Soft Contact Lenses vs. RGP Lenses: What to Know Before LASIK or PRK
If you are considering LASIK or PRK, one of the most important—and often overlooked—factors in determining candidacy are the type of contact lenses you wear. At Dishler Laser Institute, we emphasize education first, ensuring every patient understands how even intricate details—like contact lens type (hard or soft)—can impact their results.
Both soft contact lenses and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses correct vision, but they interact with your eye very differently. These differences can affect not only whether you are a candidate for LASIK or PRK, but also when you are ready for surgery.
Why Contact Lenses Matter Before LASIK or PRK
LASIK and PRK are highly customized procedures that rely on precise measurements of your cornea—the clear front surface of your eye. At Dishler Laser Institute, we use advanced diagnostics to map your cornea in detail and determine the best treatment for your eyes.
However, contact lenses sit directly on the cornea and can temporarily change their shape. If your cornea has not returned to its natural form before your evaluation, it can lead to:
- Inaccurate measurements
- Less precise results
- Delays in your treatment timeline
- Tear film disruption
That is why discontinuing contact lens wear prior to your consultation is a critical first step.
Soft Contact Lenses: Minimal Impact, Faster Timeline
Soft contact lenses are flexible and designed to conform to the natural shape of your eye. These are the most common types of contact lens correction utilized by patients. Because of this, they typically cause only mild, temporary changes to the cornea.
How they affect candidacy:
- Minimal corneal distortion
- Faster tear-film stabilization once lenses are removed
- More predictable measurements
What we recommend:
At Dishler Laser Institute, most patients wearing soft lenses are asked to discontinue their use for about 3 days prior to their consultation. This allows the cornea to return to its natural shape so we can gather accurate data and measurements.
For most soft lens wearers, this means a relatively quick path from consultation to treatment.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: Greater Impact, Longer Preparation
Gas permeable lenses (also known as rigid gas permeable, hard lenses, or RGP lenses) are more structured and do not conform to the eye. Instead, they reshape the cornea over time to improve vision. They can be worn overnight, also known as ortho-keratology or throughout the day.
How they affect candidacy:
- Can significantly alter corneal shape
- May mask underlying conditions like irregular astigmatism
- Require a longer “washout” period before accurate testing so the cornea can return to its normal shape
What we recommend:
Patients who wear RGP lenses typically need to discontinue them for approximately 2 weeks before their evaluation. A general guideline is:
- One month out of lenses for every decade they have worn gas permeable lenses
At Dishler Laser Institute, we often monitor these patients with repeat scans to ensure the cornea has fully stabilized before moving forward. This step is essential for achieving an ethical and accurate outcome.
Why Our Approach Matters
At Dishler Laser Institute, we are proud to be an education-based practice, not a sales-driven one. That means:
- We never rush patients into surgery
- We prioritize accurate testing over convenience
- We provide honest recommendations—even if that means waiting or choosing a different treatment route
For RGP lens wearers especially, it can be tempting to want to move quickly—but taking the necessary time ensures your results are precise and long-lasting.
Planning for Your LASIK or PRK Journey
Understanding your contact lens type can help you plan your timeline:
Soft lens wearers:
- Short preparation period
- Faster progression to surgery
RGP lens wearers:
- Longer preparation period
- May require multiple visits to confirm corneal stability
- Benefit from a more gradual, carefully monitored approach
No matter which type of lenses you wear, our team will guide you every step of the way with a personalized plan.
Final Thoughts
Your contact lenses may seem like a small detail, but they play a significant role in your LASIK or PRK candidacy. Soft lenses typically require only a short break, while gas permeable lenses can significantly impact the cornea and require more time for accurate evaluation.
At Dishler Laser Institute, we believe the best outcomes come from education, preparation, and precision. By taking the time to ensure your eyes are fully ready, we can deliver results you can trust. If you are considering LASIK or PRK, scheduling a consultation is the first step. Our team is here to educate, guide, and help you make the best decision for your vision—on your timeline. Call us today or schedule your free consultation online!