Red and irritated eyes???

[shasta15]

Sorry if this long- let me set up my situation first. A few years ago I was told I had dry eyes due to my contacts, computer use, reading, drawing, etc. My doctor gave me a treatment program that included warm compress (twice a day), lid scrub, eye drops (Refresh Endura and Thera Tears Liquid Gel), plus I use Thera Tears Omega 3 Pills and switched to a more oxygen rich type of contacts and moisture soulution.

A couple of months ago I heard about the recall on Baush and Lomb Renu (Moisture Lock) and even though I had no problems scheduled a precautionary evaluation. My eye doctor said everything was fine and that my dry eyes were so controlled that they were barely noticable.

Anyway, I switched from the Renu solution to (Complete Moisture Plus)to be safe. Well about 3 weeks ago my eyes started getting red and irritated every now and got really red as the week went on. Really embarrassing.  It didn't really hurt but if If I took a break from my contacts they would clear up but the day I put my contacts back in they would gradually get red again.

I think i've narrowed the problem down to 1) allergies since I've been sneezing also but am not sick and 2) eyes bothered by the new solution.

1)For the allergies- I started taking allergy medication (clariton) to see if this clears this up. Could my eyes be sensitive and the contacts are furthering irritationg them but would the medicine dry out my eyes?

2) The solution- should I buy a new type of solution (and what kind?) I still have a bottle of the Renu with Moisture lock left over- is it safe to use this again?

[rich7ard]

A related discussion, red eyes. was started.

[RickE]

A related discussion, Lens solution allergic reactions was started.

[POPEYE60]

Probably the cause of dry eyes : you can find the necessary information at :
http://www.wiseorb.com/articles-review-478-T-DRY_EYES%3A_THE_PROBLEM_OF_THIS_TIME%2E.htm

[who_is_this]

I loved Renu w/Moisture Loc and was sad to see it go.  I will try this Replenish solution, b/c I'm having a lot of the same "dry eye" problem.

[Ag-i-doc]

corneal staining is generally a temporary condition.  not dangerous, only uncomfortable.

[shasta15]

Wow...... that link/ page would explain it.  Any information on Complete Moisture Plus causing any damagage with the Corneal Staining or is it just temporary irritation? Also, have there been any complications reported with Opti-Free Replenish?
Thanks again for this information.

[Ag-i-doc]

totally coincidence, but I just got this link emailed to me TODAY (06/20/06) comparing those 2 solutions.  the link is an alcon advertisement, but its still informative.

i am not promoting alcon.  in fact, i personally dont stock any alcon anything in my office.  so i certainly get nothing for posting this link.  but it does pertain to this poster's specific question:

http://www.lwwvisioncare.com/emails/alcon/optifree/6/index.asp

[shasta15]

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to take a little break from my contacts but I'll try the Opti-Free Replenish when I go back.

[Forum-OD-MP]

very informative question.  i get so many very vague questions...you make it easier to help you!  thank you.  

1) yes, it could be allergies.  the hallmark ocular allergy symptom would be "itching".  do your eyes itch?  also the palpebral conjunctiva (the pink "skin" on the backside of your eyelid) usually becomes red & bumpy if its allergy related.  claritin might help with the itchy, but the problem with all antihistamines is they make your eyes DRIER, which in your case might complicate things further (although would not cause any damage)

2) solution sensitivity...very, very possible.  NO DO NOT use your old renu with moistureloc.  recalled by bausch & lomb, and no longer produced.  not just pulled from shelves, but completely off the market.  the closest competitor in my mind is probably the new opti-free "replenish" solution.  specifically designed to combat dryness and for use with newer silicone hydrogel materials.  thats what i would try next of you havent already.