Did you know more than 40 million people wear contact lenses? For those with imperfect vision, contact lenses provide many vision benefits, but they are not risk-free. Each year, an estimated 5.3 million lens wearers develop Contact Lens Intolerance (CLI).
Contact Lens Intolerance is a general term for anyone who can’t wear contacts any more without discomfort. You might have CLI if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms:
- irritation
- burning
- stinging
- grittiness
- dry eyes
- infections
- corneal abrasions (scratches)
- corneal ulcers (sores)
Many people who have common refractive conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism and wear contacts, develop some form of CLI. Many factors can contribute to CLI, such as:
- viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites
- ocular or systemic conditions (e.g., dry eye, allergies, etc.)
- wearing contacts too long
- not following lens care instructions
- developing a reaction to certain lens materials and/or solutions
- improper lens fit
- complications from contacts such as papillary conjunctivitis or neovascularization
You have Contact Lens Intolerance, now what?
If contact lenses no longer work for you, it’s time to look at the alternatives: Go back to wearing glasses; or, move forward with laser vision correction. When considering why you chose contacts in the first place – convenience, personal appearance, etc. – LASIK is a natural, and safer, next step. Opting for laser vision correction means continuing to live a life free from the hassle of glasses.
Refractive Surgery Options
The first step is setting up a complimentary consultation where we will conduct an Advanced Ocular Analysis (AOA). What is an AOA? It’s our signature, state-of-the-art comprehensive evaluation of the health of your eyes.
During the AOA we use advanced diagnostic techniques to obtain information critical to the health of your eyes today and throughout your lifetime. These results, along with discussions about your lifestyle, allow our surgeons to determine your candidacy for certain procedures such as SBK Advanced LASIK and Refractive Lens Exchange.
Compare the Cost of LASIK vs. Contacts and Glasses
Cost is likely a big factor in deciding on a laser vision correction procedure or glasses. We recommend comparing the cost associated with a one-time procedure against a lifetime of glasses using our online calculator. This will give you a better picture of what you’re already spending for your vision. Recognizing that upfront cost can be an obstacle for many, check out the variety of payment options we offer.