Prolonged contact irritation

I have worn contacts for two years.  The first brand I ever wore were O2 Optix, but they were discontinued for a short period at my eye doctor's office due to something that was wrong with them.  Then my doctor had be using Acuvue Oasis.  I wore these for the second year, then decided I wanted to switch contacts after my year was over because my eyes got dry really easily.  My doctor then switched me back to the O2 Optix, and said that they were the number one brand that he recommended.  Therefore, I was back on the O2 Optix.  Two months after the switch, I began having problems.  In my left eye, the eye became bloodshot after wearing the contacts.  This happened suddenly one night, there was no scratch or pain that caused it.  I left my contacts out for a week, and after the redness went away, I got a new pair of contacts, thoroughly washing out my case.  The same thing happened, but not suddenly.  It took about 5 days to show up again.  This has been repeatedly happening ever since.  Since it started I switch contact brands 3-4 times, and with each brand of contact the exact same thing happened, only eventually it happened in the right eye as well.  My doctor gave me a prescription at one point and told me to keep my contacts out for two weeks, but the same thing happened again.  Is there any explanation for this?

[Joan M Pernoud, MD]

Several possibilities....

1) Your eyes are too dry to wear contacts.
2) Your eyes are too dry to wear your lenses extended (if you do) and you should remove them nightly
3) Your contact lens fit is too tight.

You should probably be seen by an eye MD opthalmologist for further evaluation. Since the issue is a medical condition (irritated eyes), medical insurance should cover the visit.