Can telemedicine treat Stye (Hordeolum)?

Audience: adult

A stye, also called a hordeolum, is a small, red bump that forms on the edge of your eyelid. It happens when an oil gland or hair follicle gets infected, usually by bacteria. Styes can be painful and make your eye look swollen. Many styes get better on their own or with simple home care like warm compresses. Telemedicine can help you understand your symptoms and get advice on how to care for a stye safely at home. A healthcare provider can guide you on treatments and when to seek in-person care. However, some styes may need a physical exam or treatment that telemedicine cannot provide. If your symptoms worsen or you notice signs of a more serious problem, you should get in-person medical help promptly. Telemedicine is a useful first step but is not a replacement for hands-on care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe eye pain or sudden vision changes — seek emergency in-person care immediately.
• Redness or swelling spreading beyond the eyelid to the face — get urgent medical evaluation.
• Stye lasting more than 1-2 weeks without improvement — arrange for an in-person exam.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of stye symptoms via video or phone.
• Guidance on home care like warm compresses and eyelid hygiene.
• Advice on when to seek in-person care or emergency treatment.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination needed to rule out other eye conditions.
• Procedures such as drainage of a stye.
• Prescribing certain medications that require in-person evaluation.
• Treatment of complications like cellulitis or vision problems.

What is a Stye (Hordeolum)?

A stye is a red, tender bump near the edge of your eyelid. It is caused by an infection of an oil gland or hair follicle. Styes often look like pimples and can cause swelling, pain, and discomfort. They usually develop quickly and may drain pus as they heal.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Through a video or phone visit, a healthcare provider can review your symptoms and look at your eye if you can show it on camera. They can help confirm if you likely have a stye and suggest home treatments like warm compresses and eyelid hygiene. They can also advise you on how to avoid spreading the infection and when to seek further care.

When In-Person Care Is Needed

Some situations require a physical exam or treatment that telemedicine cannot provide. This includes if the stye is very large, does not improve, or if you have vision changes, severe pain, or spreading redness. In these cases, you should see a healthcare provider in person to rule out other eye problems or to get procedures like drainage or prescription medications.

Home Care Tips for Styes

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Preventing Styes

Good hygiene helps prevent styes. Wash your hands often, avoid sharing towels or cosmetics, and replace eye makeup regularly. If you wear contact lenses, follow proper cleaning and replacement guidelines.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place for your telemedicine visit.
• Have a clean towel and warm water ready for demonstration if needed.
• Be prepared to show your affected eye clearly on camera.
• List your symptoms, including when they started and any changes.
• Have a list of any medications or allergies handy.
• Prepare questions you want to ask the healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the home care instructions given by your healthcare provider.
• Use warm compresses as recommended to help the stye heal.
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes to prevent spreading infection.
• Monitor your symptoms closely for any worsening or new signs.
• Schedule an in-person visit if your symptoms do not improve or if red flags appear.
• Keep your follow-up telemedicine or in-person appointments as advised.

FAQs

Can I use antibiotics for a stye?

Most styes improve without antibiotics. Sometimes, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotic ointments or drops if there is a bacterial infection. Do not use antibiotics without medical advice.

Is it safe to wear contact lenses if I have a stye?

It's best to avoid wearing contact lenses until the stye heals to prevent irritation and spreading infection. Switch to glasses during this time.

How long does a stye usually last?

A stye often improves within a few days and usually clears up within 1-2 weeks with proper care.

Can a stye cause permanent eye damage?

Styes typically do not cause permanent damage if treated properly. However, complications are possible if left untreated, so timely care is important.

Should I try to pop or squeeze a stye?

No. Popping or squeezing a stye can spread the infection and make it worse. Let it drain naturally or seek medical help if needed.

Sources

1. Hordeolum (Stye) — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Stye (Hordeolum) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Eye Infections: Stye and Chalazion — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Hordeolum and Chalazion — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have concerns about your eye health, especially if symptoms worsen or you experience vision changes, seek prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional in person.