STYE

What is a Stye? Styes are acute infections of oil glands in the eyelids caused by bacteria from the skin. They are similar to common acne pimples which occur on skin elsewhere. More than 1 stye can occur at one time. Styes usually develop over a few days may drain spontaneously and heal. White blood cells may kill the bacteria, but leave behind a chronic lipogranuloma, called a chalazion.

How Can Styes be Prevented?

Wash hands thoroughly before touching the skin around the eye. Careful attention to cleaning excess oils from the edges of the lids may help prevent styes in susceptible persons.

What are the Symptoms of a Stye?

  • Painful swelling on the eyelid
  • Tearing of the eye
  • Foreign body sensation
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Eye pain

What is the Treatment for a Stye?

Styes can be treated by applying warm compresses for 10 minutes, 4 times a day. Do not attempt to squeeze the stye; let it drain on its own.

Antibiotic creams are sometimes used for recurrent or persistent styes (caused by bacteria). Occasionally styes require lancing to drain the infection.