Question:
I have been wearing colored contacts for a while now but lately every time I wear them my left eye gets really red as the day goes on. Why is that?
Answer:
Contact lenses can cause irritation for many reasons. If the contact lens is too tight fitting or too loose fitting the eye can become red and irritated. If the specific contact you are using has deposits or defects in it that may cause a problem. This is easily checked by using another of the same lens and seeing if you have the same reaction. Lastly you may be developing a problem with the eye such as giant papillary conjunctivitis which is seen sometimes in reaction to contact lenses. I recommend that you see your Eye M.D. to rule out any local eye problem requiring treatment. Then a short period of stopping contact lens use until any problems are resolved and symptoms are eliminated is necessary. After that a new fitting for a different brand or size of lens may completely solve the problem. 
Answered by:
Gary Hirshfield, MD
Categories: Eye Conditions;
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