Pink in the eyes...

I've been wearing contacts for atleast five years now and I personally believe that they are the greatest invention ever. I wear a brand that I can wear for long periods of time without removing them and I usually keep them in until I feel like wearing my glasses as a fashion accesory. When I don't have my contacts in both of my eyes have a red area from the inner corner to the colored ring (unsure of proper name). It is not uncomfortable at all, but it looks like pink eye until I wear my contacts again. Anyone know what this is or how I can help this from happening? Maybe I'm not alone in this situation?