A cesarean section (C-section) is a major surgical procedure requiring specific safety protocols. Patients who rely on contact lenses often wonder if they can wear them during surgery. The decision is based on minimizing medical risks during the procedure. Standard guidance involves temporarily shifting to glasses to ensure patient safety and the ability to see the baby clearly after delivery.
Medical Reasons Why Contacts Are Discouraged
The primary reason medical staff recommend removing contact lenses before a C-section is the possibility of an emergency conversion to general anesthesia. While most C-sections use regional anesthesia, complications can necessitate rapid intubation and full sedation. If a patient is under general anesthesia, the eyes do not blink, causing severe dryness.
To protect the corneas of an unconscious patient, anesthesiologists typically apply lubricating ointment and tape the eyelids shut. Leaving contact lenses in during this process can trap the lens against the drying eye surface. This significantly increases the risk of a painful corneal abrasion, which is a scratch that causes discomfort and delays recovery.
The operating room environment also contributes to eye dryness, even with regional anesthesia. Medications and the bright, dry air of the surgical suite can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. A contact lens on an already dry eye is prone to movement or irritation, which elevates the risk of injury. Removing the lenses eliminates this risk, protecting the cornea throughout the procedure.
Practical Steps for Vision Correction During Surgery
The most straightforward alternative for vision correction during a C-section is wearing prescription glasses. Glasses do not interfere with surgical or anesthetic protocols and can be worn safely into the operating room. They ensure you retain the ability to clearly see your baby immediately after birth.
Patients are usually instructed to remove contact lenses during the prep phase, often before an intravenous line is placed. If you arrive wearing contacts, you must bring your glasses, a contact lens case, and fresh solution to store them safely.
Communicate your vision needs to the nursing staff and the anesthesiologist early in the preparation process. The team can ensure your glasses are readily available immediately after delivery when you are ready to hold your baby. Some hospitals tag glasses with the patient’s name to prevent loss during the transition to the operating room.
Managing Vision Needs Immediately Post-Surgery
The immediate recovery period makes reinserting contact lenses difficult. The patient is often groggy from anesthesia and pain medications, and movement is restricted by monitoring equipment and IV lines. Inserting contacts requires meticulous hand hygiene and dexterity, which is compromised in the recovery room.
It is best to continue wearing glasses until you are settled in the postpartum suite and have regained full mobility and alertness. Eyes may be sensitive or dry immediately following surgery due to the operating room environment. Hormonal fluctuations can also cause temporary vision changes, making contact lenses feel uncomfortable or ill-fitting.
Most patients can safely resume contact lens wear once they are comfortable and able to perform the insertion process with clean hands in their own room. This transition may take several hours, or even until the following day, depending on the individual’s recovery pace. Waiting prioritizes comfort and corneal health for a smoother postpartum experience.