Contact lenses after viral eye infection

I was diagnosed with viral keratitis in my left eye 3 months ago.  At my last appointment yesterday, my opthalmologist said that things looked "much better."  She also said I could wear contact lenses again, but only every now and again---at least initially.  Otherwise, she said I would be putting myself at risk for another infection.  I have a follow-up appointment in 2 months.  I am almost afraid to put another contacts lense in my eye at this point since I don't want to risk further infection.  My question is:  Will I always be at risk for this type at infection or can I go back to wearing contact lenses on a daily basis eventually?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You need to ask this question of your ophthalmologist. As a generalization you would not been at an increased risk unless you had EKC and had corneal infiltrates that persisted. If you did I would expect you would be told that.

JCH MD

[Juliekins]

Although my doctor did not tell me I have EKC (in general, she was not very informative and thus I find myself on this forum trying to get answers...I have also switched doctors), my research suggests I have contracted it.  I am almost certain I have infiltrates since this was a term the doc tossed around.  What is the general prognosis for EKC?  Do patients typically recover completely?  

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

In most cases the infiltrates (cloudy areas on the surface of the cornea) fade with time but it may take many months. Sometimes steroid drops are used to  clear them and prevent reoccurence. You cannot wear contacts and take steroids. I do not let patients wear contacts till the infiltrates fade as the contacts often don't fit right, don't feel right, can cause infiltrates to flare and it's very difficult to tell whether a red eye is the EKC or contact lens fitting problem.

JCH MD

[Juliekins]

OK.  Your post was very helpful---if only all doctors took the time to explain what is going on.  I will wait and hope that everything heals properly.  In the meantime, I will not wear contacts.  Thanks.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Your welcome JCH MD