5 year old with possible stye- pimple directly on eye

Good morning,
My 5 year old son's eye swelled up so large last week, it looked like a huge walnut was lodged into his eye.  In addition to the swelling, he has slight redness and a rather pronounced bump on his eye.  The bump is the same color as his eyeball, there is no redness to the bump (it looks like a pimple).   He is acting normal- active, great appetite and has not been scratching his eye, either.  As a matter of fact, he says he feels "fine".  He does have IBD - mild Crohn's disease, but he presents very little Crohn's symptoms beyond his loose bowel movements and one trip to the ER for swollen ankels and knees.  His Ped prescribed Vigamox & we've used it for the past 5 days, it hasn't done much.  I've also used an eye wash 2x daily.
Any thoughts as to what this can be?
Thanks!
Maria

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

It is probably a stye. Does it look like a pimple?  Antibiotics alone will not take care of the problems.  You probably need warm compresses. You need to take him to a pediatric ophthalmologist.

Dr. O.

[MariaV75]

Thank you for your reply.  Yes, it looks like a very "raised" pimple.  His eyelid was very puffy, but it seems to have subsided, however, the pimpe and the redness is still there.
Do you think he will need a steroid?  I made an appt for a good pediactric ophth. here in New Jersey for tomorrow.  I am worried b/c he is so young.  
Thank you, Maria

[MariaV75]

Also, impressive CV- I wish I was in CA to bring my son to you!
Best, Maria

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Thanks,  Steroid injection are used before surgery.  It is not commonly used.  Most people do well with warm compress.  However, it is often difficult for the mother.  It will help to decrease the size if you can do it four or fives times per day.

Dr. O.

[MariaV75]

Thank you for your reply. We have an appt. today at noon.

I appreciate all of your feedback!
Maria A. in NJ