Reoccuring eye redness.

[JP_]

I have been experiencing reocuuring eye redness for a little over a year now. Every doctor I go to, points to allergies. Yet, none of the medication makes it any less frequent, or less red when it comes.

It can be clear for two weeks, and then when I wake up, there will be a little red patch off in the corner of one of my eyes. It only worsens throughout the day, and then the next morning the entire white part around my eye could be red. I have been treating it with artificial tears for the simple reason that other eyedrops (Opcon-A Bausch & Lomb, or Visine for example) have warnings against prolonged use. The artificial tears seem to assist with some of the pain, or sensitivity to light, however do not help the redness. I have also tried other medicines for the treatment of Chronic Dry Eye, such as eye ointment that you may use before you go to bed, this doesn't seem to have an effect either.

There is some pressure on my eyes, but it doesn't feel to extreme to be the main problem, only when the eye(s) are red.

If there is any information you think would be helpful, please do tell.
JP

[aimee37]

I was diagnosed with episcerlitis and have been using Motrin which has significantly decreased the redness in both eyes.  I am also using Lotamax on my right eye but only for five days.  

[venomat004]

Could you give more information on why wearing contact lenses makes episcleritis more of a challenge to treat.  I have had episcleritis twice, once in each eye and I wear contact lenses.

[JP_]

I appreciate your time, thanks.

[Ag-i-doc]

allegra and/or zyrtec will/would never ever ever get rid of an isolated monocular redness problem.  so at least now we know why that hasnt worked.

in general and MOST of the time: red eyes need to be treated with topical (eyedrop) meds.  oral allergy meds dont do much for red eyes.  

and of course if you were to have episcleritis (like that link you sent me)...no oral med of any kind would ever work.  topical only.  in the case of episcleritis...topical STEROIDS would be the only choice.  and in my experience about 1/3 of those patients who have episcleritis and are treated with topical steroids dont respond at all.  nothing helps.   (but 2/3 of them are much happier on the steroids)

[JP_]

Not a contact lens wearer.

[JP_]

I appreciate you trying to help. I was on broad allergy meds, like allegra, and zyrtec for morning and night.

The site that you posted me looks similar, but not exact, however, I ran a search and found the following:

http://www.cfpc.ca/cfp/2003/Aug/vol49-aug-clinical-2_fr.asp

It discusses Episcleritis as well, but it's not always in the same spot.. it can begin in the top of my eyes, or on the sides.. I have been using Artificial tears, as I stated above, but I am not sure that this is it.

Thanks again for your time.

[Forum-OD-MP]

sorry.  i would have to see it when its active.  not going to be able to give you too much info, b/c i havent seen it  i also dont know what medicines your doctors have put you on that didnt work.

if its the same spot over and over again that gets red, you could have "episcleritis":

http://www.revoptom.com/handbook/sect2f.htm

that would make sense with the "recurrent" and "doesnt respond to medication" and diagnosis of "allergy".

if you are a CONTACT LENS WEARER it makes diagnosis & management of this type of disorder much, much more difficult.

dont know what else to tell you.  possible episcleritis, but still could be "alergy" or a number of other conditions.