If you’re preparing for cataract surgery, you probably have a list of questions about the procedure, recovery, and how to get the best possible outcome. One question many patients ask at SoCal Eye in Long Beach is:
“Do I need to stop wearing my contact lenses before cataract surgery?”
The short answer is yes. While it may seem like a small detail, temporarily stopping contact lens wear before your pre-operative evaluation is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure accurate measurements and excellent visual results.
Why Do Contact Lenses Matter?
Contact lenses rest directly on the surface of your eye and can temporarily alter the natural shape of your cornea. Before cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist performs highly precise measurements to determine the ideal power of your new intraocular lens (IOL).
If your cornea has been altered by recent contact lens wear, these measurements may not accurately reflect your eye’s natural shape. Even small changes can affect your vision after surgery.
At SoCal Eye, our experienced cataract surgeons use advanced diagnostic technology to calculate the lens implant that is best suited for your unique eyes. Allowing your cornea to return to its natural shape helps ensure the most accurate results.
How Long Should You Stop Wearing Contacts?
The amount of time depends on the type of contact lenses you wear:
- Soft contact lenses: Usually discontinue for about one week before your cataract evaluation.
- Toric soft lenses: Often require one to two weeks.
- Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses: May need to be discontinued for three to four weeks or longer, depending on how long you’ve worn them.
- Scleral lenses: Typically require several weeks out before measurements are taken.
Your ophthalmologist will provide personalized instructions based on your specific lenses and eye health.
What Happens During Your Cataract Evaluation?
During your comprehensive cataract consultation, your surgeon will:
- Measure the length of your eye.
- Map the curvature of your cornea.
- Evaluate your overall eye health.
- Discuss your lifestyle and vision goals.
- Recommend the most appropriate intraocular lens options.
These measurements help determine whether you may benefit from standard, toric, multifocal, or extended-depth-of-focus lens implants.
Preparing for a Successful Surgery
Stopping contact lens wear is just one part of preparing for cataract surgery. Your doctor may also review your medications, discuss any existing eye conditions, and provide instructions regarding eating, drinking, and using eye drops before surgery.
Following these recommendations helps reduce the risk of complications and improves the likelihood of achieving excellent vision after surgery.
Trust Your Vision to SoCal Eye
For more than 60 years, SoCal Eye has provided comprehensive eye care to patients throughout Long Beach and surrounding communities. Our board-certified ophthalmologists combine decades of surgical experience with state-of-the-art technology to deliver personalized cataract care and outstanding visual outcomes.
If you’re noticing cloudy vision, glare while driving, difficulty reading, or other symptoms of cataracts, our team is here to help.
Schedule your cataract consultation with SoCal Eye in Long Beach today to learn about your treatment options and receive a personalized surgical plan designed to help you see clearly again. For Cataract Treatment in Long Beach, Cypress, Cerritos and Garden Grove. Schedule an Appointment today at (562) 531-2020 or send us an Online Consultation Request
