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Stye (Sty) - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Edmonton Eye Doctors

11-09-2024

Styes, also known as hordeolums, are a common and often painful condition that affects the eyelids. They can occur in anyone, regardless of age, and while they are generally harmless, they can cause significant discomfort. This article will cover everything you need to know about styes, from what they are to how they can be treated and prevented.

What Is A Stye?

A stye is a red, painful bump that forms either on the outer or inner surface of the eyelid. Styes develop when an oil gland near the base of the eyelash becomes infected, typically by Staphylococcus bacteria. There are two types of styes:

• External stye: This type appears on the outer edge of the eyelid and is often more visible.
• Internal stye: These form inside the eyelid and can be more painful due to pressure from the bump.

A stye resembles a pimple or a boil and may be filled with pus. While styes are generally harmless and not contagious, they can cause significant discomfort and may interfere with daily activities if left untreated.

What Are The Causes of Styes?

Styes are caused by a bacterial infection, typically by the Staphylococcus bacteria, which is commonly found on the skin. The infection occurs when bacteria enter the oil glands or hair follicles in the eyelid. Several factors can contribute to the development of a stye, including:

• Poor eyelid hygiene: Failing to wash your face regularly or remove makeup before bed can increase the risk of styes. Bacteria can accumulate around the eyelid and cause infection.
• Clogged oil glands: The meibomian glands, located along the edge of the eyelids, can become blocked. When these glands clog, bacteria can proliferate, leading to infection.
• Touching the eyes with dirty hands: Frequently rubbing or touching the eyes without washing your hands introduces bacteria, increasing the chances of infection.
• Old or contaminated cosmetics: Using expired makeup or sharing cosmetics with others can introduce bacteria to the eyelids, leading to styes.

Understanding these causes can help in identifying habits that increase the risk of developing a stye.

What Are The Risk Factors For Styes?

While anyone can develop a stye, certain individuals are more prone to them. Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing styes:

• Blepharitis: This is an inflammation of the eyelid margins, often caused by bacterial overgrowth or issues with oil glands. People with blepharitis are more likely to develop styes.
• Chronic dry eye: Individuals with dry eyes often experience irritation and are more likely to rub their eyes, increasing the chances of infection.
• Rosacea: A skin condition that causes redness and swelling, rosacea can also affect the eyelids, making styes more common in people with this condition.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can impair the immune system, making it easier for infections like styes to develop.
• Weakened immune system: People with compromised immune systems due to illness, medication, or other conditions are more susceptible to infections, including styes.

These risk factors are worth noting, especially for individuals who experience frequent or recurring styes.

What are the Symptoms of Styes?

Styes are easy to recognize due to their characteristic appearance and associated symptoms. The most common signs of a stye include:

• A red, swollen lump on the eyelid: This bump often looks similar to a pimple or boil. It may start small and grow larger over time, becoming more painful.
• Pain or tenderness: The area around the stye may feel sore, particularly when blinking or touching the eyelid.
• Watery eyes: As the stye develops, the affected eye may produce more tears than usual.
• Sensitivity to light: Bright light can cause discomfort in the affected eye, making it sensitive to everyday light exposure.
• Crust formation: Some styes may cause crusting along the edge of the eyelid, particularly upon waking.

If the infection worsens or spreads, other symptoms such as blurred vision, excessive discharge, or swelling of the entire eyelid may occur.

How Are Styes Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a stye is usually straightforward and can be done by a healthcare professional or an optometrist during an examination. The doctor will examine the eyelid for the characteristic bump, redness, and swelling associated with styes. In most cases, no special tests are required to diagnose a stye. However, if the stye persists or recurs frequently, additional tests may be conducted to rule out other underlying conditions, such as chronic blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction.

How Is A Stye Treated?

In most cases, styes can resolve on their own within a week or two. However, certain treatments can speed up the healing process and relieve discomfort. Common treatment methods include:

• Warm compresses: Applying a warm compress to the affected eyelid several times a day is one of the most effective treatments. The heat helps the stye come to a head and drain more quickly.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: If the stye is causing significant pain, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce discomfort.
• Antibiotic ointments or drops: If the stye becomes infected or does not resolve on its own, an eye doctor may prescribe antibiotic ointments or eye drops to clear the infection.
• Incision and drainage: In rare cases where the stye does not improve with conservative treatments, a minor surgical procedure may be performed to drain the stye and relieve pressure.

It’s important to avoid squeezing or popping the stye, as this can spread the infection or worsen the condition.

Is There A Cure For Styes?

While there is no specific cure for styes, they typically heal on their own or with minimal intervention. Treatments like warm compresses and antibiotic ointments can help relieve symptoms and speed up recovery. Recurring styes may require further medical investigation to address underlying issues such as chronic blepharitis or other eyelid conditions.

How Can A Stye Be Prevented?

Preventing styes primarily involves maintaining good eyelid hygiene and taking steps to reduce the risk of infection. Here are some practical tips for preventing styes:

• Keep your eyelids clean: Regularly wash your face and eyelids with gentle soap or eyelid scrubs to remove bacteria and oil buildup.
• Avoid touching your eyes: Refrain from rubbing your eyes, especially with unwashed hands, to prevent transferring bacteria to the eyelids.
• Remove makeup before bed: Ensure that all makeup is thoroughly removed before going to sleep to prevent bacteria buildup around the eyes.
• Replace old cosmetics: Discard any expired makeup products, especially eye makeup, and avoid sharing them with others.
• Manage underlying conditions: If you have blepharitis, dry eye, or another condition that affects the eyes, work with your optometrist to manage these issues and reduce the risk of styes.

By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the chances of developing styes in the future.

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