UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hi gang,
Had my first lens assesment on Monday. Everything was fine, my left lens needs powering up a bit but thats it.

However, the optom commented that my eyes were very pink. To be honest my eyes have been very pink since I started with lenses but no discomfort. On further investigation, I have pinquecula(or something) and slightly dry eyes. This is only a cosmetic concern and of no import to the lens use at this stage. The Optom wants to look again in a few months to see if it calms down or perhaps try something new like a piggy back system. So I thought, 'well its cosmetic : no big deal'. But recently I thought, I wonder if everyone thinks I'm hungover all the time? Because I always have bloodshot eyes.
Does anyone else have this problem?

Matthew I do not have the pink eye problem, but do have the dry eye problem which is why you see me bang on about drinking loads and using the Systane drops.

These or a similar eye lubricant might be worth considering as the Systane provides a gel coating over the cornea so trapping the moisture in and reducing the dry eye symptoms. You do need to remove lenses before putting the drops in otherwise you get a gel film over your lenses which gives foggy vision.

On the whole you had a good visit.

Thanks. You are right it has been a very positive experience since I was handed over to the care of Gartnavel Contact Lens Clinic. This is my second visit and they are really professional, helpful and interested which is great.
I am also lucky that my wear time is straight up to 12 hours with little discomfort. My right eye is also really good with the lens in and I am sure the left eye will be with the new lens.
So no complaints, just interested in other 'pink eye' experiences. Will try the systane also.

Hi Matthew.
Yeah I've had the same issues for the last couple of years. My eyes never really started pink.. but are constantly red.
At 1st we tried changing solutions and using different drops for my allergies and dry eyes. For me it started out as a purely cosmetic problem also, but then my lenses became really uncomfortable and I often had to pop them out quickly because the pain became so intense.
So yeah - it's now been put down to a lens intolerance.
It doesn't sound like an issue for you.. so i'd say wait it out and see what comes of it. I've been really self conscious as I've had lots of funny looks and comments.. it's funny how people immediately associate red eyes with drugs!
I'm feeling much better at the moment though.. i've got one intac and one contact lens, so only the one red eye. lol
Can't wait to get the other one done and have clear eyes again. I don't even remember what that's like!!!
Gareth's suggestion about systane is a good one too. I used to use it constantly.. I put them in without taking the lenses out. The film it creates is annoying.. but I find it goes away by itself after 5 or so minutes. I'd rather the annoyance than the discomfort of trying to get my lenses back in (or losing one in the process).. I found refresh by allergan better in that way, It doesn't blur my vision with the lenses in.
Sorry if my post got a bit long...
All the best - I hope things work out well for you.
Kirsten

Matthew

Here's a little philosophical conundrum: Is it possible to have Keratoconus, to have to wear contact lenses and to have slightly pink eyes in consequence of contact lenses AND to be hung over all the time?

I think in essence this is the same as the other question, "Does my being paranoid mean that they are not out to get me?"

I hope that the judicious use of eye lubricant eases your pinkness before people start talking! I use hypermelose during the day and carbomer gel at night; this regime works a treat for me.

Andrew

Yes i can relate to having a red eye which i knew was overwearing lenses for work. I used to get people asking me all the time about it as i only wear a lens in one eye so it was hard work trying to explain!

It was all cosmetic until it got really painful, so now i piggyback lenses and find that the redness has gone!!! Much better!!!

I live by systane, it really is good!

Sweet X x X

This is great guys, thanks very much. It is cosmetic and I am not worried but will try the systane in the first instance.
Thanks a lot, I knew I could rely on you all.