Eye/ contact clouding too often

[Mandyk608]

About a week ago, my contacts have started clouding up frequently thru the day. And even if I vigorously clean them (2-3 times per day) there always seem to be build up within about 2 hours (or less) after cleaning them! It happens more in my right eye then my left. Does it or could it have something to do with my tear production or possibly an infection? Can I take care of it with home remedies or do I need medications?

[Mandyk608]

Thank you all for the advise! I'll schedule an appointment on Monday! I'm hoping the treatment is as simple as that! :) LASIK surgery is looking more and more enticing! :)

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

I agree with Flossy93. You should have an exam of your eyes; bring the lenses and the case for a check too. Have the eye doctor evert (flip) the upper lids, to look for a condition called GPC, or Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis. This is an inflammatory reaction to the contact lens and proteins on it, and can cause some of the symptoms you are having. Treatment consists of a period of no lens wear, a combination anti-histamine and mast cell stabilizer eye drop, and possibly changing to gas permeable or daily disposable soft lenses.

[flossy93]

I'm not a doctor, but in my opinion as a long time user of contact lenses you should see your optometrist ASAP.

Any sudden change in the characteristics of your contacts, especially in both eyes, means you need to be evaluated in case there is an infection or other medical reason why your eyes are suddenly behaving differently.

I will assume that you did NOT recently change contact lens brands/types or your method of cleaning them, as either of those things could also affect your tolerance of the lenses.  Even if you did, I still think you should visit the doctor to have the state of your eyes - and the contacts - checked out.

Any change in your general health, or with medications you take, could also affect your eyes in terms of tear production.  And the introduction of new allergens into your environment (new pet? new home? house guest who has pets? travel?) can also cause changes in your contact lens behavior/tolerance.  

Please don't wait too long to visit your doctor.  Also, if you have glasses you might wear them as much as possible until you can get in to see the doctor, just to give your eyes a rest.  Good luck!