A stye (also spelled “stye”) develops when a gland on the edge of the eyelid becomes infected. Resembling a pimple on the eyelid, a stye can grow inside or outside the eyelid. Styes are not harmful to vision and can occur at any age.
Styes respond well to treatment, but they can come back. Left untreated, styes can eventually lead to eyelid cellulitis, a more serious condition. They are not contagious or a sign of cancer.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
A stye initially brings pain, redness, tenderness and swelling in the area, then a small pimple appears. Sometimes only the immediate area is inflamed; other times the entire eyelid swells. You may notice frequent tearing in the affected eye, a feeling that there is something in the eye, or increased sensitivity to light.
1. Redness, swelling and pain in a localized area of the eye.
2. An external stye may be noticed when there is a tender red nodule under the edge of the eyelid; An internal stye may not have a visible nodule.
3. Slightly blurred vision.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Styes are caused by staph bacteria. This bacteria is often found in the nose and is easily transferred to the eye by first rubbing the nose and then the eye.
1. An eye exam usually confirms this infection.
2. Many styes drain on their own, but to facilitate drainage of the abscess and reduce pain, a clean folded cloth can be used as a compress. The compress should be soaked in warm water, squeezed until a little drip remains, and applied to the eye. Dip the folded cloth repeatedly to keep the compress moist and warm. Continue applying the compresses for 10-15 minutes. Using a clean cloth each time, apply the warm compresses 4 times a day for 3 to 4 days.
3. Your healthcare provider can prescribe drug therapy for you. Do not use any medications (including over-the-counter ones) without checking with your healthcare provider. Generally, drug therapy includes antibiotic eye drops or ointments and occasionally an antibiotic by mouth. Carefully follow the instructions prescribed by your healthcare provider.
4. If a stye does not drain spontaneously with compresses, see your healthcare provider for help. DO NOT try to squeeze or drain the stye yourself. This will spread the infection and can cause cellulitis. Recheck your eye if symptoms persist after several days of treatment.
Most styes heal on their own within a few days. You can encourage this process by applying warm compresses for 10-15 minutes, three or four times a day for several days. This will ease the pain and bring the stye to the head, like a pimple. The stye breaks and drains, then heals.