Hi Everyone,

Coming out of lurk mode a little bit. First let me say I've followed
this group and sinus recommendations and a number of threads over the
last couple years and received great benefit from all the tips.
Thank-You

I'm  posting because it's my turn to share about something I thought
was allergy/sinus related and it is but I finally saw an
ophthalmologist yesterday and am now treating what I previously
thought was a chronic sinus problem.  I didn't realize almost 20% of
contact lens wearers could develop this condition but that's what I'm
reading so far. I was diagnosed today with "Giant papillary
conjunctivitis" because of my contact lens usage.  Apparently I've had
it for years,  my symptoms were a burning sensation in the eye,  a
nasal discharge which I thought was sinus related.  

It's not real visible as one might suspect with conjunctivitis,  the
redness apparently occurs under the upper eyelid or papillary, it's a
real fooler.  A web page describes symptoms this way:

Symptoms of G.P.C. include mucous discharge in the morning, sometimes
causing the eyelids to stick together, and progressive ocular
discomfort and itching to the point where some patients cannot
tolerate any contact lens wearing time. Sometimes the 'giant papillae'
cause excessive lens movement so that the contact lens is de-centered
with each eyelid blink causing fluctuating vision.

I'm providing this link to a web site for more info.
http://www.wa-eyemd.org/GPC.htm

Apparently there are a few types of conjunctivitis and I'm just now
becoming familiar with them.

My treatment consist of discontinuing contact lens usage for 8 to 10
weeks and using eye drops called Acular to reduce he size and
inflammation of the papillae. Apparently this is an allergic
condition, not infectious but one must heal before attempting contacts
again and my doctor suggested I go to daily disposable so I don't
re-introduce the inflammation which can occur because it maybe caused
by an allergic reaction to the contacts themselves.

In 2 days I'm feeling better already because of the drops, the post
nasal drip is leaving,  I can feel the inflammation going away.
Something that didn't occur while taking breaks away from contacts on
my own.

Trust me that this has caused me significant allergic and sinus
problems and think I'm finally onto the cure. The ophthalmologist
spotted the condition within minutes.

I'm not sure if this has been discussed in this group before,  I don't
remember seeing it but if the info can help one person then it's worth
it to me.  If you think this could be possible to be happening with
you, I'd highly recommend you check into it. Wishing you all the best
and thanks for the info you have shared with me.

Regards

Gary