red eyes

I was diagnosed and treated for GPC years ago (while a contact lens wearer).  I have had Lasik surgery since, and still suffer from red eyes, which is worse when I wake up in the AM.  I have been using a drop of Visine LR in each eye once daily, and do fine the rest of the day.  I have tried Patanol, Optivar, Restasis, and various moisturizing/artifical tear drops, none of which seem to work.  Could I be having rebound redness associated with the chronic use of Visine? Do you have any other suggestions for preventing the eye redness.  Thanks!!

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

Any rebound redness due to use of a mild vasoconstrictor like Visine should clear in a week or so. Because there are a legion of causes of red eyes I cannot offer an opinion that would be helpful. Even non-ocular problems like hyperthyroidism can cause red eyes. I would suggest a consultation with an ophthalmologist (Eye MD) that specializes in 'external eye disease' (usually a cornea specialist). Most medical schools will have such an individual in their department of ophthalmology.

Good luck

JCH MD