Most of us that wear contacts usually pop them in and forget it until there is a problem like red eye. Be mindful that contacts are a foreign object making direct eye contact. When red eye occurs let this be a warning to get your immediate attention to avoid any potential serious eye issues.

Causes And Solutions

If you have allergies, wearing contacts may pose difficulties because of the lens tendencies to collect pollen and other deposits on the surface that will aggravate eye allergies. The constant tearing, rubbing itchy eyes can make life miserable.

Allergies and redness can be caused by contact lens solutions, re-wetting, disinfecting, cleaning and eye drop lubricating solutions. Reaction does not always appear immediately but may suddenly develop after long-term use (years or months). Since these formulas can contain preservatives this may be the source of the problem.

If you wear contacts eyes can become red and scratchy as the day wears on eventually resulting in dry eye syndrome. Sufficient tear formation is needed to wear contacts because

lenses can absorb wetness as they become dry reducing natural eye moisture.

To reduce dry eye try limiting the amount of time you wear lenses to a few hours.

Defective, torn, loose and ill fitting contacts can restrict tear flow, oxygen to the cornea. Poor fitting contacts cause eye redness, pain and even infection.

What is giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC)? It is an allergic reaction to protein build-up on contact lens.

GPC can often be prevented by good lens care and cleaning. It not only causes eye redness but discharge. If you have a pre-existing condition like allergic asthma, your risk of GPC is much greater. Papillary conjunctivitis is usually resolved after lens wear is stopped for a while and eye inflammation is reduced by allergy drops.

What causes contact lens induced acute red eye? Also known as C.L.A.R.E (tight lens syndrome and contact lens overwear syndrome); it is found in hydrogel EW (extended wear) lens users. Furthermore, a good reason not to sleep in contacts. C.L.A.R.E is caused by lens overuse and abuse. This would include not disposing of lenses at the designated time, cleaning with unapproved solutions. Symptoms include sensitivity to light, severe eye pain upon awakening, decrease vision and redness.

 Dryness under the eyes has many causes. The skin around the eyes tends to be very sensitive. Irritation can come from bacteria, allergic reactions to chemicals, makeup, shampoos, cleansers, food and hair dyes.

Another culprit is household dust mites that can trigger an allergic reaction in those that have a sensitivity. Dust mites are small microscopic organisms that live in carpet, pillows, dust, bed linen, curtains and mattresses. They thrive in moist and poorly ventilated homes. This species of mite do not transmit disease but some do.

Remedy

1. Wash bed linen frequently in hot water (129 degrees Fahrenheit).
2. Vacuum and clean dust weekly from carpets, curtain and floors. Use a vacuum cleaner specifically design to remove mites and allergens from carpet.
3. If you have an allergy to mites be careful as they disperse through the air when changing linen. Use a  dust mask to cover the face and reduce exposure even when vacuuming.
4. Use mite resistant covering on top of bed linen.
5. Simple household cleaners may not kill mites
6. Keep your home dry
7. Use air purifiers with a HEPA filter to help control mites.    

Demodex Mites

The human demodex mites (demodex folliculorum, face mites, tiny mites) are most prevalent on the nose, face, chin, forehead and chin. But also dwell anywhere there are oil glands (sebaceus) and hair roots like eyebrows, eyelashes and scalp. They can cause itchy dry eyes, red scaling eyelids and even blurred vision. Symptoms may not always be apparent.

This form of mite live on pets and humans unlike household mites which do not live on the body. Ironically the mite normally lives on the human body. It is not until they start to reproduce uncontrollably (due to a weakened or suppressed immune system) that a problem arises. These critters have been linked to blepharitis (inflammation of the eyes) and rosacea.

Rosacea often mistaken for acne effecting caucasians with fair skins the most. It is characterized by red or pink patches small red bumps and pink or irritated eyes; normally effecting the central regions of the face like the nose, chin and forehead.

Rosacea is a chronic condition that can be controlled but not cured effecting those between the ages of 30-50 most. The condition typically tends to worsen with age. In advanced cases of rosacea the eyes can be effected (ocular rosacea) causing dryness, burning, grittiness and light sensitivity.

Treatments May Include:

1. Antibiotics (tetracycline, doxycycline, amoxicillin to reduce bumps and inflammation)
2. Antibacterial face washes
3. Laser treatments
4. Topical Creams metronidazole and azelaic acid to control bumps and redness)
5. Zinc base sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF 30)

Conditions That Trigger Rosacea Flare ups

1. Dairy products
2. Smoking
3. Alcohol
4. Fragrances
5. Salicylic Acid
6. Some blood pressure medications
7. Citrus fruits
8. Hot and spicy foods
9. Stress

Symptoms of rosacea may not always be present.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. There are multiple causes. It has been associated with bacterial eye infections, allergies, rosacea and eye dryness. It can cause dandruff like scales on the eyelashes.

If you have blepharitis you may have to limit or stop wearing makeup and contact lenses during outbreaks to facilitate cleaning and further infection of the eyelids.

Treatment Of Blepharitis

The best treatment is good facial and scalp hygiene.

During outbreaks apply a washcloth wet with warm water for about 10 minutes several times daily.

Make sure a clean cloth is use for each treatment.

Use a mixture of water and baby shampoo to clean eyelids of materials. 4 parts water and 1 part baby shampoo.

Use a cotton applicator stick dipped in mixture to remove crusty material from eyelids. Do not rub the eye.

Other conditions that may arise as a result of blepharitis are stys, chronic pink eye, chalazion (conjunctive granuloma)

Depending on the type and severity of blepharitis you have, it may require an office visit to your physician for antibiotics and other topical treatments.

Like rosacea some forms of blepharitis has been link to demodex folliculorum (tiny microscopic mites) whose waste materials clog follicles at the roots of eyelashes.