Stye

A stye is a very common condition, and it usually can be managed easily and disappear on its own most of the time.

Stye

A stye is a lump that manifests near the edge of the eyelid, mostly on the outside, but sometimes on the inside. It’s more common to have a stye on one eye, but it could appear on both eyes as well.

Causes and risk factors leading to styes

Styes occur due to a bacterial infection that affects the oil-producing glands within the eyelids.

The risk of styes increases due to the following factors:

• Blepharitis (inflammation in the eyelids).
• Rosacea, dry skin, or dandruff.
• Diabetes.
• Hormonal changes.
• Touching the eyes or inserting contact lenses before making sure that the hands or the contact lenses are clean.
• Using expired cosmetics.

Symptoms of styes

• Swollen and painful eyelid.
• A red and sometimes pus-filled lump on the eyelid.
• Teary eyes.
• Feeling that something is in the eye.

Diagnosis of styes

• Eye exam.

Treatment of styes

• Styes usually clear on their own and don’t require any treatment.
• You can apply warm compresses and clear the eyelid carefully.
• Don’t squeeze or rub the stye.
• Don’t put on makeup or wear contact lenses until full recovery.
• Some cases might require antibiotics, and more severe cases might require draining the stye surgically.
• You can prevent a stye and eye infections by practicing good facial hygiene and not touching the face or eye before making sure that the hands are clean.