Dealing With No Longer Being Able to Wear Contact Lenses

Dealing With Not Being Able to Wear Contact Lenses

If you have worn contact lenses for years but are no longer able to wear them comfortably or safely, it can be a difficult transition. Contact lenses can provide convenience, comfort, and cosmetic benefits that may be hard to give up. However, there are ways to adapt and make the best out of the situation.

Reasons You May No Longer Be Able to Wear Contacts

There are several common reasons why people end up having to stop wearing contact lenses at some point, including:

• Changes in vision prescription becoming too strong for contacts
• Development of ocular surface diseases like dry eye or allergies
• Corneal distortion or scarring from prior infections or injuries
• Lens intolerance or excessive discomfort
• Safety concerns due to an underlying health condition

An optometrist or ophthalmologist can help determine if wearing contacts poses any risks for your eye health going forward.

Coping With the Loss of Contact Lenses

Losing the ability to wear contact lenses can require significant lifestyle adjustments. Here are some tips for coping:

• Allow yourself to grieve the loss - Especially if you wore contacts for a very long time, feeling upset or disappointed is normal and should be acknowledged.

• Focus on the positives - Wearing glasses may provide welcome relief from dryness, discomfort, or maintenance hassles.

• Look for new glasses options - With all the varieties in materials, lens types, coatings and frames, you can likely find visually appealing glasses options.

• Consider laser vision correction if appropriate - If you are now struggling with glasses instead of contacts, procedures like LASIK could potentially provide an alternative solution.

• Practice self-compassion - Don't beat yourself up over not being able to wear contacts going forward. Your eye health and safety has to come first.

Alternatives Options to Contact Lenses

While contact lenses may no longer be an option, there are still various alternative vision correction solutions to consider.

Glasses

Eyeglasses remain one of the most common and effective approaches to correcting vision problems. Today's eyeglass options offer many customization possibilities to complement facial features and style preferences.

Some benefits of wearing glasses rather than contacts include:

• No eye health risks from lenses resting directly on eyes
• Reduced dry eye and discomfort
• Easy to disinfect and maintain
• Can enable treatment of certain eye conditions
• Wide range of materials, lens types, coatings and frames

The vision correction of glasses needs to be updated whenever your eyesight changes. But lenses can often accommodate even very strong prescriptions. Consulting with an experienced optician can help find suitable frames and lenses for your needs and facial proportions.

Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology, or "ortho-k", makes use of specialized rigid contact lenses worn temporarily at night to gradually reshape the cornea. This can enable clear vision, albeit temporarily, without lenses during waking hours.

While not suited for all patients, orthokeratology can provide an alternative to wearing contacts or glasses during the day. Since the lenses are only worn while sleeping, ocular surface issues may be reduced compared to regular contacts.

Refractive Surgery

Refractive eye surgery includes various procedures that aim to reduce dependency on contacts or glasses. Some options include:

• LASIK - Reshapes the cornea with an excimer laser to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
• PRK - Similar to LASIK but removes surface corneal epithelium enabling deeper laser correction.
• SMILE - Uses a femtosecond laser to create a subsurface corneal lenticule which is removed through a small incision.
• Phakic IOLs - Implants a synthetic lens in front of or behind the natural crystalline lens.

The advantages of refractive surgery include freedom from contacts and glasses without limitations on activities. However, potential complications can occur and results may regress with time.

Adapting to Life Without Contacts

Adjusting daily life without contact lenses can require some adaptation. But in most cases, you have alternatives to ultimately achieve comfortable, convenient and aesthetically pleasing vision correction.

Tips for Adapting

Some suggestions that may help in your vision transition process include:

• Find glasses frames properly sized for key reference points on your face - this can maximize both comfort, stability and visual appeal.
• Ask your optician about progressive and photochromic lens options to maximize vision functionality.
• Carry a glasses repair kit for minor tightening adjustments if frames become loose.
• Have a backup pair of glasses handy in key places where you spend time.
• Consider prescription sunglasses or photochromic lenses to reduce squinting brightness.

Embracing the Positives

Instead of focusing on the negatives of needing glasses or other alternatives, try embracing some of the benefits. These can include:

• No more hassles with insertion, removal or wear time limits
• savings from not needing to continually purchase disposable lenses
• Reduced eye discomfort or dryness compared to contacts
• Glasses that complement your face shape and skin tone

Contact lens discontinuation can certainly require adjustment. But remaining positive about your new vision correction method can go a long way towards adaptation. If you remain unhappy with the alternatives, do keep an open dialogue with your eye doctor about any future possibilities given potential changes in technologies, treatments or your ocular health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.