Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) & Styes

Irritated, red, or crusty eyes? A stye or pink eye (conjunctivitis) can be painful, contagious, and disruptive—but most cases are treatable with prompt care. At iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco, Forney, and Fort Worth, TX, our clinicians evaluate eye redness, discharge, and eyelid swelling, provide targeted treatment, and help you prevent complications—all in one location.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): Symptoms, Causes & Care

Pink eye is inflammation of the thin tissue that lines the eyelids and covers the white of the eye. Symptoms include redness, tearing, burning, itching, gritty sensation, and discharge that sticks lashes together.

Common causes

• Viral conjunctivitis (often with a cold)

• Bacterial infection (more likely to cause thick yellow/green discharge)

• Allergic conjunctivitis (itchy, watery; often a related skin condition such as eczema/atopy)

• Irritant/chemical exposure (smoke, chlorine, cleaning products)

Treatment

• Lubricating drops and cool/warm compresses for comfort

• Prescription antibiotic drops/ointment when bacterial signs are present—especially for contact lenses wearers (higher corneal risk)

• Antihistamine/mast-cell stabilizer drops for allergies

• Strict hygiene: don’t share towels, pause contact lenses, and don’t wear eye makeup until cleared; replace old mascara and lens cases

Seek same-day care for severe pain, light sensitivity, vision changes, contact lens–related pain, trauma, or if a newborn has discharge/redness.

Styes (Hordeolum) & Chalazia: That Small Painful Lump on the Eyelid

A stye is a tender, small painful lump along the lash line or inside the lid. It results from a blocked and inflamed eyelash follicle or oil producing gland that becomes infected—most often by skin bacteria.

• External styes: Involve a lash follicle or glands of Zeis/Moll at the lid margin; usually look like a pimple on the lid edge.

• Internal styes: Deeper, arising from meibomian (oil) glands on the inner lid; swelling may be more pronounced.

• Chalazion: A firm, typically painless lump that can follow a stye when trapped oil hardens; less inflamed, more like a cyst.

Why they happen
Blepharitis (lid margin inflammation), rosacea (a facial skin condition), poor lid hygiene, old cosmetics, and contact lenses increase risk. Most styes begin as blockage and progress to a localized bacterial infection.

How to Get Rid of a Stye (Safe Home Care)

Gentle, consistent heat and hygiene help the gland drain and heal.

• Warm compresses: Apply a warm washcloth soaked in warm water for 10–15 minutes, 3–5 times a day. Re-warm as it cools.

• Lid hygiene: After compresses, try gently massaging the lid (downward on the upper lid, upward on the lower) to encourage drainage—avoid squeezing.

• No makeup or lenses: Do not wear eye makeup or contact lenses until the eye is calm and your clinician okays it.

• Pain relief: Lubricating drops, acetaminophen/ibuprofen (as appropriate) can ease soreness.

Avoid: Popping or squeezing, sharp tools, or “home surgeries.” These can worsen infection, cause scarring, or spread bacteria.

When to See iCare (Or Call 911)

Come to iCare ER & Urgent Care today if you have:

• A stye or chalazion not improving after 48–72 hours of proper warm compresses

• Spreading redness, increasing eyelid swelling, fever, or pain with eye movement (possible preseptal/orbital cellulitis)

• Recurrent styes/chalazia (may need evaluation for blepharitis, rosacea, or meibomian gland dysfunction)

• Contact lenses + eye pain/redness (higher risk for corneal infection)

• Significant discharge, light sensitivity, or decreased vision

Call 911 for chemical exposure, severe trauma, sudden vision loss, or a “curtain” across vision.

What to Expect at iCare ER & Urgent Care (Frisco, Forney & Fort Worth)

1. Rapid eye exam: Visual acuity, slit-lamp evaluation, fluorescein staining (if needed) to check the cornea, and careful inspection of the lid margin and glands.

2. Personalized treatment:

   • Pink eye: Guidance on hygiene; prescription antibiotic drops/ointment when bacterial; allergy drops for allergic cases.

   • Stye/chalazion: Continued warm compresses plus Rx antibiotic ointment when indicated; pain control; lid hygiene coaching.

3. Procedures when needed: For persistent or large internal styes or chalazia, we may recommend in-clinic procedures or arrange ophthalmology care for incision and curettage.

4. Prevention plan: Lid scrub routines, cosmetic/lens hygiene updates, trigger management (allergies, rosacea), and when to resume contact lenses or wear eye makeup safely.

5. Follow-up & referrals: If advanced imaging or specialist care is needed, we coordinate quickly so you get answers without delay.

Practical Care Tips (At a Glance)

• Use a clean warm washcloth and warm water for compresses several times a day.

• Wash hands before and after eye care; avoid touching/rubbing eyes.

• Pause contact lenses and replace the case/lenses as advised.

• Toss old cosmetics; never share makeup or eye drops.

• Keep lids clean (diluted baby shampoo or lid wipes if recommended).

• Manage underlying skin condition (blepharitis/rosacea) to reduce recurrences.

Why Choose iCare for Pink Eye & Stye Care

• All in one location: Exam, slit-lamp assessment, medications, and procedures without extra stops.

• ER-experienced providers: Skilled at distinguishing viral vs. bacterial infection, stye vs. chalazion, and spotting emergencies early.

• Kid- and adult-friendly care: Clear instructions, fast relief, and return-to-school/work guidance.

• Short waits + online check-in: Walk in or reserve your spot for faster service.

• Convenient North Texas locations in Frisco, Forney, and Fort Worth.

Red, painful, or swollen eye? Get relief—and protect your vision—at iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco, Forney, or Fort Worth, TX. Walk-ins welcome or check in online now.