LASIK Guides
LASIK for Contact Lens Intolerance
Updated 7/2/2025
Chronic lens discomfort, redness, or infections can make contacts a poor fit. LASIK may help—after a careful exam.
Signs of contact lens intolerance
- Stinging/burning after short wear time
- Frequent redness or recurrent infections
- Fluctuating vision, especially late in the day
- Relief when not wearing lenses
Why LASIK can help
By reducing or eliminating the need for contacts, LASIK removes a key source of irritation for many people. A stable tear film is still important for quality vision after surgery.
Pre‑LASIK steps
- Lens holiday: Stop lenses for the recommended time so corneal shape normalizes before measurements.
- Surface health: Treat dryness, blepharitis, or allergy.
- Screening: Ensure corneas are regular and thick enough for LASIK (or PRK/SMILE as indicated).
Realistic expectations
- Early dryness is common; use tears often.
- Night glare/halos typically fade over time.
- If corneas are not ideal for LASIK, alternatives (PRK or ICL) may be better.
Bottom line: Many contact‑intolerant wearers do well with laser vision correction once the ocular surface is optimized.
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