Can telemedicine treat Stye (Hordeolum)?

Audience: pediatric

A stye, also called a hordeolum, is a common and usually harmless infection of the eyelid that causes a red, painful bump near the edge of the eyelid. In children, styes often improve on their own with simple care. Telemedicine can be a helpful way to get advice from a healthcare provider about how to care for a stye safely at home and when to seek further help. Through a video or phone visit, a provider can look at the stye, suggest treatments like warm compresses, and answer questions. However, some situations require in-person care, especially if the stye worsens, spreads, or affects vision. Telemedicine is not a substitute for emergency care or detailed eye exams. This guide explains what telemedicine can and cannot do for styes in children, how to prepare for a tele-visit, warning signs to watch for, and common questions parents may have.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• The stye is rapidly swelling and causing the entire eyelid to become red and very painful — seek in-person emergency care immediately.
• Vision changes such as blurred vision, double vision, or inability to open the eye — get urgent medical attention.
• Fever over 38°C (100.4°F) with worsening eye symptoms — contact a healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of a stye through video or phone
• Providing advice on home care and symptom management
• Determining if symptoms are mild or need urgent in-person care
• Answering questions about typical stye progression and prevention

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing procedures like drainage or injections
• Diagnosing complex or deep eye infections
• Managing vision changes or severe eye pain
• Providing emergency care for spreading infections

What is a Stye (Hordeolum)?

A stye is a small, red, and often painful bump that appears on the eyelid. It happens when an oil gland or hair follicle gets infected, usually by bacteria. Styes can cause swelling, tenderness, and sometimes tearing or crusting of the eyelid. They are common in children and usually heal without medicine.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows you to connect with a healthcare provider through video or phone. For a stye, a provider can:

This can save time and reduce the need to travel to a clinic.

When Telemedicine Is Not Enough

Some stye problems need a hands-on exam or treatment that telemedicine cannot provide, such as:

In these cases, you should see a healthcare provider in person promptly.

Home Care Tips for Styes

To help a stye heal, you can:

Do not try to squeeze or pop the stye.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure a stable internet connection or phone signal.
• Find a well-lit area to show the affected eye clearly.
• Have a clean cloth or warm compress ready for demonstration.
• Note the start date and progression of symptoms.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns about the stye.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the home care advice given by the provider, such as warm compresses.
• Monitor the stye for improvement or worsening symptoms.
• Keep the eye clean and avoid touching or rubbing it.
• Seek in-person care if red flags or worsening symptoms appear.
• Schedule follow-up if recommended by the provider.

FAQs

Can a stye go away on its own?

Yes, most styes improve and heal on their own within a week or two with simple home care like warm compresses.

Is it safe to use eye drops or ointments for a stye?

Some over-the-counter treatments may help, but you should check with a healthcare provider before using any medication, especially in children.

When should I take my child to see a doctor in person?

If the stye worsens, spreads, causes vision problems, or if your child develops a fever, you should seek in-person medical care promptly.

Can styes be prevented?

Good hygiene, such as regular handwashing and avoiding touching the eyes, can help reduce the risk of styes.

Is it okay for my child to go to school with a stye?

Usually, yes. Styes are not highly contagious, but keeping the eye clean and avoiding eye rubbing helps prevent spreading any bacteria.

Sources

1. Stye — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Hordeolum (Stye) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Eye Infections — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. American Academy of Pediatrics: Styes and Chalazions — American Academy of Pediatrics.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Telemedicine can provide guidance but cannot replace in-person examination and treatment when needed. If you have concerns about your child's health, especially if warning signs appear, seek prompt medical attention.