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

Audience: pediatric

A stye, also called a hordeolum, is a common, often painful bump that appears on the edge of the eyelid. It happens when an oil gland or hair follicle near the eyelashes becomes infected. Styes are common in children and usually get better with simple care at home. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help check the stye and give advice on how to treat it safely. During the visit, the provider will ask about symptoms, look at the eye through the camera, and recommend treatments like warm compresses. It's important to prepare for the video visit by finding a quiet place with good lighting and having information ready about the child's symptoms. Some styes may need in-person care, especially if they cause severe pain, vision problems, or do not improve. This guide helps families understand what to expect and how to get ready for a telemedicine visit about a stye in children.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe pain in the eye or eyelid — seek in-person care immediately.
• Vision changes such as blurred or double vision — get urgent medical attention.
• Eyelid swelling that spreads beyond the eyelid or is accompanied by fever — see a healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of a stye's appearance and symptoms.
• Providing advice on home care like warm compresses and hygiene.
• Answering questions about styes and when to seek further care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe or worsening infection needing antibiotics or drainage.
• Vision problems or eye injuries.
• Signs of spreading infection or complications requiring urgent care.

What is a Stye (Hordeolum)?

A stye is a small, red, and often painful bump that forms on the eyelid. It happens when one of the tiny oil glands or hair follicles near the eyelashes gets infected, usually by bacteria. Styes may cause swelling, tenderness, and sometimes watery eyes. They are common in children and usually heal on their own with simple care.

How Telemedicine Can Help with a Stye

During a video visit, a healthcare provider can look at the stye using your camera, ask about symptoms, and suggest treatments. They can help you understand how to care for the stye safely at home, such as using warm compresses and keeping the eye clean. Telemedicine can often provide quick advice without needing to leave home.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Some styes may need a doctor to see the child in person. This includes if the stye is very painful, if the child has trouble seeing, if the eyelid becomes very swollen or red, or if the stye does not improve after a few days of home care. In-person care may be needed to prevent complications.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

To get ready for your telemedicine visit, find a quiet, well-lit room where you can show the child's eye clearly on camera. Have a list of symptoms ready, including when the stye started and any treatments tried. Make sure your device is charged and connected to the internet. It can help to have a family member assist with holding the camera steady.

Caring for a Stye at Home

Most styes improve with warm compresses applied 3 to 4 times a day for about 10 minutes each time. Keep the eyelid clean by gently wiping away crusts with a clean, warm cloth. Avoid squeezing or popping the stye. Make sure the child does not touch or rub the eye to prevent spreading infection.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit space for the video visit.
• Ensure your device camera can clearly show the child's eye.
• Have a list of symptoms and their start dates ready.
• Prepare to describe any treatments already tried.
• Keep a clean cloth or warm compress ready to demonstrate if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on home treatment.
• Use warm compresses as recommended, usually 3-4 times daily.
• Keep the eye clean and avoid touching or rubbing it.
• Watch for any worsening symptoms or new red flags.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if symptoms do not improve or worsen.

FAQs

What causes a stye in children?

A stye usually happens when bacteria infect an oil gland or hair follicle near the eyelashes. This can occur from touching the eyes with unwashed hands or rubbing the eyes.

How long does a stye last?

Most styes improve within a week or two with simple home care like warm compresses. If it lasts longer or gets worse, a healthcare provider should be consulted.

Can my child go to school with a stye?

Usually, yes. Styes are not highly contagious, but good hygiene is important to prevent spreading bacteria. Avoid sharing towels or pillows.

Should I use antibiotic ointment for a stye?

Antibiotic ointments are not always needed. Your healthcare provider can advise if they are appropriate based on the stye's severity.

Can a stye cause vision problems?

Styes usually do not affect vision. However, if the stye causes swelling that blocks vision or if vision changes occur, seek medical care promptly.

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. Stye (Hordeolum) — 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 child's health, especially if red flags appear, seek prompt medical attention.