A colonoscopy is a common screening procedure used to examine the lining of the large intestine for abnormalities, most notably polyps. This procedure almost always involves some form of sedation or anesthesia to keep the patient comfortable. For safety and medical reasons, you must remove your contact lenses before undergoing a colonoscopy, even if you are only receiving moderate sedation. The requirement to remove lenses is a standard protocol in virtually all healthcare facilities to prevent potential eye complications during the procedure.
Sedation, Safety, and Contact Lenses
The primary reason for removing contact lenses centers on the effects of sedation on the eyes. During the procedure, whether under deep sedation or monitored anesthesia care, the body’s natural protective reflexes are significantly diminished or completely absent. This means you cannot blink or consciously respond to any discomfort or irritation in your eyes.
A common complication that contact lenses increase the risk of is corneal abrasion, which is a scratch on the clear outer layer of the eye. Under sedation, tear production often decreases, causing the contact lenses to dry out and potentially adhere to the corneal surface. If the lenses become dry or shift while the patient is unconscious, they can easily cause a painful abrasion when the eye opens or the lens is later removed. This risk applies to both soft and rigid gas-permeable lenses.
Furthermore, healthcare staff need clear access to the eyes to monitor your status during sedation. The monitoring team often checks for signs of eye dryness or irritation, and the presence of contact lenses can obstruct this visual assessment. Removing the lenses is a simple preventive measure to avoid unnecessary pain and recovery time after the procedure. Anesthesiologists and nurses often take steps like taping the eyelids shut to protect the eyes from drying out, which is safer and easier without lenses in place.
Practical Alternatives for Vision Correction
The best and most practical alternative for vision correction on the day of your colonoscopy is to wear your eyeglasses. Glasses do not pose the same risk of corneal abrasion or drying out while you are sedated and can be easily removed by staff if necessary. You should wear your glasses when arriving at the facility and plan to wear them home, as the lingering effects of sedation make it unsafe to handle contact lenses immediately after the procedure.
You should bring your contact lens case and fresh solution with you to the facility. Before you enter the procedure room, a nurse will instruct you on when to remove your lenses. You can safely store the lenses and glasses in a secure locker or give them to the responsible adult who is accompanying you.
You should not plan to reinsert your contact lenses until you are fully alert and have recovered from the sedation, which is typically after you have left the facility and are back home. The removal is strictly required before the procedure begins. Wearing glasses ensures your vision is corrected without compromising eye safety during the time you are sedated.