Encyclopedia - Stye (Hordeolum)

How are sties formed?
How is a stye treated?

A stye is a lump or pimple on the edge of the eyelid caused by an infection or inflammation involving the hair follicles of the eyelashes. It most often occurs on the edge of the upper lid, but may also occur on the lower lid. An internal hordeolum is the same as a stye, but involves an internal eyelid gland located farther back on the eyelid. A stye can be painful and affect the entire eyelid.

A chalazion is similar in appearance to a stye and is caused by the blockage of one or more of the small oil-producing glands in the eyelid. The secretions within the gland harden and form a bump. A chalazion is usually painless unless it becomes infected.

Styes and chalazions are quite common and easily treated.

How are sties formed?

Eyelids contain many mucus-producing glands called Meibomian glands, and when one of these glands becomes plugged, blocked, or infected, a stye forms. Styes are usually caused by a bacterial infection, often the staphylococcus germ, and are common among children, those with chronic eyelid infections, diabetics, and sometimes patients with poor hygiene. Styes are unrelated to any disease and are usually not harmful to the eye or vision if properly treated.

When a stye is in its early stages, the site looks red and swollen, and there is tenderness or pain on the edge of the top or bottom eyelid. You may experience light sensitivity as well as increased tear production. Sometimes, an abscess forms.

How is a stye treated?

The best treatment for a stye is to apply hot, moist compresses to the eyelid on a frequent basis. This relieves pain and inflammation and helps speed up the formation of a white-head. Once the stye comes to a head, it should drain on its own. However, if it does not empty on its own, surgical draining may be required. The head of the stye is usually on the outside, but it can occur on the underside of the lid. Antibiotic ointment or cortisone drops may be prescribed to keep down the bacteria count of the eyelid. If the tissues surrounding the stye appear swollen and infected, oral antibiotics may also be prescribed.

Although styes are infectious, they are not contagious. It is important not to spread the infection and to practice careful personal hygiene. Do not share washcloths and hand towels, and avoid close personal contact during the acute phase of the disease. If you get styes frequently, see your eye doctor for an examination.