What happens after a telemedicine visit for Stye (Hordeolum)

Audience: adult

A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a common, often painful bump on the eyelid caused by an infected oil gland. After a telemedicine visit for a stye, your healthcare provider will usually give you advice on how to care for it at home. This often includes warm compresses to help the stye drain and heal, and guidance on hygiene to prevent spreading the infection. Sometimes, antibiotic ointments or drops may be recommended if the infection is more severe. Your provider will also explain signs to watch for that mean you should seek in-person care, such as worsening pain, vision changes, or spreading redness. Follow-up visits may be suggested if the stye does not improve. Remember, telemedicine can help manage many styes safely, but some cases need hands-on care. Always reach out promptly if you notice any red flags or if your symptoms change.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe eye pain or swelling spreading beyond the eyelid — seek urgent medical care.
• Vision changes such as blurred or double vision — get immediate evaluation.
• Fever or feeling unwell with the stye — contact healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of a stye and mild symptoms.
• Providing guidance on home care and hygiene.
• Prescribing topical antibiotics if appropriate.
• Monitoring symptom progress through follow-up visits.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe or rapidly worsening eye infections.
• Vision loss or significant vision changes.
• Signs of infection spreading to other parts of the face or body.
• Need for surgical drainage or in-person procedures.

Understanding Your Stye

A stye is a small, red, painful bump near the edge of your eyelid. It happens when an oil gland gets infected, often by bacteria. Styes usually develop quickly and can cause swelling and tenderness. Most styes improve on their own or with simple home care.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine appointment, your provider will review your symptoms and may recommend warm compresses several times a day to help the stye drain. You might be advised to keep the area clean and avoid touching or squeezing the bump. If needed, they may prescribe antibiotic ointments or drops. Your provider will also explain when to seek further care.

Home Care Tips to Support Healing

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When to Seek In-Person Care

Contact a healthcare provider promptly if you notice:

These signs may require in-person examination and treatment.

Follow-Up and Monitoring

Your provider may suggest a follow-up telemedicine visit to check your progress. If your symptoms improve, you can continue home care until the stye resolves. If symptoms worsen or new signs appear, seek in-person evaluation promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure good lighting and a quiet space for your telemedicine visit.
• Have a device ready with a camera to show the affected eyelid clearly.
• Prepare to describe your symptoms, including onset, pain level, and any vision changes.
• List any medications or allergies you have.
• Have a family member or friend available if you need assistance during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Apply warm compresses as instructed, typically 3–5 times daily for 10–15 minutes.
• Keep the eyelid clean and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
• Use prescribed medications exactly as directed.
• Avoid eye makeup and contact lenses until healed.
• Monitor your symptoms and report any worsening or new signs to your provider.
• Attend any recommended follow-up telemedicine appointments.

FAQs

How long does a stye usually take to heal?

Most styes improve within 7 to 10 days with proper home care. Some may take longer, but if it persists beyond two weeks, consult your healthcare provider.

Can I use over-the-counter treatments for a stye?

Warm compresses are the most effective home treatment. Over-the-counter antibiotic ointments are generally not recommended unless prescribed by your provider.

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

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

When should I seek emergency care for a stye?

Seek emergency care if you experience severe pain, swelling spreading to other parts of your face, vision loss, or fever. These may indicate a more serious infection.

Can styes come back?

Yes, styes can recur, especially if oil glands become blocked or hygiene is poor. Maintaining good eyelid hygiene can help reduce the risk.

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. 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 or experience worsening symptoms, please seek evaluation from a healthcare professional in person.