Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Hello Doctor, My Left Eye, Upper Eyelid Has Swollen And
Question: Hello Doctor,
My left eye, upper eyelid has swollen and there is slight pain (intermittent).
Could you please advice OTC medication?
Thanks
My left eye, upper eyelid has swollen and there is slight pain (intermittent).
Could you please advice OTC medication?
Thanks
Brief Answer:
Hordeolum
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using Ask a Doctor.
The symptoms you describe are likely from a hordeolum (or stye), which is a small abscess of the eyelid that presents with pain and swelling. Most of these hordeola resolve spontaneously over several days and do not require specific intervention. They can be managed with warm compresses, which are placed on the face for about 15 minutes four times per day, in order to facilitate drainage. Massage and gentle wiping of the affected eyelid after the warm compress can also aid in drainage. You should discontinue eye makeup to support healing, if you use any. If, despite management with warm compresses, the lesion does not reduce in size within one to two weeks, the patient should be referred to an ophthalmologist for incision and drainage.
Antibiotic or steroids drops haven't been shown to help, so I wouldn't say that you need to use any of these.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Hordeolum
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using Ask a Doctor.
The symptoms you describe are likely from a hordeolum (or stye), which is a small abscess of the eyelid that presents with pain and swelling. Most of these hordeola resolve spontaneously over several days and do not require specific intervention. They can be managed with warm compresses, which are placed on the face for about 15 minutes four times per day, in order to facilitate drainage. Massage and gentle wiping of the affected eyelid after the warm compress can also aid in drainage. You should discontinue eye makeup to support healing, if you use any. If, despite management with warm compresses, the lesion does not reduce in size within one to two weeks, the patient should be referred to an ophthalmologist for incision and drainage.
Antibiotic or steroids drops haven't been shown to help, so I wouldn't say that you need to use any of these.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
