May 22, 2008

THE EYE MAN: Follow surgeon's advice

By Andrew Soss / Daily News Columnist

Dr. Soss,

I just had some surgery for my nearsightedness which required me to have a contact lens put in my eye after the surgery. They had to do a different type of surgery because my cornea was too thin. Anyhow, there seem to be so many restrictions as to what I can and can't do. I'm going to have my other eye done soon. Why are they keeping me from doing stuff? It's not as if it's a major surgery like I saw you mentioned for cataract surgery.

R.L.

R.L.,

Well, if you read the response to the other reader, you should have understood that all surgeries (minor or major) have risks. The less invasive the procedure, certainly the less the risk. In the type of refractive procedure you described a procedure is performed on one eye at a time. The "bandage" contact lens is placed on the eye for about 4-5 days. The reason this lens is used is because the entire outer layer of the corneal epithelium is removed when preparing the eye for surgery. This of course leaves the eye susceptible to infection.

I cannot imagine that there are "so many restrictions." Certainly, our advice may include restricting activities which may reduce the performance of the contact lens. This might include being in areas or partaking in activities whereby wind may dry out the contact lens. A common problem (which I run into often) involves showering or washing with soapy water or shampoo. I usually advise patients not to use soap or soap-like products from the neck up for about one week. Hair salons, for example, have a great deal of chemicals and dyes which might adhere to the contact lens and therefore should also be avoided for about one week. Let common sense be your best judge. If you have any doubts about the risk associated with any particular activity, seek specific advice from your eye doctor.



Questions to Dr. Soss should be sent to his e-mail theeyedoctor@att.net or via his Web site at www.dr-andrewsoss.com. All answers and opinions are those of Dr. Soss and not necessarily shared, endorsed or affiliated with this or any of our newspaper agencies.
Dr. Andrew C. Soss OD, FAAO has been practicing for over 20 years. During that time he has been a clinical instructor in the department of ocular pathology at the University of California. As a primary eye care provider in private practice in Burlingame, he is also board certified in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of primary open angle glaucoma.