Eye Styes Explained: Causes, Symptoms, And How To Treat Them

An eye stye is a common and often painful condition that can affect anyone, from children to adults. While it’s not usually serious, it can cause discomfort and interfere with daily activities. At Wavikar Eye Institute, we understand the importance of addressing eye health concerns promptly, and styes are no exception. This blog will give you an overview about eye styes, including their causes, symptoms, and effective stye treatment options.

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What is an Eye Stye?

An eye stye (also known as a hordeolum) is a red, swollen bump that forms on the eyelid, typically at the base of the eyelashes or inside the eyelid. It is caused by a bacterial infection of the oil glands or hair follicles in the affected area. While styes are often confused with other types of eye conditions, they have unique characteristics that make them easy to identify.

Styes can be classified into two types:

• External stye: This is the more common type, where the stye forms on the outside edge of the eyelid.
• Internal stye: This occurs inside the eyelid and can be more painful, as it affects the meibomian glands responsible for lubricating the eye.

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What Causes a Stye?

The primary cause of an eye stye is a bacterial infection, specifically from Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. These bacteria can enter the glands or hair follicles around the eyelashes, causing them to become infected. Several factors can contribute to the development of a stye, including poor hygiene, blocked glands, or underlying skin conditions like blepharitis. Here are some common stye eye infection causes:

1. Bacterial Infection: As mentioned, the most common cause of a stye is a bacterial infection. The infection occurs when bacteria from the skin or other areas come into contact with the eyelid.
2. Poor Hygiene: Touching the eyes with dirty hands or using contaminated makeup or eye products can introduce bacteria to the eye area, leading to infection.
3. Clogged Oil Glands: The oil glands in the eyelids can become blocked due to debris, dead skin cells, or makeup residue, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive and cause a stye.
4. Chronic Conditions: Skin conditions such as rosacea or blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) can increase the likelihood of developing styes, as they can lead to clogged glands and weakened eyelid skin defenses.
5. Stress or Hormonal Changes: Stress and hormonal fluctuations can also play a role in the formation of styes by impacting the immune system and making the body more susceptible to infections.
6. Contact Lenses: Wearing contact lenses that are not properly cleaned or are worn for longer than recommended can increase the risk of eye infections, including styes.
7. Dirty Towels or Bedding: Using towels or bedding that have been exposed to bacteria can also cause an eye stye, especially if they come into contact with the eyelids.

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Symptoms of a Stye

The symptoms of an eye stye are usually easy to identify. Here are some common stye symptoms to watch out for:

1. Red, Swollen Bump: The most noticeable symptom of a stye is a red, painful bump on the eyelid. This bump may be small but can grow larger over time as the infection develops.
2. Pain and Tenderness: The affected area often feels tender to the touch, and there may be a throbbing sensation. The pain can range from mild to severe, depending on the size and location of the stye.
3. Swollen Eyelid: The eyelid may become swollen, making it difficult to open the eye fully. This can affect vision, especially if the stye is located near the eye’s edge.
4. Eye Irritation: You may experience irritation or a gritty feeling in the affected eye, which can be quite uncomfortable.
5. Tearing: Excessive tearing or watery eyes are common symptoms of a stye, as the eye tries to protect itself from the infection.
6. Crust or Pus: In some cases, a stye may form a yellow or white head at the tip, indicating the presence of pus. If the stye ruptures, the pus may drain out, which may offer relief from the pain and pressure.

How to Treat a Stye?

While most styes will heal on their own within a few days to a week, there are several stye treatment options to alleviate discomfort and speed up the healing process. Here are some effective eye stye treatment options:

1. Warm Compresses

One of the simplest and most effective ways to treat a stye is by applying a warm compress to the affected eyelid. The heat helps to loosen the blocked oil gland and allows the stye to drain naturally. Simply soak a clean washcloth in warm water, wring out the excess, and place it over the closed eyelid for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this several times a day for relief.

2. Proper Hygiene

Maintaining good eyelid hygiene is essential when dealing with a stye. Gently clean the eyelids with a mild baby shampoo or a prescribed eyelid cleanser. Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing the area aggressively, as this can irritate the skin and make the infection worse.

3. Topical Antibiotics

In some cases, an eye doctor may recommend using topical antibiotic ointments or drops to help combat the infection. These medications can be applied directly to the eyelid or the eye itself, as directed by your healthcare provider.

4. Avoid Squeezing the Stye

While it may be tempting to pop or squeeze the stye, doing so can introduce more bacteria and worsen the infection. Let the stye heal naturally, and avoid any attempts to burst it. If the stye doesn’t improve or worsens, consult an eye specialist for further treatment.

5. Stye Self Care

For stye self care, avoid wearing makeup or contact lenses while the stye is present, as these can irritate the eye and introduce more bacteria. Additionally, practice good hand hygiene and avoid touching the eyes unnecessarily to prevent the spread of infection.

6. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

To help manage the discomfort associated with a stye, over-the-counter pain relief options like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used. Always follow the recommended dosage instructions.

7. Steroid Injections or Incision (for Severe Cases)

In rare instances where the stye doesn’t resolve with conservative measures, an eye doctor may need to drain the stye surgically or inject it with a corticosteroid to reduce swelling and inflammation. This is usually reserved for particularly large or persistent styes.

When to See a Doctor

While most styes will clear up on their own, there are situations where professional treatment is necessary. You should seek medical attention if:

• The stye does not improve or gets worse after a week.
• The stye causes significant pain, swelling, or vision problems.
• You develop multiple styes at once.
• The stye affects the inner eyelid or causes significant discomfort.
• You experience recurrent styes, which may indicate an underlying condition like blepharitis or rosacea.

At Wavikar Eye Institute, we offer comprehensive care for eye conditions, including stye treatment. Our expert team of ophthalmologists can provide tailored treatment plans to address your specific needs, ensuring that your eye health is restored promptly and effectively.

Preventing Styes

While styes are common, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing one. Here are some prevention tips:

1. Maintain Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your face or eyes.
2. Remove Makeup Before Bed: Always remove makeup before sleeping, and avoid using old or expired makeup.
3. Keep Eyelids Clean: Regularly clean your eyelids, especially if you have a tendency to develop styes or other eye issues.
4. Avoid Sharing Towels or Cosmetics: Sharing personal items like towels or makeup can increase the risk of bacterial transmission.
5. Replace Contact Lenses Regularly: If you wear contact lenses, follow proper hygiene and replace them as recommended by your eye doctor.

Conclusion

An eye stye is a common eye condition that can be both uncomfortable and unsightly. However, with proper care and treatment, most styes can be managed effectively. At Wavikar Eye Institute, we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of eye care, ensuring that our patients receive prompt and effective eye stye treatment. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a stye contact us for a consultation and personalized treatment plan. Your eye health is our priority!