Eye barley, also known as a stye, is a common eye condition that causes discomfort and pain. It occurs when a small oil gland at the base of the eyelash becomes infected.

While most cases of eye barley resolve on their own within a week or two, there are certain situations where seeking medical help is necessary. This article will discuss when to seek medical assistance for eye barley and the potential complications that can arise if left untreated.

What is Eye Barley?

Eye barley, or a stye, is a small, painful lump that appears on the eyelid. It is typically red and swollen and may resemble a pimple. Styes are caused by bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus, infecting the oil glands in the eyelid.

They can occur on the inside or outside of the eyelid and can be accompanied by excessive tearing, irritation, and sensitivity to light.

When to Seek Medical Help

In most cases, eye barley can be treated at home with simple remedies such as warm compresses and proper eyelid hygiene. However, there are instances where seeking medical help is necessary:.

1. Persistent or Severe Pain

If the pain associated with your eye barley is severe or persists for more than a few days, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.

Persistent or severe pain could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition that requires medical attention.

2. Vision Problems

If you experience changes in your vision, such as blurred vision or double vision, it is essential to seek medical help immediately.

Vision problems associated with eye barley could indicate a more severe infection or an additional eye condition that needs prompt evaluation from an eye specialist.

3. Increasing Swelling

If the swelling of your eye barley worsens despite home remedies, it is advisable to see a healthcare professional. Increasing swelling could be a sign of a spreading infection or an abscess that requires medical intervention and possible drainage.

4. Recurring or Multiple Styes

If you frequently develop styes or have multiple styes occurring simultaneously, it is crucial to consult a doctor.

Recurring or multiple styes may indicate an underlying issue, such as a blocked oil gland or a weakened immune system, that should be evaluated and managed by a healthcare professional.

5. Eye Barley in Children

If your child develops an eye barley, it is advisable to seek medical help. Children may have difficulty expressing their symptoms accurately, and eye infections in children can potentially cause more significant complications.

A healthcare professional can provide appropriate treatment and guidance for a child with an eye barley.

6. Signs of Infection

If your eye barley shows signs of infection, such as increased redness, pus or discharge, fever, or spreading of the lump beyond the eyelid, it is essential to see a healthcare professional.

These signs indicate a more severe infection that may require antibiotics or other medical interventions.

7. Persistent or Recurrent Styes

If you have a stye that does not improve or keeps recurring despite appropriate home care, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

They can help identify any underlying factors contributing to the persistent or recurrent styes and guide you with appropriate treatment strategies.

8. Complications of Untreated Eye Barley

While most cases of eye barley resolve without complications, leaving a stye untreated can lead to potential complications:.

a) Chalazion

If a stye is not treated promptly, it can develop into a chalazion. A chalazion is a hardened, painless lump that forms when the oil gland becomes blocked with oil or debris.

Chalazions can persist for months and may require medical intervention, such as steroid injections or surgical drainage, to be resolved.

b) Preseptal Cellulitis

Unresolved or spreading styes can lead to preseptal cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the eyelid and surrounding tissues. Symptoms of preseptal cellulitis include worsening redness, swelling, pain, and possibly fever.

This condition requires immediate medical attention and treatment with antibiotics.

c) Hordeolum Internum

In some cases, a stye can progress and become a hordeolum internum, also known as an internal hordeolum. This is a more severe infection that affects the deeper tissues of the eyelid.

Hordeolum internum can cause significant pain, swelling, and redness and often requires medical intervention, such as oral antibiotics or surgical drainage.

d) Spreading Infection

Without proper treatment, a stye can spread the infection to other parts of the eyelid, leading to an infected pimple-like rash called folliculitis.

The infection can then potentially spread to the eye itself, causing a more severe condition called orbital cellulitis. Orbital cellulitis requires immediate medical attention and can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly.