Implantable collamer lenses (ICLs) offer a revolutionary solution for vision correction, providing a minimally invasive alternative to LASIK or other refractive surgeries. If you're considering ICL surgery, you're likely wondering about your contact lens usage leading up to the procedure. The short answer is: it depends. Let's explore this in detail.
How Long Before ICL Surgery Should I Stop Wearing Contacts?
This is the most crucial question for anyone considering ICL surgery. Your ophthalmologist will provide specific instructions, but generally, you'll need to discontinue contact lens wear for a period of time before your pre-operative examination. This period varies depending on the type of contact lenses you wear:
- Soft contact lenses: You'll typically need to stop wearing these for at least 1-2 weeks before your pre-operative examination. This allows your cornea to return to its natural shape, ensuring accurate measurements for the ICL.
- Hard or rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses: These lenses can alter your corneal shape for a longer period. You may need to discontinue their use for 3-4 weeks, or even longer, before your pre-operative examination. Your doctor will determine the exact timeframe.
Failing to follow these instructions can lead to inaccurate measurements and potentially affect the outcome of your ICL surgery. Accurate measurements are critical for ensuring the ICL is the correct size and power for your eyes.
Why Do I Need to Stop Wearing Contacts Before ICL Surgery?
Contact lenses, especially those worn for extended periods, can temporarily change the shape of your cornea. This temporary change affects the accuracy of the measurements taken to determine the correct ICL power and size. Wearing contacts too close to the surgery can lead to:
- Incorrect ICL Power: An incorrectly sized ICL might not correct your vision adequately, requiring further corrective measures.
- Increased Risk of Complications: An inaccurate measurement can increase the risk of complications during and after the surgery.
Therefore, following your ophthalmologist's instructions regarding contact lens cessation is paramount for a successful ICL procedure.
What Happens if I Don't Stop Wearing Contacts?
If you continue to wear contacts despite your doctor's instructions, the measurements taken for your ICL may be inaccurate. This can lead to several undesirable outcomes:
- Unsatisfactory Visual Results: Your vision may not be fully corrected after the surgery, potentially requiring further intervention.
- Increased Risk of Infection: Wearing contacts increases the risk of infection, which can be especially problematic after surgery.
- Postponement of Surgery: Your surgeon may need to postpone your surgery to allow your cornea to return to its natural shape.
Can I Wear Glasses Before ICL Surgery?
Unlike contact lenses, glasses generally don't affect the corneal shape. Therefore, you can typically continue wearing glasses until the day of your surgery. However, it's always best to confirm this with your ophthalmologist.
What Should I Expect During the Pre-Operative Examination?
During your pre-operative examination, your ophthalmologist will perform a comprehensive eye exam to ensure you're a suitable candidate for ICL surgery. This will include:
- Detailed Vision Testing: Checking your visual acuity and refractive error.
- Corneal Topography: Mapping the surface of your cornea to assess its shape and health.
- Biometry: Measuring the dimensions of your eye to determine the correct ICL size.
- Other Necessary Tests: Additional tests may be conducted depending on your individual needs.
Remember, open and honest communication with your ophthalmologist is key to a successful ICL procedure. Always follow their instructions carefully to maximize your chances of achieving optimal visual results.
