For many people, contact lenses provide a comfortable, convenient alternative to glasses. However, not everyone can tolerate wearing them long-term. If you’ve noticed your lenses becoming uncomfortable or your eyes feeling irritated, you may be experiencing contact lens intolerance. While this can be frustrating, there are treatment options that can help restore comfort and keep your vision clear.

What Is Contact Lens Intolerance?

Contact lens intolerance occurs when your eyes can no longer comfortably handle contact lenses, even if you previously wore them without problems. Symptoms often develop gradually and may include:
 

• Redness or irritation

• Dryness or burning sensations

• Excessive tearing

• Blurry or fluctuating vision

• Feeling like the lens is always moving or “not fitting right”

Contact lens intolerance doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll never be able to wear contact lenses again. Instead, it usually indicates that your eyes or lenses need some extra care and attention.

Common Causes of Contact Lens Intolerance

Several factors can contribute to intolerance, including:
 

• Dry eye syndrome - Insufficient tear production or poor tear quality makes lens wear uncomfortable.

• Allergies - Pollen, dust, and other allergens can accumulate on lenses, triggering irritation.

• Poor lens fit - Ill-fitting lenses may cause constant rubbing or shifting.

• Lens overwear - Wearing lenses longer than recommended increases the risk of dryness and discomfort.

• Protein or debris buildup - Over time, deposits on lenses can cause irritation.

• Underlying eye conditions - Corneal issues, blepharitis, or meibomian gland dysfunction may interfere with lens comfort.

Can Contact Lens Intolerance Be Treated?

The good news is that in many cases, contact lens intolerance can be managed. Treatment often begins with a comprehensive eye exam to determine the underlying cause. Depending on the results, your eye doctor may recommend:
 

• Switching lens types - Daily disposables, scleral lenses, or specialty contacts may improve comfort.

• Managing dry eye - Treatments such as artificial tears, prescription drops, punctal plugs, or advanced therapies can improve tear quality.

• Improving eyelid health - Warm compresses, eyelid hygiene routines, or in-office procedures may reduce inflammation and irritation.

• Taking contact lens breaks - Alternating with glasses allows your eyes to rest.

• Allergy management - Medicated eye drops or switching to lenses with higher oxygen permeability can reduce allergic responses.

In some cases, if contact lenses remain uncomfortable, your doctor may recommend relying more on glasses or exploring vision correction alternatives such as LASIK.

Schedule Your Contact Lens Exam Today

Contact lens intolerance can be frustrating, but it doesn’t always mean the end of wearing contacts. With proper diagnosis and tailored treatment, many patients find solutions that allow them to continue enjoying the convenience of contact lenses. Our eye care team can help uncover the root cause of your discomfort and provide personalized treatment options to restore your eye health and comfort.

If you’re experiencing contact lens discomfort or think you may have contact lens intolerance, don’t wait until the symptoms worsen. Reach out to Clarity Vision to schedule your contact lens exam and discover the best solution for your vision needs. Visit our office in Apex, North Carolina, or call (919) 367-2832 to book an appointment today.