Surgical teams universally recommend removing contact lenses before any surgical procedure, especially those involving general anesthesia. This standard safety measure protects the patient’s ocular health and ensures the medical team can effectively monitor the patient throughout the operation. The requirement applies to all lens types, including soft, rigid gas-permeable (RGP), and specialty lenses. Following this instruction is necessary to avoid potential complications during surgery.
Medical Justification for Contact Removal
The primary concern is the effect of general anesthesia, which significantly reduces natural tear production, leading to severe ocular dryness. Because the patient cannot blink or signal discomfort, this dryness can cause the contact lens to adhere tightly to the cornea. If a lens fuses to the cornea, removal attempts can result in a painful corneal abrasion or ulcer, potentially compromising vision and requiring extended recovery. During long procedures, the surgical team often applies protective ointment and tapes the eyelids shut. A lens trapped beneath a closed eyelid with ointment increases the risk of infection and irritation. Contact lenses also obstruct the surgical team’s ability to monitor the patient’s neurological status. Anesthesiologists frequently observe pupil size and reaction to assess brain function and the depth of anesthesia. A contact lens can distort this view or interfere with the assessment, delaying the recognition of a change in the patient’s condition.
Patient Preparation Guidelines
Patients should remove their contact lenses well before arriving at the surgical center. This allows the cornea to begin returning to its natural shape and minimizes rushing in the pre-operative area. If lenses are worn upon arrival, hospital staff will instruct the patient to remove them before the procedure begins. Patients must bring a clean, labeled contact lens case and an adequate supply of fresh solution for storage. Without these items, lenses may be discarded or stored improperly, risking damage or loss. Patients must communicate proactively with their care team, including the pre-operative nurse and anesthesiologist. If a lens is accidentally left in, or if the patient wears specialized lenses (like scleral or custom RGP lenses), the staff must be informed immediately. This allows the team to take appropriate precautions to protect the eye and plan for immediate post-operative care.
Vision Management During Hospital Stay
Using Eyeglasses
Since contact lenses must be removed, prescription eyeglasses are the recommended alternative for navigating the hospital environment. Patients should bring their current glasses and a protective case to keep them safe during the surgery. The glasses can be worn during check-in, pre-operative preparations, and immediately upon waking in the recovery room. Hospital staff are trained to assist patients with impaired vision, providing support with reading forms, moving around the recovery area, and understanding surroundings until their eyesight is restored. This support ensures patient safety during the post-anesthesia period.
Reinsertion Timing
Reinsertion of contact lenses is generally permitted only after the patient is fully awake, alert, and discharged from the post-anesthesia care unit. The surgeon will provide specific guidance. Contacts should only be reinserted once the medical team confirms there were no ocular complications and the patient is stable enough to manage the lenses themselves. The timeline for reinsertion depends on the type of surgery performed and the individual patient’s recovery.