Possible GPC

Hi, My dr. has diagnosed me with GPC, I have stopped using my lenses for a month and was on eye drops called Cromolyn (or something like that) and I went back to the dr. after a month and he said it hasn't cleared up. Is this common for this not to clear up in a month? I never had any complaints with my contacts although I did over-wear them... but no red eyes, or no drainage... Now he says I can't wear contacts for 6 months. Is this common time frame for GPC treatment.

Thank you,
Bridget

[Joan M Pernoud, MD]

Giant papillary conjunctivitis is usually caused when the eye becomes sensitized to the protein buildup on contact lenses. There are varying degrees of sensitivity but the lens overwear is very bad in these cases. So, you may just have a bad case as most would clearly improve over this period of time with the treatment you have properly received. However, GPC does usually cause a red eye with stringy discharge and it is unusual for you not to have that yet have a recalcitrant case.

Are you seeing an eye MD ophthalmologist? If not, you should. Maybe you should get a second opinion in any event as it does not all add up from the information you have provided. Most patients do not need to totally come out of their lenses but many need to go to daily disposable contacts. Good Luck.