Categories: Eye Care

Contact Lens Intolerance: Essential Things You Need to Know

Contact lenses are well-loved for their convenience. They can correct refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. This eyewear doesn’t disrupt your peripheral vision and won’t cause discomfort from glare. Contacts are also ideal for those with active lifestyles.

Unfortunately, contacts don’t work for everyone. Some people experience intolerance to this eyewear. A local eye specialist explains why.

What Is Contact Lens Intolerance?

Contact lens intolerance (CLI) is when the eyes can’t tolerate the presence of contact lenses, causing discomfort and pain. This condition can affect anyone, including individuals who have been using contacts for years without problems.

Stinging, pain and discomfort upon lens insertion are common symptoms of CLI. The condition can cause eye redness and decreased tolerance for wearing contacts for extended periods. If you experience these signs, schedule a contact eye exam immediately. Early treatment can help prevent further complications.

What Causes This Condition?

Some people could have adverse reactions to certain contact lens materials, resulting in CLI. Improper cleaning and storage can cause an accumulation of bacteria or fungi on the lenses, causing eye irritation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), poor hygiene is a significant risk factor for CLI. Using contact lens cases longer than recommended, sleeping without removing contacts and overusing the lenses can increase the likelihood of CLI.

What Can You Do About It?

Get Regular Eye Exams

Regular visits to your local eye clinic can help with the early detection and management of CLI. Routine eye exams allow specialists to identify issues before they escalate. These appointments are also essential to catching changes in your vision.

Re-Evaluate Your Contact Lens Use

Proper contact lens care and use are crucial to keeping your eyes healthy. Only use solutions and eye drops recommended by your eye doctor. Replace contact lenses and cases as directed. If your current contacts are causing discomfort, let your doctor know so they can recommend a more appropriate lens material.

Consider Alternatives

Taking a break from contact lens wear can give you relief from CLI. You could switch to prescription glasses to alleviate discomfort. PRK or LASIK eye surgery can also provide long-term corrections to refractive errors. Moreover, a dependable eye care provider will carefully assess your situation to determine which methods suit you best.

Dr. Mary Ann Zastrow

Recent Posts

What You Need to Know About Visual Field Tests

A visual field test is usually a part of a routine eye examination. Despite the term's…

6 days ago

6 Things That Can Make Contact Lenses Hard to Fit

Contact lenses are a convenient and effective alternative to eyeglasses. They rest directly on the…

1 month ago

How Does Smoking Affect Your Eye Health?

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.…

1 month ago

Why Are My Eyes So Dry?

Dry eyes affect millions of people worldwide. It can cause discomfort, irritation and sometimes vision…

2 months ago

Contact Lenses: Reasons They Might Not Suit You

Individuals who don't wish to wear prescription glasses prefer contact lenses. This eyewear is ideal…

3 months ago

Here’s What Good Eye Safety At Home Looks Like

Homes are often seen as safe and comfortable spaces. However, it's where many accidents occur.…

3 months ago