Contact Lenses After Refractive Surgery in Beverly Hills
Refractive surgery, such as LASIK, PRK or RK, changes the shape of the cornea to correct vision. Most patients see well after surgery, but some develop blurry vision, glare or halos, or find that their vision changes over time. Specialty contact lenses can help these patients see clearly again. Visioncare Associates offers custom contact lens fittings for patients who have had refractive surgery, and Dr. Shily has sub-specialty training in specialty contact lenses and refractive surgery consultation.
Vision Problems After Refractive Surgery
After surgery, the cornea may be flatter in the center or uneven in shape. This can cause:
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Blurry or fluctuating vision
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Glare, halos or starbursts around lights, especially at night
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Irregular astigmatism
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A return of nearsightedness or farsightedness over time
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Dry eye
Glasses often cannot fully correct an irregular cornea. Standard soft contact lenses may not fit well on a cornea that has been reshaped.
Contact Lens Options After Refractive Surgery
Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the white of the eye. The fluid layer behind the lens covers the irregular areas of the cornea, and it also helps patients with dry eye after surgery.
Gas Permeable Lenses
Gas permeable lenses keep their shape on the eye. Lenses with special designs can fit a cornea that is flatter in the center after surgery.
Hybrid Lenses
Hybrid lenses have a rigid center for clear vision and a soft outer skirt for comfort. They can be an option for patients who find gas permeable lenses uncomfortable.
Soft Lenses
Some patients with mild changes after surgery can wear soft lenses, including toric or multifocal designs.
Who These Lenses Can Help
Post-surgery contact lenses may help patients who:
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Had LASIK, PRK, RK or another refractive procedure
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Still have blurry vision or glare after surgery
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Have dry eye that makes standard contacts uncomfortable
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Are not candidates for another surgery