\n\n<p>Sometimes after surgery, a <strong>small residual refractive error<\/strong> remains or vision <strong>fluctuates<\/strong> in the first few weeks. In such cases, a short-term, soft <strong>daily disposable lens<\/strong> can help &#8211; exclusively with medical approval. <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Goal:<\/strong> Comfort and function until the tear film and visual acuity stabilize.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Important:<\/strong> A temporary lens <strong>does not replace<\/strong> medical assessment. If a residual refractive error persists, a joint decision will be made whether glasses or contact lenses for special occasions or an <strong>eye laser enhancement<\/strong> is appropriate. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rigid Gas Permeable\/Specialty Lenses for Special Corneal Issues<\/h3>\n\n<p>Rarely, <strong>specific corneal conditions<\/strong> (e.g., pronounced irregular astigmatism, special surface findings) are present, where <strong>rigid gas permeable (RGP)<\/strong> or <strong>special dimensions (e.g., scleral lenses)<\/strong> can <strong>temporarily<\/strong> improve imaging quality.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pros:<\/strong> Very good oxygen supply, precise imaging on \u201cdifficult\u201d surfaces.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cons:<\/strong> Fitting and adaptation are more demanding; close monitoring required.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conclusion:<\/strong> Only fitted by specialists and with a clear medical indication &#8211; not standard after laser surgery. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ortho-K after Surgery? <\/h3>\n\n<p><strong>Generally no.<\/strong> Ortho-K temporarily reshapes the cornea <strong>overnight<\/strong> &#8211; after laser treatment, this is <strong>neither intended nor advisable<\/strong>. The altered corneal geometry and biomechanics make Ortho-K unpredictable postoperatively. <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For <strong>later changes<\/strong> in vision, the following applies: first clarify with a doctor and then discuss glasses, contact lenses for specific situations, or a possible enhancement &#8211; do not simply use Ortho-K.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which Contact Lenses are Suitable after Eye Laser Surgery?<\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Lens Type<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Tolerance <\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Why (briefly)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Typical Use After Surgery<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>SiHy Daily Disposable Lenses<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Very High<\/strong><\/td><td>High <strong>oxygen permeability (Dk\/t)<\/strong>, fresh every day \u2192 no care product\/preservative residues, few deposits<\/td><td>Short-term<strong> <\/strong>bridging, event-related (e.g., rare situations)<\/td><td><strong>First choice<\/strong>, if lenses are worn at all &#8211; gentle &amp; pragmatic<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Hydrogel Daily Disposable Lenses (without silicone)<\/strong><\/td><td>Medium\u2013High<\/td><td>Often <strong>softer\/\u201csofter feel\u201d<\/strong>, therefore subjectively comfortable; but lower<strong> <\/strong>O\u2082 permeability than SiHy<\/td><td>Alternative if SiHy daily disposable lenses are perceived as too \u201cfirm\u201d<\/td><td>Good <strong>Plan B<\/strong> option &#8211; pay attention to short wearing time<strong> <\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Monthly Lenses <\/strong><\/td><td>Medium<\/td><td>More <strong>care chemicals<\/strong>, higher <strong>deposit\/infection risk<\/strong>, longer daily wearing times are common \u2192 suboptimal for the <strong>early healing phase<\/strong><\/td><td>Rather <strong>later<\/strong>, only with very good tolerance &amp; hygiene<\/td><td>Use <strong>sparingly<\/strong>; daily disposable lenses are usually better<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP)<\/strong><\/td><td>Specific<\/td><td>Very <strong>oxygen permeable<\/strong>, but <strong>edge sensation\/fitting <\/strong>more demanding; usually <strong>not necessary<\/strong> after regular laser surgery<\/td><td><strong>Special indications <\/strong>(rare irregularities)<\/td><td><strong>Only medically justified<\/strong> and fitted<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Scleral Lenses\/PROSE<\/strong><\/td><td>Specific<\/td><td>\u201cTear lake\u201d effect can buffer severe <strong>dry eye<\/strong> conditions; handling complex<\/td><td>Only for <strong>pronounced special cases<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Not routine<\/strong> \u2013 pure exception<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ortho-K (Night Lenses)<\/strong><\/td><td>Low<\/td><td>Temporarily <strong>reshapes the cornea<\/strong> \u2013 <strong>not advisable<\/strong> after successful surgery<\/td><td>\u2013<\/td><td><strong>No<\/strong> after surgery<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Colored Lenses\/\u201cFun\u201d Lenses<\/strong><\/td><td>Low<\/td><td>Higher <strong>irritation\/germ risk<\/strong>, often lower O\u2082 values<\/td><td>\u2013<\/td><td>In the healing phase <strong>definitely no<\/strong>; later only rarely &amp; cautiously<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Allowed &#8211; and from when? <\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">0-1 Week: No Personal Lenses but Bandage Lens <\/h3>\n\n<p>In the first few days, healing takes priority. Personal contact lenses are not allowed. <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bandage lens:<\/strong> Only if medically inserted (e.g., for surface procedures).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>For SmartSight (EyeLaser Vienna):<\/strong> Generally, no bandage lens is necessary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Important:<\/strong> Adhere strictly to the drop schedule, do not rub, no water\/sweat in the eye.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2-6 Weeks: Test Only with Approval<\/h3>\n\n<p>The tear film stabilizes but is still sensitive. Test contact lenses exclusively with medical approval and for short periods. <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>If at all, then daily disposable lenses<\/strong> (fresh, without care chemicals).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Discontinuation criteria:<\/strong> Pressure, burning, redness, \u201cgritty\u201d sensation \u2192 <strong>remove lens immediately<\/strong> and contact the clinic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Taboo:<\/strong> Colored\/fun lenses, sleeping with lenses, sports\/swimming with lenses during this phase.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">After that: Individually Depending on Method, Healing &amp; Tolerance<\/h3>\n\n<p>From week 6, the <strong>individual healing process<\/strong> determines. Many no longer need lenses at all; for individual questions (e.g., night driving), targeted, short-term use may be advisable &#8211; always according to medical recommendation. <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Re-evaluate material &amp; fit<\/strong> (tear film may have changed).