Hi aisrael,
I am experiencing literally ALL of the same stuff. I was told I have GPC about 3 months ago. I tried lowering my contact usage and eventually it got so bad that I am now in glasses full-time, which still wasn't really that helpful. Much like you, I HATE GLASSES!!! And like yourself, we don't know exactly the cause of my eye problems but eliminating contacts for now anyway is helping heal it a bit. I will share with you what was working for me in this Long, annoying process:( Hope I can help!
~lubricating eye drops LITERALLY every half hour...literally! (I use Oasis Tears PF)
~sometimes I take zytrec if they are really red in the morning although this can make them even more dry so be careful. I was waking up with that RED eye like you said and this was what helped it go away. Took about 2 days. I took the zyrtec before bed.
~1500 mg of omega 3's each day...takes a few weeks to notice but extremely helpful
~also using a steroid from the eye doc. I was a steroid responder so they had to give me a drop to combat the eye pressure going up
~lots of water
~as little makeup as possible
~warm clothes/compress on your eyes as many times a day as you can to get rid of inflammation
~also evaluate your medications. I take adderall, which tends to make you thirsty and dry you out so I had to stop that for the last month until I heal.
I know this is a LOT but it's really helping. It ***** big time but hopefully these suggestions can help!
~Ani
-----------------------------
Patanol (olopatadine) is similar to optivar, but is far more effective in eliminating allergic conjunctivitis, as it stabilizes mast cell production. You may need to take an antibiotic to kill the bacteria of the pinkeye, and then, as soon as you finish the last day's dose of the antibiotic, then you may begin use of the patanol eye drops to prevent a recurrence of another bacterial infection and to treat the allergic conjunctivitis. Yes, allergic conjunctivitis is nasty, it will last indefinitely until properly treated, months even. Optivar is not nearly as effective in treatment as patanol, so spend the extra money on patanol and save money on all these doctor's appointments. I had the same problem and this was what worked for me...antibiotic, followed by immediate, twice daily dose of patanol, every day, even when you have no symptoms. It must be used consistently, everyday, during allergy season or it won't work. Never use visine...makes symptoms worse. Also, wash hands and face after being exposed to outdoor/ indoor allergens. The fact that flushing your eyes with water helps suggests that this is an allergy problem. The solution to pollution is dilution.
You need to know why it's "red-eye". If its dry eyes genteal may help.
Don't use Visine or get the red out products.
JCH III MD
But I have red-eye, where my veins are visible and red, similiar to pink eye (my eye is not pink except that the corners seem a bit red and the veins are visible). I did pick up some Genteal Gel, so we'll see how that works -- should my eyes be less red? Is there a way to "get the red out"?
Conjunctivitis is an infection and nothing in your description sounds like an ongoing infection. The hallmark of allergy is intense itching which seems to be abscent.
Your history is compatible with Dry Eye Syndrome. This is especially true if your are female, over 40, on estrogens or birth control pills. Your allergy medication can contribute to drying out the eye.
Use the search feature on this page and the Health Topics to review the extensive postings and discussions of how dry eye can be treated.
When you see the next ophthalmologist do not let the staff put any drops in your eye till the ophthalmologist looks at your eyes. Tell the Eye MD you think you have dry eye syndrome and ask for a Schirmer Test and an evaluation of your tear breat up time.
If this confirms dry eyes discuss a 4-6 month trial of Restasis. You may need to give up your contacts.
While you are waiting for the appointment start using any one of these at bedtime: Genteal Gel, Refresh Liquigel or Refresh PM (an ointment and the strongest moisturizer). During the day try Systane 4-6 times or any preservative free artificial tears.
JCH III MD