Red, Dry Eyes...

[Karibeback]

I had Viral Pink eye in both eyes at the end of October (3 1/2 months ago).  My eyes were bright red and hurt to open and shut.  Additionally I was having a hard time opening my eyes in well lit areas (i.e. outside, under bright classroom lights, etc.).  Also, my Doctor said both eyes were developing new blood vessels because I was not getting enough oxygen in my eyes.  I took Tobradex (?...I think that was what it was...some sort of steroid)...and within a week my eyes felt and looked much better.  I was not allowed to wear my contacts (which I stopped wearing about a few days I went into the eye doctor) for the next two weeks.  I went in to visit my eye doctor about 4 times during the time I had pink eye because he wanted to make sure that the treatment was effective and I got my eyesight evaluated so I could get new glasses and contacts.  The last time I went to the eye doctor I was wearing my contacts.  He said that I would need to lay off the contacts for possibly up to three months before my eyes were back to normal.  Although tempted (because I don't like wearing my glasses) I have been good about avoiding my contacts.  I probably wear them for about 5 hours once every two weeks.  Every time I wear them I get a ring around my iris and the rest of my eye becomes bloodshot.  They usually hurt and feel really dry....to the point I don't feel like there is much lubrication (except for this goopy discharge that over night will dry and often make my eyelids stick together).  Also, when my eyes are sore, I feel especially tired during the day.  It usually takes about 5 days before my eyes feel like "normal" again.

In the past year, I have noticed this goopy discharge....it is not typically associated with my contacts (at least from what I can tell).  It doesn't happen during a certain season or seemingly when I am around a certain thing (i.e. dirt or dust, etc.).  Overall it seems random.  I don't know if this is associated at all but I guess its worth mentioning.  I have in the past had small bumps on the inside of my eyelid which were apparently from my contacts...this was treated and also mentioned at my most current appointment (he did not see this at the time).  Also, I've had scratched cornea's on another occasion....this was also mentioned and again this did not seem to be a problem at the time.  

I would like some feedback on what I need to do.  I would like to wear my contacts again....but want it to be comfortable.  I am thinking it is time to make another appointment...but wanted to see if I could get some advice before I do this.  Thank you all for your help.  

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Keep out of your contacts. Follow your doctor's advice.

Dr. O.

[Karibeback]

I guess I had assumed that at this point, I should have better success with my contacts and so I test them out for short periods of time...I know at this point...and what has happened recently that I could not wear them for 14+ hours like I used to.  Do you think its worth going back to the eye doctor?  I haven't been since mid-November.  

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

YES!

Dr. O.