Red flags & when to go in person for Stye (Hordeolum)

Audience: adult

A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a common, usually harmless infection of the eyelid that causes a red, painful bump near the edge of the eyelid. It often looks like a pimple and may cause swelling, tenderness, and mild discomfort. Most styes improve on their own or with simple home care such as warm compresses. However, some signs suggest a more serious problem that requires in-person medical attention. These include worsening pain, vision changes, spreading redness, or a stye that does not improve within a week. Telemedicine can help assess mild styes, provide advice on home care, and decide if you need to see a healthcare provider in person. This guide explains when to seek urgent care, what telemedicine can and cannot do, and how to prepare for a virtual visit.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe eye pain or worsening discomfort — seek in-person care immediately.
• Vision changes such as blurred or double vision — urgent medical evaluation needed.
• Redness or swelling spreading beyond the eyelid, or fever — go to a healthcare facility promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Assess mild stye symptoms visually via video call.
• Provide guidance on home care such as warm compresses.
• Help determine if symptoms require in-person evaluation.
• Answer questions about stye prevention and general eye hygiene.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Perform physical eye examinations or procedures.
• Prescribe medications requiring close monitoring without in-person visit.
• Diagnose or treat complications like cellulitis or abscess.
• Manage vision-threatening conditions or emergencies.

What is a Stye (Hordeolum)?

A stye is a small, red, and often painful lump that forms on the edge of the eyelid. It happens when an oil gland or hair follicle in the eyelid becomes infected, usually by bacteria. Styes can appear on the outside or inside of the eyelid. They often cause swelling, tenderness, and sometimes watery eyes. Most styes heal on their own within a few days to a week.

Common Symptoms of a Stye

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These symptoms usually develop quickly and improve with warm compresses and good eyelid hygiene.

When to Seek In-Person Care

While many styes are mild, certain signs mean you should see a healthcare provider in person promptly:

These could indicate a more serious infection or complication requiring examination and possible treatment.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine providers can:

However, telemedicine cannot perform physical procedures or detailed eye exams.

Preventing Styes

To lower your risk of styes:

Good hygiene is key to prevention.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place for your telemedicine visit.
• Have a device with a camera ready for video examination.
• Be prepared to describe your symptoms clearly, including onset and changes.
• Have a list of any medications or eye products you are using.
• Note any red flags you may be experiencing to report promptly.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the home care advice given by your provider, such as warm compresses.
• Monitor your symptoms daily for improvement or worsening.
• Seek immediate in-person care if red flags develop after the tele-visit.
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes to prevent spreading infection.
• Maintain good eyelid hygiene to help healing and prevent recurrence.

FAQs

How long does a stye usually last?

Most styes improve within a few days to a week with simple home care like warm compresses. If it lasts longer than 7 to 10 days or worsens, see a healthcare provider.

Can I use antibiotic ointment for a stye?

Some styes may benefit from antibiotic ointments, but you should only use these if prescribed by a healthcare provider. Avoid self-medicating with antibiotics.

Is it safe to wear makeup or contact lenses with a stye?

It's best to avoid eye makeup and contact lenses until the stye heals to prevent irritation and spreading infection.

When should I worry about vision changes?

Any blurriness, double vision, or loss of vision is a red flag. Seek urgent in-person medical care if you notice these symptoms.

Can styes be prevented?

Yes. Good eyelid hygiene, avoiding eye rubbing, removing makeup before sleep, and managing skin conditions can help prevent styes.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you experience any red flags or worsening symptoms, seek prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider in person.