How long before myopia surgery should you stop wearing contact lenses?

Nov 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Lei

Introduction

Before undergoing surgery for myopia, soft contact lenses should be discontinued for 1–2 weeks, while rigid contact lenses or orthokeratology lenses require discontinuation for 3–6 months. This pause ensures accurate eye examinations and corneal health, creating optimal conditions for surgery. If you experience eye discomfort or vision abnormalities during the discontinuation period, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.

Before undergoing surgery for myopia, soft contact lenses should be discontinued for 1–2 weeks, while rigid contact lenses or orthokeratology (corneal reshaping) lenses should be stopped for 3–6 months. Discontinuation ensures accurate eye examinations and maintains corneal health, creating optimal conditions for the surgery. If you experience any eye discomfort or vision abnormalities during the discontinuation period, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.

Long-term wear of contact lenses can press against the cornea, altering its shape and affecting the accuracy of preoperative assessments such as refraction and corneal topography, which may in turn impact surgical planning. Discontinuing lens wear allows the cornea to gradually return to its natural shape, ensuring reliable and accurate diagnostic data.

Soft contact lenses have a relatively minor effect on the cornea, which typically recovers within 1–2 weeks. Rigid lenses and orthokeratology lenses exert stronger pressure on the cornea and require a longer recovery period—usually 3–6 months. During this time, corneal sensitivity may increase, so rubbing the eyes should be avoided to minimize irritation.

After discontinuation, maintain good eye hygiene by avoiding touching or rubbing your eyes, and prevent visual fatigue caused by prolonged eye use. Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and avoid spicy or irritating foods. When outdoors, protect your eyes from dust, smoke, and intense light to support corneal health.

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How to recover from astigmatism

Determine the degree and axis of astigmatism through professional refraction, then prescribe appropriate cylindrical lenses. These glasses can accurately correct refractive errors caused by corneal irregularities, ensuring clear retinal imaging and alleviating symptoms such as blurred vision and double vision. For individuals unsuitable for wearing eyeglasses, rigid gas-permeable contact lenses or toric soft contact lenses designed specifically for astigmatism are alternative options.

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How to treat 200 degrees of astigmatism

In general, the main treatment methods for 200-degree astigmatism include wearing eyeglasses, using orthokeratology lenses, wearing soft contact lenses, undergoing laser surgery, and practicing daily eye care. Additionally, patients should have regular vision check-ups—every six months for adolescents and annually for adults—to promptly monitor changes in astigmatism levels. Treatment plans should be tailored according to age.

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Can you pass the driver's license medical examination with a visual acuity of 4.7?

If applying for a Class C driver's license (such as for small cars or small automatic transmission vehicles), and the visual acuity of 4.7 is the corrected result (e.g., with glasses or contact lenses), and there are no other vision issues such as color blindness (red-green color deficiency), the medical examination standards in most regions can be met. These types of licenses have relatively lenient vision requirements, and corrected vision that meets the standard is generally acceptable.

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What kind of glasses should be prescribed for primary school students with myopia?

Myopia correction for elementary school students generally includes single-vision framed glasses, defocus-incorporated framed glasses, progressive multifocal framed glasses, orthokeratology lenses, and peripheral defocus soft contact lenses. Single-vision framed glasses: These glasses have only one optical center and effectively correct myopia to provide clear vision. They are suitable for elementary school students with mild myopia who do not have significant visual fatigue or accommodation abnormalities, and are simple and convenient to wear.