Brief Summary
In this video, Dr. Neal Guymon and Dr. Aaron Smith discuss styes and home remedies. They explain what a stye is, traditional treatments, and a unique home remedy kit developed by Dr. Smith. They also touch on other treatments like antibiotic eye drops and IPL, and emphasise the importance of consulting an eye doctor for persistent or severe cases.
- Styes are infected oil glands in the eyelid.
- Traditional treatments include warm compresses, prescription eye drops, or oral antibiotics.
- Dr. Smith's unique home remedy involves soaking the eye, applying a breathable eye patch with saline, and leaving it overnight.
Intro
Dr. Neal Guymon introduces Dr. Aaron Smith, and they announce that they will be answering common eye-related questions and sharing eye doctor secrets. This video is part two of a series; part one discusses whether glasses can worsen eyesight and is available on Dr. Aaron Smith's channel. This episode will focus on styes and home remedies.
Eye Podcast Video Series
This video is part of a series where Dr. Guymon and Dr. Smith share insights and tips on common eye concerns. The previous video addressed the question of whether glasses can make eyes worse or create dependency. This instalment focuses on styes and a unique home remedy developed by Dr. Smith.
Fast Home Remedy For Stye
Dr. Smith describes a stye as a tender bump within the eyelid, either upper or lower, which can be painful and distracting. Chronic styes can be a recurring issue. Styes occur when one of the approximately 25 oil glands in the eyelids becomes infected and blocked, preventing drainage. Traditional treatments include warm compresses and, in some cases, lancing by an eye care provider. While antibiotic eye drops are generally ineffective because they can't reach the oil gland, oral antibiotics can be used but may disrupt the digestive system.
Dr. Smith introduces a nighttime treatment kit he uses in his clinic. The kit includes a gauze pad, a breathable eye patch, and preservative-free saline. The patient first performs lid hygiene, then soaks the eye with a saline-soaked gauze for 10 minutes to soften the tissue. After soaking, a breathable eye patch is applied, and a few drops of preservative-free saline are dripped under the patch before sealing it. The gentle pressure and constant moisture aim to encourage the gland to open and drain overnight. This treatment has shown success for many patients, though not all.
Dr. Guymon clarifies the steps, ensuring the gauze is removed before applying the patch. Dr. Smith adds that using warm water for soaking or starting with a warm compress can help soften the plugged oil. Dr. Guymon acknowledges the complexity of the remedy but highlights its potential for fast relief, especially for patients needing quick solutions. Both doctors emphasise the importance of consulting an eye doctor for any tender or infected stye to rule out more serious issues.
Other Treatments for Styes
Dr. Smith clarifies the use of antibiotic eye drops, advising they are beneficial if the stye begins to drain, preventing conjunctivitis from the draining pus. He warns against attempting to pop a stye, as it can push the infection deeper and cause lasting inflammation.
Dr. Guymon mentions IPL (intense pulsed light) as another treatment option available in some doctor's offices, particularly those treating dry eyes. Dr. Smith adds that IPL reduces inflammation, has an antibiotic effect, and is also used for acne and rosacea, making it a good alternative treatment for styes. Dr. Guymon concludes by referencing his own video on styes, which covers prevention through eyelid hygiene and warm compresses. He reiterates the value of Dr. Smith's unique home remedy.
