In managing CLARE, what is the first step regarding contact lens wear?

• A. Continue wearing the lenses with enhanced hygiene.
• B. Stop wearing contact lenses until infiltrates resolve.
• C. Switch to daily disposable lenses.
• D. Switch to silicone hydrogel lenses.

Answer: (B)

The essential action is to stop wearing contact lenses. CLARE is an inflammatory reaction associated with lens wear, and continuing to wear lenses during the acute phase sustains corneal irritation and hypoxic stress, which can worsen the infiltrates and delay healing. By removing the lenses, you remove the ongoing irritant and give the cornea a chance to recover. After cessation, appropriate treatment can be started (such as lubricants and, if infection cannot be ruled out, topical antibiotics) while the eyes heal. Switching to a different lens strategy (like daily disposables or silicone hydrogel lenses) may be considered later to reduce recurrence, but not as the first step during the acute management.