Caroline Stanbury, a well-known reality TV star and former cast member of The Real Housewives of Dubai, has been openly sharing her health struggles on social media as she battles a painful and mysterious eye infection. The 48-year-old took to TikTok earlier this week to inform her followers about her condition, revealing that her eye had become swollen and inflamed. She admitted that the situation made her feel self-conscious, even joking that she looked “ridiculous” due to the swelling. Despite her initial attempts to manage the symptoms with antihistamines and eye drops, her condition worsened, prompting her to seek medical attention. Along the way, she kept her fans updated on her progress, openly sharing the distressing details of her ordeal.
The reality star’s health issues began when she noticed unusual swelling in her eye, which she initially thought might be linked to an allergic reaction or a minor infection. However, as the situation escalated, Caroline found herself overwhelmed by the severity of her symptoms. In one of her TikTok updates, she revealed that she had developed a throbbing headache and was struggling to understand what was happening to her. Despite her best efforts to remain calm and proactive—she even mentioned that she had just washed her makeup brushes, ruling out one potential source of contamination—the infection continued to spiral out of control. By the time she realized how serious it was, she and her husband, Sergio Carrallo, made the decision to head to the hospital, though she admitted she wished they had acted sooner.
During their hospital visit, Caroline and her husband had a far-from-ideal experience. She expressed her frustration with the medical care they received, describing it as a “terrible night” filled with confusion and dissatisfaction. In one of her updates, she questioned the diagnosis she was given—“intense conjunctivitis”—and expressed disbelief at the intensity of the pain she was enduring. Her husband, Sergio, also chimed in, noting how rapidly the infection had developed, stating that it had unfolded in just one day. Caroline’s updates were raw and unfiltered, giving her followers a firsthand look at her suffering. At one point, she described the pain as unbearable, likening it to a burning sensation that made her feel as though her eyeball might “burst.”
The medical team at the hospital eventually provided Caroline with painkillers, including an IV drip, which helped alleviate some of the discomfort. She described the relief as significant, explaining that the burning sensation behind her eyes had subsided thanks to the medication. However, despite the pain relief, her condition showed no signs of improvement, and she was told that the infection could last up to two weeks. Caroline’s openness about her experience not only kept her fans informed but also highlighted the challenges of dealing with unexpected and severe health issues. Her honesty also served as a reminder of how quickly things can take a turn for the worse, even for someone who appears to have it all under control.
By Friday, Caroline shared a slightly more positive update, revealing that she was “on the mend” and that the pain had subsided significantly. While her eye still appeared swollen and red, she reassured her followers that the worst was behind her. She also took the opportunity to share her official diagnosis: orbital cellulitis, a bacterial infection affecting the skin, fat, and muscles around the eye. According to the Cleveland Clinic, orbital cellulitis is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. Caroline, however, emphasized that her eyes would be fine in the long run, with no permanent damage expected. Her resilience and ability to stay positive despite the ordeal impressed her fans, who flooded her with well wishes and messages of support.
Throughout her journey, Caroline’s transparency has been commendable. By documenting her health struggles on social media, she has not only kept her fans informed but also raised awareness about the importance of seeking medical help when something feels off. Her story serves as a reminder that even minor symptoms can escalate quickly and that prioritizing health is essential. Caroline’s ability to find humor and stay connected with her audience, even in the midst of such a challenging time, speaks volumes about her strength and character. As she continues to recover, her followers are no doubt eager to see her back to her vibrant self, spreading positivity and inspiration once again.
