It is time to check with a health care professional. Although Alice cannot diagnose, it sounds, from your symptoms, as though you could have an eye irritation, or conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis, commonly called "pink eye," is a common infection, or inflammation, of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane that covers the white of the eye as well as the inside of the eyelids. People describe discomfort, redness, discharge, and a gritty sensation, as if a grain of sand were in their eyes. It is highly contagious and can be passed by hand-to-eye contact, as well as from one eye to the other, and even by way of towels. You could have bacterial, viral, or allergic conjunctivitis, or something less common.

Go to your ophthalmologist, or the heath service if you are a college student. (At Columbia, call x4-2284 to make an appointment.) Eye drops or ointment are usually prescribed, mostly to treat a secondary bacterial infection. Conjunctivitis usually clears up in a few days to a week. Of course, viral conjunctivitis will clear up by itself.

As you indicated, warm water soaks have been soothing for you, but only briefly. Actually, warm water soaks can increase itching and redness. Try cool water soaks instead -- you may find these more relieving. Also, be sure to use cotton balls to wipe your eyes, wiping away from the direction of your nose to the outside of your face, and use a fresh cotton ball for each eye.

Feel better soon!

Alice

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