Eye & EarICD-10: H00.0Very common; most people experience at least one stye in their lifetime
Stye
Also known as: Hordeolum, Eye stye
A stye is a painful, red bump that forms on the edge of the eyelid, caused by a bacterial infection of an oil gland or hair follicle. Styes are common and usually resolve on their own within one to two weeks with warm compress treatment. While uncomfortable, they are generally not serious and rarely affect vision.
Symptoms
Painful red bump on the eyelid edge
Swelling of the eyelid
Tenderness when touching the bump
Crusting along the eyelid margin
Tearing or watering of the eye
Sensation of something in the eye
Causes
- Bacterial infection, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus
- Blocked oil gland in the eyelid
- Infected hair follicle at the base of an eyelash
Risk Factors
- Touching the eyes with unwashed hands
- Using old or contaminated eye makeup
- Leaving eye makeup on overnight
- Blepharitis (chronic eyelid inflammation)
- History of previous styes
- Skin conditions such as rosacea
Diagnosis
- Visual examination of the eyelid
- No laboratory tests typically needed
- Differentiation from chalazion, which is a painless cyst
Treatment
- Warm compresses applied for 10-15 minutes several times daily
- Gentle eyelid hygiene with mild soap or baby shampoo
- Avoiding squeezing or popping the stye
- Antibiotic ointment for persistent cases
- Incision and drainage by an eye doctor for large or persistent styes
Prevention
- Washing hands before touching the eyes
- Removing eye makeup before bed
- Replacing eye makeup every 3-6 months
- Not sharing eye makeup or tools
- Treating underlying blepharitis
When to See a Doctor
- Stye that does not improve within a week of home treatment
- Swelling affecting the entire eyelid or spreading to the cheek
- Changes in vision
- Recurrent styes
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Conditions
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