Don’t Let Contact Lens Intolerance Cloud Your Vision

More than 61% of Americans need help to see clearly–45 million of whom address their vision problems with contact lenses. Unfortunately, nearly 5 million contact lens wearers will experience a condition called CLI–Contact Lens Intolerance. Those living with contact lens intolerance can have negative health consequences such as pain, irritation, dry eyes, and more–all of which can progress to inflammation, infections, and even ulcerated eyes. Even worse, many patients are unaware they are even contact lens intolerant.

What Is Contact Lens Intolerance?

Contact Lens Intolerance (CLI) is a condition where wearing contact lenses becomes increasingly uncomfortable or even unbearable over time. There are many different symptoms that may accompany CLI and there are also several different causes of the condition. However, the result of being unable to tolerate wearing contact lenses is ultimately what CLI leads to. This intolerance can make it difficult or impossible to wear contact lenses for extended periods, leading many to seek alternative methods of vision correction.

Symptoms of CLI

The symptoms of Contact Lens Intolerance (CLI) can vary in severity but symptoms often begin as mild and then progressively worsen over time. People with CLI commonly experience dryness, which can make the eyes feel scratchy or gritty, as if something is lodged in them. Redness and inflammation may also develop, along with a burning or stinging sensation, especially after prolonged lens wear. Some contact lens wearers report increased light sensitivity and blurry vision, which can make daily activities challenging or even dangerous in the case of driving or operating heavy machinery. In more advanced cases, CLI can lead to painful corneal abrasions, infections, or ulcers, at which point the risks of wearing contact lenses outweigh the benefits.

Causes and Risk Factors of CLI & Prevention

During the late twentieth century, contact lenses provided a reprieve for eyeglass wearers who wanted to live active lives. People who formerly had to wear glasses during their waking hours were now free from constantly adjusting their glasses on their noses, cleaning their glasses with expensive, scratch-free swatches, or wearing head straps to keep their glasses in place.

However, millions discovered their freedom was short-lived as they encountered the short-term challenges and long-term health risks of wearing contact lenses.

“Most of my patients are not aware of CLI (contact lens intolerance) and think it’s just part of the everyday hassle of wearing contacts. When they find out their diagnosis, they often feel relieved because they now know there is something they can do about it.”

Daniel Haddad M.D. – CLI Expert & SMILE Surgeon

Contact Lens Intolerance (CLI) has a range of causes which are often linked to decreased oxygen flow to the cornea and the buildup of proteins or bacteria on the lenses.

Risk factors for CLI include wearing lenses for extended periods of time, poor lens hygiene, and using lenses not designed for high oxygen permeability. People with dry eyes, allergies, or sensitive eyes are also more likely to develop CLI, since these conditions can exacerbate irritation and discomfort. Environmental factors, such as exposure to allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander, can further aggravate symptoms. 

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to CLI. Proper prevention involves practicing good lens care, including regular cleaning, replacing lenses as recommended, and allowing the eyes to have breaks from lenses.

Choosing high-quality, breathable lenses and using rewetting drops can also help keep your eyes comfortable and properly hydrated. For those with constant discomfort, we recommend talking to Dr. Haddad about alternative lens types or vision correction options that can provide more permanent relief.

Treatments for CLI?

Typically, advice for treating CLI is oriented toward removing the contacts, (or not wearing them altogether) using eye drops, (another inconvenience, and an added expense), or trying different (and often more expensive) contact lens brands.

Those who face Contact Lens Intolerance typically seek care at their primary eye care physician. Typically, they will try to treat contact lens intolerance by changing the type or brand of lenses or suggesting additional cleaning or eyedrops. In some cases, these measures may reduce symptoms, but the treatment fails to eliminate the need for contact lenses.

Today, those suffering from CLI aren’t limited to resorting back to glasses or expensive contact lenses. Many patients find relief from contact lens intolerance eliminating their need for contact lenses altogether with the help of a laser vision correction surgeon and vision correction procedures like SMILE and LASIK.

If you have experienced any symptoms of contact lens irritation or intolerance, including itchy dry eyes, and are ready to see clearly, it may be time to explore the benefits of SMILE or LASIK. You can get started by scheduling a free consultation with one of our laser vision correction specialists today. Or if you’re still deciding, schedule a 15-minute phone call with a LASIK coordinator OR take this quick quiz to find out if LASIK, PRK or SMILE is right for you.