Eye stings - is it the contact lens sol.?

[sj1010]

After the AMO complete contact lens solution was recalled, I switched solutions to aquify a couple months ago. I wear focus toric lenses, and all seemed well with my new solution -  but I noticed that my eye used to occasionally sting and was red around the cornea, especially when I got up. However, after I popped in my lenses it was generally okay, although it sometimes used to sting again.

However, today the pain was unbearable, and I had to remove my lenses - and my eye still hurts. It hurts and is sore when I blink, and feels dry. Do you think the solution is responsible for this? Does anyone know if aquify is/ is not compatible with ciba's focus toric lenses?

I think I am going to switch to alcon as judging from staingrid.com, that seems to have the least incompatability issues... thoughts?

Thanks so much for any advice/ help!

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

Unbearable pain in a contact lens wearer is a very serious symptom and can signal an infected ulcer on the eye.

You need to leave your contact lens out. You need to see the person that fit your contact lens tomorrow. Tell them its an emergency (which it is). If the person that fit you is not a MD physician (ophthalmologist) consider trying to get in to see an Eye MD tomorrow early.

Our large practice has had several patients lose most of their sight in one eye from infected and neglected contact lens caused corneal ulcers.

JCH III MD

[sj1010]

Or, does this just sound like allergies? (I have bad allergies and have been taking allegra)