Cats Eye Problem

Question
I am wondering if you can help me. Our cat has had a frequent eye problem, it has been occuring for 12 months. Originally when we took her to the vet they said it was conjunctivitis and it was in both eyes.

After several months and more vet trips it eventually went. But now it occurs quite often, on and off and were not sure what it is. We bathe it reguarly and put antiseptic cream on it but it keeps returning and we don't have the money to take her to the vet constantly. Sometimes it will last a week, but then go and come back again a week later.

Could it be an allergy? is there anything else we can do?

Thanks

Answer
In most cases of cat conjunctivitis, it is a herpesvirus.  This is most commonly called Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) and is a part of the routine vaccines we give to cats. The herpesviruses stay around for a very long time.  There is an oral drug called famcyclovir that can help and another supplement called l-lysine that keeps the virus minimized. Ask your vet about these.