Question
my daughter had a what we thought was a stye on her eyelid and was referred to ophthalmologist who gave her erythromycin ointment and told her she might need surgery to get rid of it. he also said it was ok for now since it wasn't affecting her vision. it got slightly better, but now is inflamed again and causes her a lot of pain and with her eye swollen of course her vision is affected. she is terrified of surgery, and the doctor was rude and didn't explain himself well. who should she see about this condition? would an optometrist be of any help? please answer soon. i really appreciate your help. thank you.
Answer
Dear Syshana,
I'm sorry to hear of your experience. However, optometrists are not qualified to perfom surgeries.
the procedure fro removal of a chalazion is fairly simple, quick and painless.
this is done by making a minute nick in the line of the eye lid (so that while healing no scar is seen), also then the hardened stye or cyst is then expulsed.
This may or may not require a small stitch which one doesn't even feel and it falls by itself.
If in doubt, then bets to see another expert, an occuloplastic surgeon although maybe more expensive will be the specialist for this.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
