What is the treatment for a bee sting near the eye that has caused the eye to swell shut?

Treatment for Bee Sting Near Eye with Swollen Eyelid

A bee sting near the eye causing the eye to swell shut requires immediate medical evaluation by a healthcare professional due to the risk of permanent vision loss. 1

Immediate Management

1. Seek Medical Attention

   • Stings to the eye or near the eye should be evaluated by a trained medical professional immediately 1
   • Do not attempt to self-manage if the sting is on or very near the eye itself

2. If Stinger is Visible and Away From Eye

   • Remove any visible stinger as soon as possible by plucking or scraping 1
   • Do not attempt to remove a stinger that appears to be in the cornea or eye itself

3. Initial First Aid While Seeking Medical Care

   • Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling (but not directly on the eye) 1
   • Wash the area gently with soap and water if the sting is on skin away from the eye 1
   • Take over-the-counter oral antihistamines to reduce itching and swelling 1

Medical Treatment

When you reach medical care, treatment will likely include:

1. Ophthalmologic Examination

   • Complete eye examination to assess for corneal injury, anterior chamber reaction, or retained stinger 2, 3, 4
   • If the stinger is embedded in the cornea or eye tissues, surgical removal by an ophthalmologist is necessary 4

2. Medication Therapy

   • Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation 1, 3, 5
   • Topical antibiotics to prevent secondary infection 3, 5
   • Systemic corticosteroids may be required for severe reactions 4
   • Pain management with acetaminophen or NSAIDs 1

3. Monitoring for Complications

   • Regular follow-up to monitor for delayed complications 5
   • Watch for signs of infection or endophthalmitis which can develop 24-48 hours after injury 6

Special Considerations

Anaphylaxis Warning Signs

If any of these symptoms develop, administer epinephrine (if available) and call emergency services immediately 1, 7:

• Difficulty breathing
• Throat swelling
• Dizziness or fainting
• Widespread hives
• Nausea or vomiting

Potential Complications of Ocular Bee Stings

• Corneal edema and infiltration 2, 3
• Cataract formation 5
• Iris atrophy 3
• Optic neuropathy 5
• Secondary infection or endophthalmitis 6

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Delayed Medical Care: Never delay seeking medical attention for a bee sting near the eye, as complications can develop rapidly 1, 6

2. Home Removal of Stinger: Do not attempt to remove a stinger from the cornea or eye itself; this requires specialized equipment and expertise 3, 4

3. Assuming It's Just Swelling: Even if symptoms seem mild initially, bee venom can cause delayed reactions and serious complications 5, 6

4. Using Eye Drops Without Medical Advice: Do not instill any over-the-counter eye drops before medical evaluation, as they may worsen the condition

5. Mistaking Secondary Infection for Normal Reaction: Increasing pain, discharge, or worsening vision 24-48 hours after the sting may indicate infection requiring urgent treatment 6