Contact lenses with scarring

[flamer]

I have been wearing contacts for 12 years, about 5 months ago I got keratitis (badly) since then I have never worn contacts again.

I went to the eye clinic to see about getting iLasik, but he said that the scar left form the infection was too bad, although it wasn't right in the line of my sight it was still too risky to have the procedure. He said I wouldn't be a candidate for ilasik but PRK could be a goer and for me to go back in 12 months after the scar has settled down.

I don't really want to have to wear glasses for another 12 months, I am thinking of going back to daily disposable contacts.

Is there any evidence to suggest that contacts may affect the healing of my corneal scarring? is there more potential for infections?

what should I do?

[Timothy D McGarity, M.D.]

If you are very conservative with the daily wear then that is probably fine. ICL is placed in American Warfighters (US Army and Navy personnel and those in battle). Take home message: direct trauma to the eye is never good-surgery or no surgery. ICL is still a good option even for kick boxing.

[flamer]

Thank you for your response. It is appreciated.

So daily disposable contact lenses are still a no go, even if it was only once or twice a week?

also, I forget to mention, i am a professional kick boxer so I was leaning towards PRK over iLasik anyway, what about ICl, does that have any risks in terms of direct eye trauma?

[Timothy D McGarity, M.D.]

I would definitely avoid iLASIK and also I'd strongly suggest not wearing contact lenses, too. The risk of permanent, sight-threatening infection from contact lenses are much higher once you've had even one episode of infectious keratitis. Have you looked into the Visian ICL? Check it out at STAAR.COM. The Visian ICL, in experienced hands, will give better vision than iLASIK and definitely PRK. If you live in the USA, have myopia/nearsightedness from -3 up to -20 and have a lower amount of astigmatism, then the ICL (implantable collamer lens) may be right for you. Go to Visian ICL on Facebook too to talk to other who have had it done. It's not new: over 500,000 implants done now, and many of our USA military have had it done. What's his face from The Black Eyed Peas just had it done. I hope this helps. Use you glasses and stay out of the contacts...it's much safer. Look into the Visian ICL for another option.
Best wishes,
Timothy D. McGarity, M.D.