Understanding Contact Lens Intolerance: Causes and Solutions

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Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on October 2, 2025

Contact lenses offer freedom from glasses, but for many wearers, that freedom comes at a cost. Contact lens intolerance (CLI) is a frustrating and potentially dangerous condition that can make it difficult—or impossible—to continue wearing lenses comfortably. 

If your eyes feel irritated, dry or fatigued after lens use, you may be experiencing CLI. So, in honor of Contact Lens Safety Month in October and World Sight Day on October 9, learn more about this common, uncomfortable condition and how to reduce your risks to protect your vision.

What Is Contact Lens Intolerance?

Contact lens intolerance occurs when the eyes no longer tolerate lenses due to sensitivity, inflammation or allergic reaction. It’s not a single diagnosis but a collection of symptoms that interfere with safe, comfortable lens wear. This condition can affect long-time users or those new to contacts, but the risk of CLI does increase with long-term contact lens use.

Symptoms to Watch For

Signs of contact lens intolerance may vary but often include:

• Eye dryness
• Burning
• Redness
• Blurred vision
• Gritty sensation

Additionally, some patients report headaches or light sensitivity after wearing lenses. These symptoms may worsen over time, especially with extended wear or poor lens hygiene. CLI is often dismissed as simple dry eye syndrome or a tiny foreign object in the eye, but it can be more complicated than that.

Common Causes

Several factors contribute to contact lens intolerance:

• Dry Eye Syndrome
• Allergic reactions to lens materials or cleaning solutions
• Protein buildup on lenses
• Poor fit or outdated prescriptions
• Environmental irritants like dust or smoke.

Underlying eye conditions such as blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction can also trigger or contribute to intolerance.

Potential Complications

Ignoring symptoms can lead to more serious issues like corneal abrasions, infections or chronic inflammation. In severe cases, patients may develop corneal ulcers or scarring, which can permanently affect vision. That’s why early intervention is key.

Treatment and Prevention

Managing contact lens intolerance starts with identifying the root cause. Depending on the cause, treatment(s) may include:

• Switching to daily disposable lenses
• Using preservative-free lubricating drops
• Treating underlying dry eye or allergies
• Improving lens hygiene and wear schedule.

For many, prevention means regular eye exams and staying current with prescriptions. If symptoms persist, it may be time to consider vision correction alternatives.

A Permanent Solution: Eliminating the Need for Lenses

The only sure-fire way to eliminate contact lens intolerance is to stop wearing contacts altogether. Considering LASIK in Missouri? Laser eye surgery at Missouri Eye Institute offers a long-term solution by safely and comfortably correcting vision to reduce or eliminate the need for prescription eyewear. By removing imperfections in the cornea (the outermost surface of the eye), Modern LASIK restores clarity and comfort. Patients who choose LASIK often report improved quality of life and freedom from the daily hassle of lens care.

Contact Lens Intolerance doesn’t mean you have to live with discomfort. Whether you’re experiencing mild irritation or severe symptoms, there are solutions that can restore your comfort and protect your vision. Talk to your eye care provider about your options—including whether a Missouri LASIK procedure might be right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can contact lens intolerance (CLI) develop suddenly? 

Yes, some people experience a sudden onset of CLI due to allergies, illness or changes in tear production. Others develop intolerance over time, after many years of contact lens use. In fact, most contacts users experience lens intolerance at some point.

Is contact lens intolerance permanent? 

Not necessarily. With proper treatment and changes in lens type or care, symptoms can improve. Work with your eye doctor to determine the root causes so you can get the most appropriate treatment.

Can I wear contacts again after treatment for contact lens intolerance? 

Possibly. It depends on the cause and severity. Your eye doctor can recommend treatment and then help you determine if or when it’s safe to wear contacts again.

Does age affect contact lens tolerance? 

Yes, tolerance can decrease with age due to changes in tear film and eye surface health. In short, the longer you wear contact lenses, the more likely you are to develop intolerance.

Are certain lens types better for sensitive eyes? 

Daily disposables and silicone hydrogel lenses are often better tolerated by sensitive eyes. Because these lenses are used for a very short period of time, the wearer is less likely to experience irritation from dust, damage and infections.

Can makeup cause contact lens intolerance? 

Yes, makeup particles or makeup removers can irritate the eyes and contribute to intolerance. To reduce the risk, remove contact lenses and makeup nightly.

Is contact lens intolerance related to allergies? 

Allergies can trigger or worsen intolerance, especially seasonal or environmental allergies. Take steps to keep your clothes and home free of pollen, dust and other allergens to reduce allergic triggers.

Can screen time make intolerance worse? 

Yes, prolonged screen use reduces blinking, which can dry out lenses and increase discomfort. Remember to take frequent screen breaks and blink as often as possible to keep eyes comfortable.

Missouri Eye Institute has helped thousands of patients attain freedom from glasses and contact lenses, with convenient locations in Springfield, Joplin and Branson. Contact us at (800) 383-3831 to schedule a thorough consultation or visit MissouriEye.com to learn more about our services.