LASIK MD Laser Eye Surgery – Vision Correction Contact Lens Policy
Important Information for individuals
who wear contact lenses
Contact lenses can “mold” the
corneal surface, which changes the corneal curvature and may lead
to a change in your refraction (prescription). In order to properly
calculate the treatment to correct your refractive error, you will
have to stop wearing contact lenses at some stage prior to your
appointments. In time, the cornea will return to its natural shape
and size. LASIK MD is dedicated to providing you with the most
accurate treatment, which can only be achieved if the corneal
surface is stable and back to its natural shape.
For the vast majority of patients, the minimum recommended length
of time for contact removal should suffice. However, the individual
rate of corneal adjusting may vary. If your cornea is still
adjusting at the pre-operative appointment, you will be required to
reschedule your appointment for a later date. LASIK MD cannot
reimburse for time off work, hotel, airline tickets or any other
expenses incurred due to rescheduling.
Removal of Contact Lenses Prior to the
Pre-Operative Evaluation and Laser Eye Surgery
Appointments
TYPE OF LENS WORN |
Local Patient |
Out-of-Town
|
|
Soft Lenses [1] |
Minimum 24 hours* |
Minimum 24 hours* |
|
Hard Lenses |
Minimum 4 weeks |
Minimum 12 weeks |
|
Rigid Gas Permeables |
Minimum 4 weeks |
Minimum 8 weeks |
|
Rigid Gas Permeables |
Minimum 4 weeks |
Minimum 12 weeks |
* Do not sleep with contact lenses for 1
week before the pre-operative evaluation or surgery.
The difference in the lengths of time to remove contact lenses
listed in the chart ensures that most out-of-town patients are not
inconvenienced by rescheduling of appointments if corneal
“molding” is apparent.
Medical evidence suggests that the likelihood of an
enhancement is reduced the longer a patient has had their contact
lenses out.
