Upper and lower eyelid surgery offer many benefits to patients. Upper eyelid surgery can minimize loose, overhanging lids through the removal of tissue and skin. Lower eyelid surgery enables surgeons to reduce the appearance of under eye circles by redistributing or removing fat, and eliminating excess skin. After eyelid surgery, patients look noticeably younger. Because of the many benefits offered by eyelid surgery, tens of thousands of patients undergo these procedures every year. A portion of these patients wear contact lenses to improve their vision. These patients may be wondering if they need to stop wearing contacts in the days before surgery, and when they can start wearing them again after surgery. In this blog post, Dr. Paul Pin answers these questions and more.

Do I Need to Stop Wearing Contact Lenses in the Days before Surgery?

You can continue to wear your contact lenses as you normally would in the days before surgery. There is no medical reason to cease use of the lenses until the day of the surgery.

Can I Wear My Contact Lenses on the Day of Surgery?

You should not wear your contact lenses during your surgery. For this reason, most patients wear glasses to and from their surgical appointments. It is also possible to wear your contact lenses to your surgical appointment, and take the lenses out shortly before anesthesia is administered and surgery begins. However, we do not want you wearing your contact lenses during surgery because of the risk of corneal injury.

How Soon after Surgery Can I Start Wearing My Contact Lenses?

Patients should not wear their contact lenses for one to two weeks after eyelid surgery. The reason for this is we don't want you pulling or touching the area near the incisions. This can increase the risk of infection, and cause the incisions to re-open. In general, we ask upper eyelid surgery patients to stop wearing contact lenses for one week after surgery. Lower eyelid surgery patients should stop wearing contact lenses for two weeks after surgery. If patients are still experiencing swelling and discomfort at this time, they should continue to avoid wearing contact lenses.

For most patients, the majority of swelling and pain fades within a week or two of surgery. In addition, the skin around the eyes may feel tight for a couple of weeks after surgery. Patients may also experience dry eye for a few weeks after surgery. When you start wearing contacts, it is beneficial to have artificial tears available for use. You may also want to slowly re-introduce contacts into your daily routine, wearing them for just a few hours a day at first, so your eyes can get used to them.

Prior to your eyelid surgery, you should make sure that you have eyeglasses that have lenses with the correct prescription, and that the glasses are in good working condition. You will rely on your glasses for clear vision during your recovery.

To find out if you are a good candidate for upper or lower eyelid surgery, and to find out if contact lens wearers should take any additional precautions, contact Dr. Pin's practice today.