Eye keeps getting red, like pink eye?

Question

For the past 2 weeks I have been having on and off pink eye symptoms. 3 weeks ago I went to the doctors and he told me that I had viral pink eye. About a week later my eye got really red again and I thought I had pink eye but it did not hurt like the first time. After a day it healed and was back to normal. A few days later it happened again. And here I am again, with the same symptoms. My eye is hurting a lot this time and is really red. The symptoms seem to improve over night and in the morning my eye is just mildly red and does not hurt. I wear contacts and after a full day of wearing them, my eye is really red, hurts a lot, and is sensitive to light.

For the past few years I have been having pink eye very often. I wear my contacts the correct amount of time and change my solution daily. I do have a tendency to touch my eyes though.

I am in school now and just started classes today so I don't have time to go and see an eye doctor. I can go to the infirmary at my school but it is not an eye doctor. Any ideas??

Oh yeah, I also get allergies pretty bad.

I would really appreciate any help.

Thanks a lot,

Molly

Answer 1

I agree with Lisa.  The other thing that may be going on is that you can develop an allergy to your contact lens material or the solution that you are using.  Even though you may have used these same things for years, people can get a reaction as quickly as overnight.  The best thing to do is take the contacts out..wear your glasses..and see your eye care professional.  Be sure to take in your case, contacts and solutions so they can document what you have been using.  Also, any chance that you are using some old mascara or eye make up?  Eliminate that as a possibility as well.  Good luck.

Answer 2

The fact that both eyes are not affected means that it probably isn't pink eye.  It sounds like you have a contact lens related problem.  You may have had a small tear or nick in your lens which scratched the cornea.  Also, as you mentioned you have allergies, severe dryness can cause the symptoms you mentioned. Our doctor would probably recommend that you discontinue lens wear until the symptoms improve and will prescribe drops for you. You really need to see the Optometrist or Ophthalmologist so you can get proper care to get that eye healed.  The sooner the better.  Take care and feel better soon!

Answer 3

You need to see someone so you can get drops for your eyes. The fact that the symptoms keep coming back means it isn't able to heal on its own. Plus the contacts aren't making it easier. If you have glasses, I'd wear them until your eye clears up. But seriously get a prescription for eye drops so that your eye can start healing.