Which statement is true about CLARE?

Which statement is true about CLARE?

• A. CLARE is an chronic inflammatory condition lasting months
• B. CLARE only occurs with daily wear lenses
• C. CLARE is an acute inflammatory reaction with diffuse infiltrates and perilimbal injection
• D. CLARE is a conjunctivitis without corneal involvement

Answer: (C)

CLARE is a sudden, sterile inflammatory reaction of the cornea tied to contact lens wear. It presents with rapid redness and irritation, and on exam you see diffuse corneal infiltrates across the cornea with perilimbal injection. This pattern—an acute inflammatory response visible as diffuse corneal infiltrates plus injection near the limbus—fits CLARE exactly. It is not a chronic, months-long issue, it isn’t limited strictly to daily wear, and it involves the cornea rather than being merely conjunctival.

CLARE is a sudden, sterile inflammatory reaction of the cornea tied to contact lens wear. It presents with rapid redness and irritation, and on exam you see diffuse corneal infiltrates across the cornea with perilimbal injection. This pattern—an acute inflammatory response visible as diffuse corneal infiltrates plus injection near the limbus—fits CLARE exactly. It is not a chronic, months-long issue, it isn’t limited strictly to daily wear, and it involves the cornea rather than being merely conjunctival.