conjunctivitis after exercise

After fairly strenuous exertion in the heat, I often develop conjunctivitis for several hours (usually the remainder of the day- it's gone the following morning).  It happens with running or cycling, only with exercise that's 90 minutes or longer, and typically when it's quite hot, or when I become mildly dehydrated (I think it happened once with cross-country skiing).  I wear contacts when running, but it also happens with cycling (when I'm wearing prescription sunglasses).  My eyes become red, and I'm constantly having to remove a purulent drainage.  My eyes don't become irritated until after I've stopped exercising.  Any idea what's causing this, and what I can do to prevent/ treat it?

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

You may have a skin type that is very sensitive to sun and wind.  Perhaps you have acne rosacea and possible ocular rosacea.  Just a thought.  To help, I would suggest exellent wraparound sunglasses, hat when running, helmet when riding, avoid any suncreen in eyes, maintain proper hydration, take proper nutritional supplements and include flaxseed oil supplements.  Consider a daily allergy drop like Patenol - in case you are developing allergies, and use frequent artificial tears and maybe some cool compresses over the eyes after a long run or ride.  I've seen a few people like this and usually it is a combination of a very sensitive skin type, possibly some allergies and lid margin disease, and too much sun and wind. Finally, see an ophthalmologist to have a complete exam.

Michael Kutryb, MD
Board-Certified Ophthalmologist
Kutryb Eye Institute
407 S Washington Ave
Titusville, FL 32796
321-267-2020