Can you use contact lenses again after laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery gives many people the freedom to live without glasses, but the result isn’t always perfectly stable. Vision may change slightly over time, or you may find yourself in situations where using contact lenses again is practical — such as during sports, travel or certain work tasks. Soft silicone hydrogel lenses are one of the most comfortable and eye-friendly options even after laser surgery. In this article, I explain when and how to use them, what to pay attention to and why it’s worth making the decision calmly and thoughtfully.

What are silicone hydrogel lenses?

Silicone hydrogel is the most commonly used material in modern contact lenses. It allows the eye to “breathe,” because it lets oxygen pass through the material far better than traditional hydrogel.
The silicone provides excellent oxygen permeability, while the hydrogel keeps the lens moist, soft and comfortable.

After laser surgery, the cornea is more sensitive and the tear film may be thinner than before. This is why silicone hydrogel lenses are a great choice — they keep the eye moist and reduce dryness. Many people feel these lenses “breathe” better and stay comfortable throughout the day.

When can you start wearing lenses again?

Laser surgery changes the shape of the cornea, so your eyes need to fully heal before trying new lenses. This usually takes 3–6 months, depending on the type of surgery and individual healing.
It’s important not to rush — wearing lenses too early may cause irritation or blur.

Before restarting lens use, have your eyes examined by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They will check whether your cornea is stable and which curvature suits you now. After surgery, the usual lens diameter or base curve may no longer fit — the shape of the eye has changed and requires a new fitting.

Why choose soft lenses?

Soft silicone hydrogel lenses adjust to the shape of the eye more easily than rigid lenses. They are especially suitable for sensitive or dry eyes — a common situation after laser surgery.

Key benefits:

Comfort. The soft material sits gently on the eye without a foreign-body sensation.
Breathability. High oxygen flow keeps the eyes clear and reduces redness.
Flexible use. You can choose daily, two-week or monthly lenses depending on your routine.
Less irritation. Lower risk of dryness or inflammation when care instructions are followed.

If you’re active and enjoy movement, soft lenses are ideal — they stay stable and don’t bother you while you move.

Which lenses are recommended after surgery?

After laser surgery, silicone hydrogel lenses are often recommended because they offer:

high oxygen permeability (Dk/t above 100),
good moisture retention to reduce dryness,
a thin, smooth design that reduces friction under the eyelid.

Popular choices include:

Acuvue Oasys – known for its hydrating surface technology
Air Optix HydraGlyde – excellent oxygen flow and a smooth surface that resists deposits
Dailies Total 1 – daily lenses with exceptional softness and comfort

However, the best lens is always chosen individually — every eye responds differently.

Lens care after surgery

If you choose silicone hydrogel lenses, pay just as much attention to care as you did before surgery.

Key tips:

Use fresh solution every day — never top up old liquid.
Replace your lens case regularly — bacteria can build up.
Don’t sleep in lenses — even if some types allow extended wear, give your eyes a break.
Limit wearing time if your eyes tend to dry out.
Use preservative-free hydrating drops suitable for contact lenses.

If you feel burning, stinging or blurriness, remove the lenses and take a break. These signs indicate your eyes are not fully recovered or that the material doesn’t suit you.

Is a subscription a good idea?

Yes — once you’ve found the right lens type and wearing schedule, a subscription is a practical and stress-free option.

It helps you:

avoid running out of lenses unexpectedly,
maintain freshness and hygiene with regular deliveries,
save time with automatic renewals.

A subscription is especially helpful if you wear lenses daily and prefer a simple routine. On myeye.ee you can choose monthly, three-month or six-month delivery and even add care products to the same order.

What if your eyes feel dry after laser surgery?

Dryness is one of the most common side effects after laser treatment. Silicone hydrogel lenses help, but you may also need hydrating drops, better room humidity and regular breaks from screens.

If dryness continues, choose lenses with higher water content or specialised moisture technologies (such as HydraGlyde or AquaComfort Plus). These help maintain comfort throughout the day.

Soft silicone hydrogel lenses — a great choice after laser surgery

If you want clear, sharp vision again without glasses, soft silicone hydrogel lenses are an excellent option. They are gentle, breathable and comfortable — especially important when your eyes are still sensitive.

Remember:

wait until your eyes are fully healed;
get refitted by a specialist;
choose silicone hydrogel for breathability and moisture;
follow proper care and avoid overwearing lenses.

If you value freedom, comfort and clear vision, silicone hydrogel lenses can be your best companion after laser surgery. With a subscription orders, you’ll always have fresh lenses and care products on hand — without having to remember to reorder.