Eye Pain and Swelling: When to Seek Medical Help

Q: Eye Pain and Swelling: When to Seek Medical Help

Hello： 1. <br>Although it may take some time to see significant improvement after using eye drops and ointments, if you still experience pain, swelling, or other discomfort after an appropriate period (such as 24 hours), it is advisable to return to your ophthalmologist for a fol

Swollen and painful eyes?

Hello Doctor: Two nights ago, I felt pain around my right eye, near the zygomatic bone, when I blinked.
Later, when I pressed above my right eye, there was a noticeable pain.
The next day, I woke up with swelling in my eye and went to see an ophthalmologist, who diagnosed me with a stye and prescribed eye drops and ointment.
However, when I woke up today, I still felt pain in the zygomatic bone when I blinked, and today I even felt pain near my eyebrow, and my eye seems to be more swollen.
Is this normal? Should I seek medical attention again? Additionally, since my upper eyelid is swollen and painful, how should I apply the eye ointment? Can I use warm compresses to help reduce the stye? The first image is from two days ago, and the second and third images are from this morning.
Thank you, Doctor.

S, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/08/25

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: 1.
Although it may take some time to see significant improvement after using eye drops and ointments, if you still experience pain, swelling, or other discomfort after an appropriate period (such as 24 hours), it is advisable to return to your ophthalmologist for a follow-up.
Oral medication may be necessary.
2.
If your physician has prescribed an eye ointment, you can gently apply the ointment to the inner side of the lower eyelid according to the physician's instructions.
Please avoid applying the ointment directly onto the eyeball to prevent discomfort.
3.
In some cases, gentle warm compresses may help alleviate discomfort.
You can use a warm, damp washcloth to gently apply to the eye area for about 10 to 15 minutes at a time, which can help relieve pain and promote blood circulation.
4.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, the best course of action is to return to your ophthalmologist for an evaluation.
The physician can adjust your treatment plan based on your symptoms and condition.

Reply Date: 2023/08/25

More Info

When experiencing eye pain and swelling, it is crucial to understand the underlying causes and when to seek medical attention. Based on your description, it appears that you have been diagnosed with a stye (or "針眼"), which is a common condition caused by an infection of the oil glands in the eyelid. This can lead to localized swelling, redness, and pain around the affected area.
The fact that you are still experiencing pain around the cheekbone and eyebrow area, along with increased swelling, suggests that the condition may not be improving as expected. While some discomfort and swelling can be normal in the early stages of a stye, persistent or worsening symptoms warrant further evaluation. If the pain intensifies, if you develop fever, or if your vision is affected, you should seek medical attention promptly.
In terms of treatment, you mentioned that your doctor prescribed eye drops and ointment. It is essential to apply these medications as directed. For ointments, you can gently pull down your lower eyelid and apply a small amount of the ointment inside the eyelid. If you are dealing with upper eyelid swelling, you can apply the ointment by gently lifting the eyelid and placing the ointment on the inside.
Regarding the use of warm compresses, they can be beneficial for styes. Applying a warm, moist cloth to the affected area for about 10-15 minutes several times a day can help to reduce swelling and promote drainage of the stye. The warmth increases blood circulation to the area, which can aid in healing. However, be cautious not to apply excessive pressure, as this may exacerbate the pain.

If you notice that the swelling and pain do not improve after a few days of treatment, or if you see any signs of spreading infection (such as increased redness or pus), it is advisable to return to your healthcare provider. They may need to drain the stye or prescribe a stronger antibiotic if there is a bacterial infection.

In summary, while some discomfort and swelling can be expected with a stye, persistent pain and worsening symptoms should not be ignored. Regularly applying prescribed medications and warm compresses can help, but do not hesitate to seek further medical advice if your condition does not improve. Your eye health is paramount, and timely intervention can prevent complications.

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