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Basic rule:<\/strong> At any discomfort, <strong>remove immediately<\/strong> \u2013 eyes take priority. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dos &amp; Don&#8217;ts Regarding Contact Lenses after Eye Laser Surgery <\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do: Hygiene, Lubricating Eye Drops, Screen Breaks &amp; Clean Handling<\/h3>\n\n<p>In short: <strong>as much protection as necessary, as little friction as possible.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Clean hands:<\/strong> Wash thoroughly and dry lint-free before any eye contact. No disinfectant gel directly into the eye. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lubricating eye drops:<\/strong> Use preservative-free artificial tears as recommended; preferably small drops more often than a lot rarely.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Screen breaks:<\/strong> 20-20-20 rule (look 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes) &#8211; this stabilizes the tear film.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>If lenses, then minimally:<\/strong> Test only with medical approval, wear for short periods, preferably soft daily disposable lenses (fresh, no care residues).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Clean handling:<\/strong> Never rub lenses dry; remove immediately if uncomfortable and contact EyeLaser Vienna.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don&#8217;ts: Colored Lenses, Sleeping with Lenses, Water \/ Sweat in the Eye <\/h3>\n\n<p>What slows down your healing stays out.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>No colored\/\u201cfun\u201d lenses<\/strong> in the early phase: increased irritation and germ risks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Do not sleep with lenses:<\/strong> Overnight wear increases the risk of inflammation and infection &#8211; even later, only if explicitly approved.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No water\/sweat in the eye:<\/strong> In the first few weeks, avoid swimming pools, lakes, saunas\/steam baths with lenses; use protective eyewear during sports.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No self-optimization:<\/strong> No external agents (eye sprays, whitening drops) without approval, do not rub, do not use up old care solutions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tear Film &amp; Lens Tolerance after Surgery <\/h2>\n\n<p>Immediately after the procedure, the corneal nerves are still irritated; signals for \u201cre-wetting!\u201d arrive somewhat dampened. In addition, there is often a lot of screen time (less blinking) and heating air in winter &#8211; both cause tears to evaporate faster. <\/p>\n\n<p><strong>What has proven beneficial:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Preservative-free lubricating eye drops<\/strong> regularly, preferably small amounts frequently.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>20-20-20 rule<\/strong> for screen use: every 20 minutes, look about 20 feet away for 20 seconds and blink consciously.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Optimize room climate:<\/strong> Humidifiers, brief ventilation, avoid drafts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gentle environment:<\/strong> No rubbing, no aerosol sprays on the face, sunglasses\/protective eyewear outdoors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>In the evening, if necessary,<\/strong> <strong>a few more drops<\/strong> (preservative-free), if it gets \u201ctoo dry.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Dr. Derhartunian Says about Contact Lenses after Eye Surgery <\/h2>\n\n<p><em>\u201cOur goal is freedom from glasses &#8211; period. If a lens does come into play after surgery, it&#8217;s as a  <\/em><strong><em>brief, justified exception<\/em><\/strong><em> and only with approval.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n<p>&#8211; <strong>Dr. Victor Derhartunian<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p>His rule of thumb: <strong>\u201cFirst ask, then insert.\u201d<\/strong> During the follow-up appointment, the EyeLaser team will tell you <strong>exactly<\/strong> when what is advisable again &#8211; and whether you need a lens at all. The goal remains: <strong>freedom from glasses, every day.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Questions and Answers <\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I Wear Lenses Again at all after Surgery? <\/h3>\n\n<p>Basically yes &#8211; <strong>but not routinely<\/strong>. After successful surgery, the goal is freedom from lenses; if contact lenses become an issue at all, it&#8217;s as an exception and for a limited time (e.g., as a temporary solution) and only with medical approval. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When are Daily Disposable Lenses Okay after Eye Laser Surgery? <\/h3>\n\n<p>\u200b\u200bNot at all during the <strong>first 7 days<\/strong>. Between <strong>week 2 and 6<\/strong>, &#8211; <strong>after approval<\/strong> &#8211; a <strong>brief test with soft daily disposable lenses<\/strong> may be advisable. After that, the individual course (method, tear film, tolerance) decides; many no longer need lenses at all.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are Colored Lenses Allowed for Events? <\/h3>\n\n<p>In the <strong>early healing phase: no<\/strong>. Colored\/\u201cfun\u201d lenses increase irritation and germ risk and are only an option much later and only after approval &#8211; if at all. For one-off occasions, daily disposable lenses without color are the more tolerable option.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fluctuating Vision in the Evening &#8211; Does a Temporary Lens Help? <\/h3>\n\n<p>Sometimes yes, <strong>temporarily<\/strong> and <strong>specifically<\/strong>. Fluctuations often come from the tear film; artificial tears, breaks, and a good room climate often already help. If a temporary lens makes sense, the EyeLaser Vienna team will choose the most tolerable option (usually a daily disposable lens) &#8211; for a limited time and only with approval.  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Imagine the surgery like a wardrobe reset: everything superfluous is removed &#8211; including glasses and contact lenses. That&#8217;s precisely the&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":32919,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[33,141],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-32931","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-augenlaser-en","category-faqs-en"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32931","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32931"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32931\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32919"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32931"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32931"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32931"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}