Does Long-Term Contact Lens Wear Prevent You from Getting LASIK?

Hello from BGN Eye Clinic, located in Lotte Tower, Jamsil. As part of the team here at BGN Eye Clinic, I often meet patients during various field engagements, including on-site eye screenings.

I spent nearly a decade working as an optometrist. Because of that background, whenever patients ask questions during mobile health checkups, I can draw on my clinical experience to provide quick, accurate answers.

One concern I heard frequently as an optometrist and still hear today is whether wearing contact lenses over a long period damages the eyes, leading to side effects or making LASIK surgery entirely impossible. Many people considering LASIK or LASEK read rumors online and worry about potential complications caused by years of lens use.

“If I’ve worn contact lenses for years, does that mean I can’t get LASIK?”

Today, drawing on my years of clinical experience as a former optometrist, I’d like to clear up this common question once and for all.

“Is It True You Can't Get LASIK After Long-Term Lens Wear?”

Many patients ask if a long history of contact lens use disqualifies them from laser vision correction. During a recent field screening for military personnel, a patient told me he had completely given up on LASIK because he had worn contact lenses for years. When I asked why, he explained that he had read articles online claiming long-term lens wear makes surgery impossible.

To put it simply: long-term contact lens wear does not automatically make LASIK impossible. Why, then, are these claims so common online? Most likely, factual information regarding how lenses affect the eyes was misconstrued into the false belief that surgery becomes completely out of the question.

This is a widespread misconception. Some patients ask if lenses have no impact at all on the eyes. It is true that wearing lenses over an extended period can affect eye health. For instance, wearing lenses for over 12 hours a day while ignoring dryness or redness can weaken the corneal surface, disrupt the tear film, and lead to dry eye syndrome.

However, that does not mean you cannot undergo surgery. Eligibility for vision correction is determined through comprehensive diagnostic testing and an evaluation by a board-certified ophthalmologist. Rather than worrying unnecessarily, we recommend visiting a clinic for a thorough examination to check your current eye health.

“I Heard Lenses Damaged My Eyes So Much I Can’t Wear Lenses Anymore...”

Another frequent misconception sounds like this: “I damaged my eyes from wearing contact lenses too long, so I can’t wear them anymore...” I recall a patient in her 20s who visited our clinic. She regularly wore cosmetic color lenses, but came to us after experiencing significant discomfort. She was worried not only about being unable to get LASIK, but also about whether she would have to stop wearing contact lenses permanently.

When contact lenses become uncomfortable, many long-time wearers assume they must give them up forever. It is always wise to stop wearing lenses immediately if you experience pain or discomfort. However, that does not mean you can never wear lenses again.

Upon examining her eyes, we found that her discomfort was caused by severe dry eye syndrome, not structural damage to the cornea. The primary issue was not the lenses themselves, but rather the unmanaged dry eye conditions that made her eyes hypersensitive. This is why proper eye care alongside lens wear is so essential.

How Contact Lens Habits Affect Vision Correction Surgery

Does contact lens wear affect surgery at all? The answer is a nuanced yes. Extended lens wear reduces oxygen flow to the cornea, causing irritation and strain over time. In particular, poor lens care habits can directly impact your ocular health.

Common Habits That Harm Your Eyes

• Wearing lenses for more than 10 hours a day
• Sleeping while wearing contact lenses
• Continuing to wear lenses despite discomfort or irritation
• Using long-term lenses without proper cleaning and storage hygiene

If some of these sound familiar, don’t panic! However, these habits can affect your corneal health, which may influence the surgical technique recommended for you or your recovery timeline. Practicing proper contact lens habits is crucial for maintaining vision health.

Essential Practices for Healthy Lens Wear

• Reduce daily wear time: Wearing lenses for over 10 hours daily strains your eyes. Consider switching to eyeglasses during long work hours or extended outings.
• Use lubricating eye drops: Dryness or stiffness during lens wear should not be ignored. Use preservative-free artificial tears regularly to keep your eyes hydrated.
• Maintain strict lens hygiene: Replace your lens storage case regularly and respect solution expiration dates. Above all, wash your hands thoroughly before handling lenses; small hygienic steps make a massive difference.
• Discontinue lens use before pre-op testing: If you are planning to undergo surgery, you must stop wearing contact lenses for a specified period prior to your examination. Lens wear alters corneal shape temporarily, which can skew test results.

Wearing contact lenses for years does not automatically mean you are ineligible for vision correction surgery. Rather than assuming the worst, focus on developing healthy eye care habits starting today.

Taking proactive control of your eye health is the very first step toward a successful procedure. If you have concerns about your eyes, skip the vague internet searches and schedule a precise diagnostic checkup.

At BGN Eye Clinic at Jamsil Lotte Tower, our experienced medical team is dedicated to safeguarding your vision. We look forward to helping you achieve clear, comfortable sight.