Are Your Contacts Suddenly Bothering You? There’s A Good Reason

For many people, contacts are a convenient solution to a range of vision problems. They move with your eyes, offering more natural vision. Contacts bypass the need for glasses, so they don’t get foggy or wet depending on the weather, and they don’t block your side vision. They also don’t get in the way when playing sports, like glasses do.

But contacts aren’t completely problem-free. They’re more high maintenance than glasses. Not only do they often have a higher annual cost, but they require more care. You need to clean and store them properly, or else you risk an infection. Contacts can also cause blurry vision if they move around and wearing them for long periods can cause dry eye symptoms.

For some people, their ability to wear contacts is only temporary. Though uncommon, contact lens intolerance (CLI) is a condition that develops when the body can no longer tolerate the contact lens and starts showing signs of rejection. This can make it impossible to wear contacts, even in people who’ve been wearing them for years or decades.

But returning to glasses isn’t the only option for people suffering from contact lens intolerance. LASIK eye surgery can be a saving grace when your eyes can no longer tolerate contacts. Here’s what you need to know.

What Causes Contact Lens Intolerance (CLI)

The exact cause behind contact lens intolerance isn’t fully understood and may vary depending on the person. Research has found the risk tends to increase with age and the length of time the individual has been wearing contact lenses.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) explains there’s a wide range of factors that can explain why a person suddenly finds wearing contacts uncomfortable, even with no previous history of discomfort. This can include:

• Fit and material of the contacts
• Adherence to wearing and care instructions
• Type of disinfection and storage solution used
• Underlying health condition(s) (like dry eye, allergies etc.)

Signs Of Contact Lens Intolerance

There are a wide range of symptoms that can indicate you’re suffering from contact lens intolerance. The symptoms of CLI can include:

• Dry eye
• Irritation
• Itchiness
• Inflammation
• Corneal ulcers
• Corneal abrasions
• Inability to wear contacts for long
• Pain or stinging when applying contacts

The severity of CLI symptoms vary. Some people experience these signs only a few times a year, but for others, it can be a daily occurrence. The symptoms tend to worsen and become more frequent with prolonged contact wearing. That’s why finding a solution for CLI is important so you can live life free of discomfort.

How LASIK Is A Solution For Contact Lens Intolerance

The good news about contact lens intolerance is that it’s not always permanent. If you can identify the factor(s) causing the discomfort and treat it, it’s possible for the signs of intolerance to subside. But it isn’t always a simple process. It can take a lot of time as well as trial and error, which can leave you in discomfort for an unforeseeable period. There’s also no guarantee you’ll determine the cause.

But there is a long-term solution to visual problems, including contact lens intolerance – LASIK eye surgery. Laser vision correction procedures can treat a wide variety of vision problems, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (blurry vision at all distances).

After LASIK, you won’t need to worry about discomfort from your contact lenses or having to switch to glasses if contacts are no longer comfortable. By correcting the shape of the cornea, LASIK treats the root of the visual problem. You’ll be able to wake up to clear vision without having to reach for your glasses or putting contacts in. Moreover, you won’t have to worry about the symptoms of contact lens intolerance anymore.

The convenience of LASIK isn’t the only reason to invest in laser vision correction. It can also save you money in the long-term by reducing costs associated with glasses, prescription sunglasses, contact lenses, and contact lens solution. Try our Savings Calculator to see for yourself.

90% of people between the ages of 18 to 65 are excellent candidates for LASIK. Even if LASIK isn’t a good fit for you, at LASIK MD we offer a wide variety of vision correction procedures, so we likely have one that can suit your needs.

The only way to determine if you’re a candidate for vision correction is to come in for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our team will perform a series of diagnostic tests to confirm your eligibility and determine what procedure is right for you. Book a free consultation today, so you can find freedom from glasses and contacts.