Can you wear contacts after LASIK?

You’ve had LASIK. Your vision is clearer than ever. But years down the road, things change—and you’re wondering: can I still wear contact lenses if I need to?

The short answer? Yes. You can wear contacts after LASIK.

But let’s take a closer look at when and why you might need them, and what to expect.

Why would someone wear contacts after LASIK?

LASIK results are long-lasting, but your eyes can still change over time.

Here are some common reasons people consider wearing contacts after LASIK:

• Natural age-related changes like presbyopia (trouble seeing up close)
• A small amount of regression, where your original prescription starts to return
• Astigmatism that develops later
• Eye health conditions that LASIK doesn’t prevent (like cataracts)

In any of these situations, contact lenses can offer a temporary or long-term solution.

When can you safely wear contacts after LASIK?

If you’ve just had LASIK, it’s important to wait for your eyes to fully heal before using contact lenses again. This typically takes several weeks.

In most cases, you won’t need contact lenses again for many years—if ever.

But if you do, we usually recommend waiting at least 3 months after the procedure before trying lenses again. Your eyes need time to stabilise.

Do contact lenses feel different after LASIK?

They might. LASIK changes the shape of your cornea. That means standard contact lenses may not fit quite as well as they used to.

If you need contacts after LASIK, you may need:

• Custom-made soft lenses
• Gas-permeable lenses
• Scleral lenses for more complex cases

An optometrist can help find the right fit. It might take a few tries to get it just right.

What if my vision changes years after LASIK?

It’s normal for vision to shift slightly with age. This is especially true after age 45, when presbyopia kicks in.

If your vision changes a lot, you may be a candidate for a LASIK enhancement—a touch-up procedure that fine-tunes your vision.

Can I wear coloured or cosmetic lenses after LASIK?

Yes—but only once your eyes have fully healed.

As always, be cautious. Avoid non-prescription cosmetic lenses from unreliable sources. Poor-quality lenses can increase your risk of eye infections—even if you’ve had LASIK.

Is LASIK still worth it if I might wear contacts again?

Absolutely.

Most people who get LASIK don’t need contacts or glasses for many years—if ever. And even if you do need a little help later in life, you’ve still enjoyed years of glasses-free living.

LASIK doesn’t promise perfect vision forever. But for the right person, it dramatically reduces the need for corrective lenses.

Final Thoughts

LASIK gives you the freedom to live life without lenses. But if your eyes change later on, contact lenses can still be an option.

Thinking about LASIK?
Take our self-test today to see if it’s right for you.