Why Can’t I Wear My Contact Lenses Before a Laser Eye Screening?

Why Can't I Wear My Contact Lenses Before a Laser Eye Screening?

If you've booked a laser eye screening and been told to stop wearing your contact lenses beforehand, you might be wondering why — especially if contacts are part of your daily routine.

The reason is simple: contact lenses temporarily change the shape of your eyes, and for laser eye surgery, accuracy matters.

Here's why taking a short break from contact lenses is such an important part of your screening.

Contact Lenses change the shape of the Cornea

Your cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, plays a major role in how well you see. Laser eye surgery works by reshaping this surface with extreme precision.

Contact lenses sit directly on the cornea and, over time, can subtly alter:

• Corneal curvature

• Thickness measurements

• Surface regularity

Even though these changes are temporary, they can affect the accuracy of your screening results.

Why accuratemeasurements matter

During your laser eye screening, we perform detailed tests to determine:

• Whether you're a suitable candidate

• Which procedure (LASIK, PRK, SMILE or Presbyond) is safest

• How much correction can be achieved

• Whether your cornea is healthy and stable

If contact lenses are still influencing your cornea, these measurements may not reflect your eye's natural shape, which could lead to inaccurate recommendations and results.

How longshould I stop wearing contact lenses?

This depends on the type of lenses you wear:

• Soft contact lenses:

• Stop wearing them for at least 3–5 days before your screening

• Toric or extended-wear lenses:

• Usually require 1–2 weeks

• Hard or rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses:

• May require 3–4 weeks, sometimes longer

Your optometrist will confirm the exact timeframe based on your lens type and prescription.

What happens if I don'tstop wearing them?

If you arrive for your screening without having stopped contact lens wear:

• Your corneal measurements may be unreliable

• Additional tests or repeat visits may be needed

• Your screening may need to be postponed

Taking a short break beforehand help avoid delays and ensures the most accurate assessment possible.

Can I wear glasses instead?

Yes, and we encourage it.

Wearing glasses allows your cornea to return to its natural shape, so your screening reflects your true eye measurements. While it may feel inconvenient for a few days, it plays a key role in long-term safety and outcomes.

Bottom Line

Contact lenses temporarily alter the cornea, which can interfere with the precise measurements needed for laser eye surgery. Stopping lens wear before your screening ensures your assessment is accurate, safe, and tailored to your eyes.

It's a small step that makes a big difference.

Ready to see if you're a Candidate?

You can start even before booking your screening.

👉 Take our free laser eye surgery self-test