How to prepare for a video visit about Stye (Hordeolum)

Audience: adult

A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a common eye condition that causes a red, painful bump near the edge of the eyelid. It often results from an infection of an oil gland or hair follicle. While styes usually improve on their own, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment. During the telemedicine visit, your provider will ask about your symptoms and may request clear images or video of your eye. Preparing for the visit by gathering relevant information and ensuring good lighting can help make the consultation more effective. This guide explains what to expect during your video visit, how to prepare, and when to seek in-person care. Remember, telemedicine can provide valuable advice but is not a substitute for urgent or emergency eye care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe eye pain or worsening pain despite treatment — seek urgent care immediately.
• Vision changes such as blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision — get emergency medical attention.
• Redness or swelling spreading beyond the eyelid to the cheek or forehead — contact a healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of stye symptoms via video.
• Providing advice on home care and symptom management.
• Determining if symptoms require urgent in-person evaluation.
• Prescribing medications when appropriate based on visual exam and history.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a physical procedure such as draining a stye.
• Conducting a detailed eye examination requiring specialized equipment.
• Diagnosing other eye conditions that mimic styes without in-person evaluation.
• Managing emergencies like severe infections or vision loss.

What is a Stye (Hordeolum)?

A stye is a small, red bump that appears on the eyelid, often near the base of the eyelashes. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection in an oil gland or hair follicle. Styes can be painful and may cause swelling, tearing, or a feeling of something in the eye. They typically develop quickly and may look like a pimple or boil on the eyelid.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Through a video visit, your healthcare provider can look at your eye to check for signs of a stye or other eye problems. They can ask about your symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and vision changes. Based on this, they can suggest treatments like warm compresses or recommend medications if needed. Telemedicine allows you to get advice without leaving home, which is especially helpful if travel or clinic visits are difficult.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, find a quiet, well-lit space where you can show your eye clearly on camera. Have a clean cloth or tissue ready if you need to gently wipe your eye. Be prepared to describe your symptoms, including when they started, any pain or vision changes, and any treatments you've tried. If possible, have a family member or friend help you with the video call.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If you experience severe pain, vision loss, spreading redness beyond the eyelid, or if the stye does not improve within a week, you should seek in-person medical care. Also, if you have other eye conditions or a weakened immune system, an in-person visit may be necessary. Telemedicine is useful for initial advice but cannot replace a full eye examination when urgent care is needed.

Common Treatments for Styes

Most styes improve with simple care:

Your provider may recommend antibiotic ointments or drops if there is a significant infection. In rare cases, a stye may need to be drained by a healthcare professional.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area for your video visit.
• Have a device with a good camera and stable internet connection.
• Prepare to describe your symptoms clearly, including onset and severity.
• Have a clean cloth or tissue ready to gently wipe your eye if needed.
• Consider having someone assist you during the video call.
• Avoid wearing eye makeup before the visit.
• Be ready to show your eye close to the camera for clear viewing.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment advice given by your healthcare provider.
• Use warm compresses as recommended, typically 10-15 minutes several times a day.
• Keep your eyelid clean and avoid touching or rubbing your eye.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or worsening.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve within a week or if red flags develop.
• Avoid sharing towels or pillows to prevent spreading infection.
• Do not attempt to squeeze or pop the stye yourself.

FAQs

What causes a stye?

A stye is usually caused by a bacterial infection in an oil gland or hair follicle on the eyelid. Poor eyelid hygiene or touching the eyes with unclean hands can increase the risk.

How long does a stye last?

Most styes improve within a week with proper care, such as warm compresses. If it lasts longer or worsens, medical advice is recommended.

Can I wear contact lenses or makeup with a stye?

It is best to avoid wearing contact lenses or eye makeup until the stye heals to prevent irritation and spreading the infection.

When should I see a doctor in person?

Seek in-person care if you have severe pain, vision changes, spreading redness, or if the stye does not improve after a week of treatment.

Is a stye contagious?

A stye itself is not highly contagious, but the bacteria causing it can spread through direct contact with eye secretions or contaminated objects.

Sources

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

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical care. Telemedicine guidance can help with initial assessment and advice but is not a substitute for in-person evaluation, especially in emergencies or if symptoms worsen.