Canthoplasty is a common eye plastic surgery that aims to improve the eye contour and visual effect by adjusting the epicanthus or lateral canthus and expanding the lateral width of the eye. Many patients who undergo this surgery are concerned about whether they can wear contact lenses during the recovery period and postoperative life, especially those with myopia. This article will elaborate on the physiological effects of canthoplasty, the requirements for the use of contact lenses, the postoperative recovery process, and the risks and precautions of wearing contact lenses, aiming to provide scientific reference for clinical practice and patients.
Physiological effects of canthoplasty
Canthoplasty surgery includes two methods: inner canthus enlargement and lateral canthus enlargement. The inner canthus enlargement mainly removes or reshapes the epicanthus to improve the crowded feeling of the inner corner of the eye; the lateral canthus enlargement increases the length of the palpebral fissure by removing part of the outer canthus tissue. During the operation, the eyelid tissue, conjunctiva and part of the orbicularis oculi muscle will be subjected to invasive manipulation and damage. A period of recovery is required after the operation to ensure tissue healing and morphological stability.
Effects of postoperative changes in ocular tissue on contact lens wearing
Contact lenses are in direct contact with the surface of the eyeball. When worn, they cause mechanical stimulation and pressure on the cornea, conjunctiva, and eyelids. After canthoplasty, the eyelid structure and the surrounding environment of the cornea change, which has the following effects:
Changes in eyelid morphology : The surgery changes the structure of the inner and outer canthus angles. The eyelid opening and closing function may be temporarily limited, resulting in decreased comfort when wearing contact lenses.
Conjunctival and corneal condition : Local tissue edema and inflammation after surgery may increase the sensitivity of the cornea and conjunctiva, and wearing contact lenses can easily cause discomfort or aggravate inflammation.
Tear film stability : Changes in eyelid morphology may affect tear distribution, leading to tear film instability and increasing the dryness and foreign body sensation when wearing contact lenses.
Scabbing and scarring after surgery : Scar tissue during the recovery period may affect the fit and movement of contact lenses, making them more difficult to wear.
Contact lens types and suitability for postoperative wear
Contact lenses are divided into two categories: soft and hard. Soft contact lenses are made of soft material and are suitable for most daily wearers. They are comfortable to wear, but are more sensitive to changes in the eye environment. Rigid gas permeable contact lenses (RGP) have strong adaptability to corneal morphology, but the initial discomfort of wearing is more obvious. After canthoplasty, patients should give priority to soft contact lenses because they cause less irritation to the eyes after surgery.
Timing of contact lens wearing after canthoplasty surgery
Wearing contact lenses immediately after surgery can have an adverse effect on eye healing for the following reasons:
The surgical area needs to heal fully : It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for the incision and local tissue to fully recover. Wearing contact lenses during this period may cause infection, irritation, or stitch breakage.
Avoid increased mechanical friction : The edge of the contact lens comes into contact with the eyelid and conjunctiva, which may cause pain, foreign body sensation, or increased inflammation in the early postoperative period.
Ensure postoperative morphological stability : Wearing contact lenses when the eyelid and corneal morphology has not yet been fixed may affect the surgical results.
Clinically, it is recommended that patients wait at least 6 weeks after surgery, and only try to wear contact lenses after the doctor's evaluation confirms that the wound has healed well and there is no inflammation.
Precautions when wearing contact lenses
Regular eye examinations : You should undergo an eye examination before and after wearing contact lenses to rule out the risk of corneal damage and eye infection.
Keep the lenses clean : Use professional care solution to avoid bacterial infection and aggravate postoperative eye inflammation.
Avoid prolonged contact lens wearing : In the early postoperative period, the time of contact lens wearing should be reduced to avoid dryness and fatigue.
Pay attention to symptoms of eye discomfort : stop wearing the glasses immediately and seek medical attention if redness, swelling, pain, or foreign body sensation occurs.
Choose the lens type carefully : choose contact lenses with high oxygen permeability and good softness according to your eye condition to reduce irritation to your eyes.
Special circumstances and risks
Some patients may experience tear duct dysfunction, ectropion or conjunctival inflammation after canthoplasty surgery, all of which will affect the safety of wearing contact lenses. If there are abnormal secretions, persistent red eyes or blurred vision after the operation, you should consult a doctor in time to avoid aggravating the condition due to improper use of contact lenses.
Future Research Directions
Currently, there is limited research on the wearing of contact lenses after canthoplasty. In the future, systematic research on the interaction between postoperative ocular tissue changes and contact lenses is needed to optimize postoperative care plans and improve patient comfort and safety.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips: The wearing of contact lenses after canthoplasty surgery needs to be arranged reasonably according to personal recovery status and doctor's advice. It is usually recommended to wait at least 6 weeks after the operation to ensure that the eye tissue is fully healed. When wearing, you should choose the appropriate lens type, maintain good hygiene habits, and check eye health regularly to avoid delays in treatment.