Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Why Is It Advised Not To Wear Contact Lenses One Week Before A Cataract Surgery?
Hello Doctor,
I require cataract surgery in my right eye, but was told not to wear contacts one week before pre op consultation/measurements. Why can't I wear contact in left eye only? I've looked for a very detailed and/or scientific based answer but can't seem to find one. The only answer I found has been contact usage causes corneal distortion. But how does that affect my contact wearing in the non cataract eye (left). Thanks
I require cataract surgery in my right eye, but was told not to wear contacts one week before pre op consultation/measurements. Why can't I wear contact in left eye only? I've looked for a very detailed and/or scientific based answer but can't seem to find one. The only answer I found has been contact usage causes corneal distortion. But how does that affect my contact wearing in the non cataract eye (left). Thanks
Thu, 24 Dec 2015
Hi and welcome to HCM,
The only reason that patients are advised not to use contact lenses prior to surgery or eye measurements, is that it will effect the calculation of the Intraocular lens power. To given you a analogy, imagine the depression created on a sofa, when we sit and get up. It takes a while for the surface of the sofa to spring back to its original shape. Same way, after wearing contact lenses, the cornea is distorted, and not its original shape. And for calculation of the power,accurately, we need the cornea to be in its original shape.
Other reason is that since a contact lens ids after all a foreign body, and could carry some infection, which could be a problem during surgery.
But I do not see any reason for not using a contact lens in the eye not for surgery.
All the best !!!
The only reason that patients are advised not to use contact lenses prior to surgery or eye measurements, is that it will effect the calculation of the Intraocular lens power. To given you a analogy, imagine the depression created on a sofa, when we sit and get up. It takes a while for the surface of the sofa to spring back to its original shape. Same way, after wearing contact lenses, the cornea is distorted, and not its original shape. And for calculation of the power,accurately, we need the cornea to be in its original shape.
Other reason is that since a contact lens ids after all a foreign body, and could carry some infection, which could be a problem during surgery.
But I do not see any reason for not using a contact lens in the eye not for surgery.
All the best !!!
I find this answer helpful
1 Doctor agrees with this answer
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....