How LASIK Is A Solution To Contact Lens Intolerance

For many people with vision problems, wearing contact lenses is preferable to glasses. Not only do contacts offer better peripheral vision, but they don’t interfere in your daily life the same way glasses do, which can easily fall off or fog up depending on the activity.

But contacts still come with drawbacks. They’re more high maintenance than glasses, as they tend to have a higher annual cost and require more care to prevent infection. They can also cause discomfort (such as dry eye symptoms) when worn for long periods of time.

For some people, discomfort from contact lenses isn’t only temporary or due to over wearing. Contact lens intolerance (CLI) is a condition in which the body begins to reject contact lenses, making their continued wear difficult or impossible. It’s possible to develop CLI even after years of wearing contacts with no previous issues.

Luckily, glasses aren’t the only alternative for people who can’t wear contact lenses. LASIK eye surgery is a lasting solution to vision problems that offers benefits beyond what glasses and contacts can. At Greenberg LASIK in Indianapolis and Louisville, we’ve transformed the lives of thousands of people through clearer vision. Below, we explain how LASIK can correct common vision problems and how it can be especially beneficial for people struggling with CLI.

What Is Contact Lens Intolerance (CLI)?

The exact cause behind contact lens intolerance isn’t known, but studies suggest that the risk tends to rise with age and the duration of contact lens usage. As per the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), sudden discomfort in wearing contacts, regardless of prior history, can be influenced by factors such as the fit and material of the contacts, adherence to wearing and care instructions, the type of disinfection and storage solution used, and underlying health conditions, like dry eye or allergies.

People with CLI may experience a variety of symptoms, such as:

• Persistent Discomfort: If you consistently feel discomfort, irritation, or a sensation of dryness while wearing your lenses.
• Redness and Irritation: Persistent redness, itchiness, or irritation in your eyes, especially when using contacts.
• Excessive Tearing: Unexplained or excessive tearing that doesn't improve with time while wearing contact lenses.
• Blurred Vision: If your vision becomes consistently blurry, even after adjusting or replacing your lenses.
• Light Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light while wearing contacts.
• Foreign Body Sensation: A feeling of having something like a foreign body or grit in your eyes when wearing contact lenses.
• Difficulty Wearing Lenses: If you find it challenging to wear your lenses for the recommended duration without discomfort.

The severity and frequency of the symptoms can vary between people. Prolonged use of contact lenses tends to exacerbate and increase the frequency of these symptoms.

If you notice any of the following symptoms on a recurring basis, it’s recommended to stop using your contact lenses and consult an eye care professional, who can confirm if your symptoms are because of a contact lens intolerance.

LASIK As A Solution To Contact Intolerance

CLI isn’t always permanent. By identifying and addressing the factors causing discomfort, it’s possible to manage the symptoms. However, this can take time and be a process of trial-and-error. People with contact lens intolerance need a solution in the interim to alleviate the discomfort, but many wrongly think glasses are their only option.

LASIK eye surgery is an alternative to both glasses and contact lenses. It’s not only a temporary solution, but a long-term one. By reshaping the cornea, it corrects the root of the refractive error. LASIK can treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It can reduce or even eliminate the need for glasses and contacts, so you can see the world clearly without having to rely on anything other than your own eyes. Moreover, it can also save you money in the long run, making it more cost effective than contacts.

At Greenberg LASIK, we offer free consultations to confirm your candidacy and recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your visual needs. Why wait? Free yourself from glasses and contact lenses today by booking a free consultation.