Stye

A stye or hordeolum is a small lump that often makes an appearance on the inside or underside of the eyelids. A stye results from a bacterial infection of the glands at the eyelids. Styes or hordeolums are caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. A stye can also occur due to clogged oil glands around the eyelashes. In some cases, styes can spread and become serious infections. Typically a stye causes discomfort while blinking and sensitivity to light. But a stye normally does not affect vision.

Styes can affect children and adults alike. They appear as painful red pustules on the eyelid. They may water and cause tenderness and pain. Typically a stye drains after a few days. Application of warm compress hastens the healing process. A particularly stubborn stye must be examined by a physician to check if it needs to be lanced. Often a chalazion - an enlarged blocked oil gland is mistaken for a stye. A chalazion tends to appear on the edge of the eyelid and may remain for months on end. Do not touch anyone or anything after you have touched your infected eye. Avoid sharing towels and eye makeup. Do not try and break the stye on your own. Antibiotic ointments can provide relief.