LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a procedure that reshapes the cornea, the clear front dome of the eye, to correct common vision problems. This surgical alteration allows light to focus properly on the retina, often eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses. The answer to wearing colored contacts afterward is yes, but only after a specific healing period and with professional guidance. Since LASIK permanently changes the eye’s anatomy, reintroducing any type of lens requires careful consideration of the altered structure and the specific material of cosmetic lenses.
The Immediate Post-LASIK Waiting Period
The phase following LASIK is dedicated to biological healing, during which wearing any contact lens is prohibited. The procedure involves creating a corneal flap and reshaping the underlying tissue, which leaves the eye surface vulnerable. The corneal epithelial layer must fully recover, and the flap needs time to adhere securely to the underlying tissue.
Introducing a foreign object like a contact lens too soon creates a high risk of complications, including irritation, infection, and potential damage to the healing corneal flap. Most eye surgeons advise patients to wait at least one to three months before considering a contact lens fitting. Full stabilization of the cornea and resolution of common post-operative side effects, such as dry eye, can take up to six months. Only your eye surgeon can confirm when your eye is fully stabilized and ready to tolerate a lens.
How LASIK Changes Lens Fitting Requirements
LASIK changes the corneal curvature, altering the eye’s shape. Before surgery, the cornea typically had a “prolate” shape, steeper in the center and flatter toward the edges. LASIK often results in an “oblate” profile, where the center is flatter than the periphery, especially following corrections for nearsightedness.
This new curvature means that a standard contact lens, including any pre-LASIK colored lens, will not fit correctly. A poorly fitting lens moves excessively on the eye, causing discomfort and potentially disrupting the tear film and oxygen flow. Future lenses, even non-prescription colored ones, must be custom-fitted using advanced measurements like corneal topography. This mapping technology creates a precise measurement of the post-surgical surface to ensure the lens rests stably and allows for healthy tear exchange.
Specific Risks of Cosmetic and Colored Lenses
Even after the eye is fully healed, colored and cosmetic contacts present challenges compared to standard clear lenses. Many colored lenses use less advanced materials and contain pigments or dyes embedded within the lens matrix. This embedded colorant can increase the overall thickness of the lens and decrease its oxygen permeability, often measured by its Dk value.
A reduced oxygen supply to the cornea, known as corneal hypoxia, is a concern for any contact lens wearer, especially those post-LASIK. Chronic oxygen deprivation can lead to serious complications such as corneal swelling or neovascularization, where new blood vessels grow into the cornea. Furthermore, many cosmetic lenses are purchased without a prescription or proper fitting, which significantly elevates the risk of a poor fit on the newly shaped cornea. If you choose to wear colored lenses, they should be medical-grade, professionally fitted, and made from highly breathable materials, such as silicone hydrogel, to minimize the risk of ocular damage.