If you wear contacts and just had eye surgery, postoperative inflammation can mess with comfort and vision. Inflammation is your eye's response to the procedure—redness, light sensitivity, tearing, and blurred vision are common. I’ll walk you through practical steps to protect your eyes while they heal and to keep lens plans realistic.
Different surgeries cause different inflammation levels. After cataract or corneal procedures the surface can be fragile; LASIK and PRK cause surface irritation that may last days to weeks. Your surgeon usually prescribes steroid or NSAID eye drops to reduce swelling. Use them exactly as directed—stopping early or skipping doses raises the risk of rebound inflammation or infection.
Know what’s normal and what’s not. Mild redness, gritty feeling, mild blur, and light sensitivity often happen in the first week. Call your doctor if you notice severe pain, worsening vision, thick discharge, or a sudden spike in redness. Those signs can mean infection or a more serious inflammatory reaction that needs urgent care.
Most doctors advise pausing contact lens wear after eye surgery. Soft disposable lenses might feel tempting, but they can trap bacteria and delay healing. If you must wear vision correction, ask about temporary glasses or a close-fitting pair of plano or prescription shields for short outings. For patients who wore rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, wait until your eye surface is fully healed and the doctor gives the green light—this can be weeks to months depending on the procedure.
Hygiene and drop routines matter. Wash hands before touching your eyes, avoid makeup near the eye, and follow the exact schedule for medicated drops. If your drops cause burning, rinse with preservative-free artificial tears unless your doctor says otherwise. Don’t switch or add over-the-counter drops without checking—some can interfere with prescribed meds.
If inflammation is stubborn, your doctor may change the drop strength, add another anti-inflammatory, or recommend a short course of oral medication. In some cases a bandage contact lens is used to protect the cornea while it heals—but that’s placed and monitored by the surgeon, not something you should try at home.
Plan ahead before surgery: ask your surgeon how long to avoid contacts, whether you’ll need glasses, and what signs require immediate contact. Bring your glasses and contact case to appointments so the team can advise on safe reuse. With careful care and clear communication with your surgeon, you can protect your vision and return to contact lenses when it’s safe.
Expect several follow-up checks. Most surgeons see you within 24 to 48 hours, then at one week and one month. At those visits they’ll check IOP (eye pressure), the cornea, and inflammation level. Mention any lens history and bring your lens case so they can tell if it’s safe to reuse. Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and eye-rubbing until cleared. Wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce light sensitivity and help healing. Ask questions—your comfort and safety matter most.
This article explores the challenges faced by contact lens wearers after eye surgery, with a focus on inflammation. It outlines the causes, symptoms, and tips for managing inflammation effectively. Practical advice is provided for maintaining eye health during recovery.