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Stye or Pink Eye
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An_241284 posted:
Last week I woke up with my left eye being completely red and immediately thought it was pink eye. I started putting drops for pink eye in. Well it is almost a week later and my eye has gotten worse. It is completely swollen all around my eye and was told today that it is more than likely a stye so I started putting drops for a stye in. This whole time it has never itched but the whole eye is red along with the eyelid and surrounding area and it is constantly watering. I noticed yesterday that under my lower eyelid it looks like I have a puss filled sack and as of now it is almost to the center of my eye. Is this a stye, because it does not look like any pictures I've seen of styes.
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Alan M Kozarsky, MD responded:
Styes, also known as chalazia, represent clogging and inflammation of skin glands in the eyelid. Sort of like a pimple of the eyelid. The key features for diagnosis are a point of tenderness in the eyelid with swelling and redness that is localized in one area in the eyelid. Occasionally the swelling and redness can spread making the eyelid look like it has a skin infection (cellulitis). Again, the center of tenderness and irritation is in the eyelid. A mild stye or chalazion can be treated with warm compresses and will usually go away without further treatment. If any question, make sure you consult with your doctor.

Pink eye or conjunctivitis, usually caused by infection or allergy is characterized by the white surface of your eye become pink or red, frequently with mucus or pus like discharge. There is not any substantial pain or visual change in the usual mild case. This often treated with antibiotic eyedrops and your doctor can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Remember, many cases of conjunctivitis are contagious so that while your eye is red, your hands as well as your towels and wash cloths are "weapons" so don't share your infection with others!
 
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GINABOLDEN replied to Alan M Kozarsky, MD's response:
Is it possible to get pink eye within a dayI have had pink eye for the last week, just finished yesterday. Today I wake up at 3 a.m. feeling like I have it all over again. The left eye is now a little red and is starting to feel a little itchy.
 
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Alan M Kozarsky, MD replied to GINABOLDEN's response:
Pink eye or conjunctivitis can have a sudden onset. However, any condition that does not follow the usual course of getting completely better in a few days (and staying better) is probably worth a visit to the eye doctor. Common causes of recurring eye surface inflammation include contact lenses and allergy.


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