Many individuals who rely on contact lenses for daily vision correction wonder if they must remove them during labor and delivery. While wearing contacts is not strictly prohibited, most healthcare providers advise against it due to several predictable complications. The decision to keep contacts in during birth is conditional, and the guidance is to prepare for a scenario where they must be quickly removed. Understanding the circumstances that influence this recommendation can help you plan your vision correction strategy.
The Medical and Practical Reasons for Removal
Labor is an unpredictable physical event that often lasts far longer than the typical recommended wear time for most contact lenses. A first-time labor can extend from 12 to 36 hours, which significantly exceeds the 8 to 14-hour limit for most daily-wear lenses. Prolonged use beyond the recommended schedule dramatically increases the risk of corneal irritation, discomfort, and potentially a corneal infection.
The hospital environment itself can exacerbate issues by contributing to eye dryness. Hospital rooms often have low humidity due to climate control systems, which can cause lenses to dry out and stick to the eye’s surface. This dryness is compounded by the hormonal changes of pregnancy, which can sometimes reduce tear production, making the eyes more sensitive.
Furthermore, the intensity and focus required during labor make it nearly impossible to tend to your contacts. If a lens becomes uncomfortable or irritated, you will be unable to easily clean, adjust, or remove them during contractions or intense pushing. The physical effort and concentration required for delivery mean that vision comfort must be managed by your support team, making glasses a much more practical choice.
Contact Lenses During Surgical Delivery or Interventions
The primary medical concern for wearing contacts during labor relates to the possibility of an unforeseen surgical intervention. While you may plan for a vaginal birth, approximately 32% of births in the United States occur via Cesarean section (C-section), and many labors include epidurals or other medical procedures. If a C-section is required, most hospital protocols recommend or mandate the removal of contacts.
The greatest risk is the remote possibility of needing general anesthesia, which occurs in a small percentage (around 3% to 4%) of C-sections. When a patient is under general anesthesia, the eyes may remain closed for an extended period, causing contacts to dry out against the cornea. This situation significantly raises the risk of corneal abrasion or severe eye irritation because the patient cannot blink or lubricate the eyes naturally.
Even with a spinal or epidural block, many hospital policies require contact removal upon admission. This blanket rule is often put in place to preempt any emergency intervention that might require general anesthesia later on. While policies can vary, planning for removal helps avoid complications during an urgent medical situation.
Preparing Your Vision Correction Strategy
Given the unpredictable nature of labor and the potential for medical interventions, glasses are the universally preferred alternative for vision correction during your hospital stay. Glasses can be easily removed and put back on, require no cleaning, and pose no risk of ocular surface damage during surgery. They ensure you can see clearly without the discomfort or complications associated with prolonged contact lens wear.
To ensure you are prepared, pack your glasses and a dedicated case for your contacts in your hospital bag. If you prefer to wear contacts initially, consider using a fresh pair of daily disposable lenses when you go to the hospital. This choice minimizes the risk of infection and eliminates the need for cleaning solutions.
The best strategy is to remove your contacts immediately upon arrival at the hospital or as soon as you are admitted to your labor and delivery room. Removing them early prevents the need for an emergency removal later when you may be in pain or when medical staff needs to move quickly for an intervention. Planning ahead ensures clear vision to see your baby without adding unnecessary stress.