Stye

A stye is an acute inflammation of the glands of the eyelids. It appears as a red lump, and after a day or two, it resembles a painful, pus-filled pimple

A stye, or hordeolum, can be external or internal. An internal stye is an infection of a meibomian gland. An external stye is an infection in the area of the eyelash follicle and sweat gland.
Styes can appear at all ages, can affect only one eye, or can involve both eyes simultaneously. They usually resolve within a few days or up to two weeks but can recur. A stye can lead to complications – the infection may spread to the entire eyelid or progress to a chalazion.

Symptoms

  • Eyelid redness
  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Tenderness around the eyelid
  • Feeling of something in the eye
  • Tearing
  • Crusting on the eyelid
  • Itching

Risk Factors

  • Bacterial infection
  • Blepharitis
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Many hours of computer work
  • Prolonged presence in dusty and smoky environments
  • Expired cosmetics or sleeping with eye makeup on
  • Elevated blood sugar
  • Touching eyes with dirty hands
  • Rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis

Diagnosis

In most cases, the diagnosis of a stye is made through a simple examination by an eye doctor. During the examination, they check the eyelid for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, and the presence of pus. Typically, additional tests are not needed, as the symptoms of a stye are easily recognizable.

Treatment

A stye usually resolves on its own within a few weeks. During this period, however, the patient experiences discomfort, irritation, itching, and pain. To alleviate symptoms, a clean, warm, damp cloth can be applied to the eye.
A stye can also be treated with IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy. The procedure is short, painless, non-contact, and provides immediate relief. The treatment is applied using a mask placed on the face that emits red light. It lasts only 15 minutes with eyes closed.
In acute phases, a stye is primarily treated with antibiotic eye drops and ointments. Various warm procedures are also applied, aiming to disperse the discharge. If an internal stye does not resolve on its own and becomes encapsulated, an ophthalmologist may perform a small surgical intervention to drain the pus.

Prevention

  • Wash your hands regularly and do not touch your eyes with dirty hands.
  • Discard expired cosmetics.
  • Do not share eyeliner, eye pencil, mascara, or eyeshadow with other people.
  • Clean your face and the area around your eyes every evening before bed to remove makeup and dirt.
  • Do not share cosmetics, blouses, or towels with anyone you know has a bacterial infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are various home remedies for treating styes. A gold ring is a commonly used remedy, but there is no scientific or medical evidence that it is an effective method. Many people rub the stye with a gold ring, earring, or for the purpose of relieving symptoms and accelerating healing.

A stye itself is not highly contagious, but the bacteria that cause it can spread from person to person. It is advisable to avoid sharing towels, pillowcases, or makeup with others to minimize the risk of bacterial transmission.

A stye usually appears quickly – within one to two days – and can disappear on its own after a week. In some cases, however, it can last longer. In such instances, you should visit an eye doctor who can recommend the necessary treatment.