What Is a Stye, and How Is It Treated?

The eye structures are some of the most sensitive and vulnerable in the entire body. They are predisposed to issues caused by the environment and infections that may develop from within. Because of this, it is vital to keep your hands clean before touching your eye or any structures around it.

One common eye condition is a stye. An infection in the eyelid can become quite uncomfortable. So, what is a stye? How common is it? How do you treat it? Read on to learn more.

What Is a Stye?

Imagine a red acne pimple; now imagine it is painful and on the edge of your eyelid. That is precisely what a stye looks and feels like. But unlike an acne pimple, a stye results from blocked oils within an eyelash. Your eyelid has tiny glands within your eyelash that produce oil. When one of these becomes blocked and infected, it forms a stye. The clinical term for a stye is hordeolum.

Types of Styes

Styes can come in two main forms.

 

External Styes

These are the most common form of stye that occurs. They form on the outer part of the lower or upper eyelids. They occur due to an infection of a hair follicle in one of your eyelashes.

Internal Styes

These are less common and form on the inside of your eyelids. The stye will sally-press against your eyeball. They start when an eyelid gland that produces oil becomes infected. The eyelid glands under the eyelid help keep your eyelid moist.

Symptoms of a Stye

There is another type of eyelid bump that can develop. It is called a chalazion. Unlike a stye, it is usually not painful and occurs farther on your eyelid. It is not the result of an infection. To tell the two apart, you need to know the symptoms of a stye. The most common ones are:

 

• A painful bump on the edge of your eyelid
   

• Crusting along the edge of the eyelid
   

• Soreness and itching
   

• A gritty feeling inside your eye
   

• Swelling of your eyelid
   

• Sensitivity to light
   

• Excessive tearing

How Do You Treat a Stye?

You can treat a stye at home; you usually do not need to see a doctor. However, you should see an eye doctor if the pain is intense or the treatment options do not yield fruit. Here are some of the most effective home treatments for a stye.

Warm Compress

A warm compress is very effective when dealing with a stye. The heat will draw the pus to the surface and then dissolve the oils and the pus, draining the stye naturally.

The best way to prepare a war compress is using a clean cloth with warm water. The water should not be too hot as this may hurt your eyes. The cloth should also not be wet, so ensure to wring it. Place the cloth over your infected eye for about five to ten minutes. Ensure that you do not apply pressure or try to puncture the stye.

Clean Your Eyelid

Another way to help resolve a sty is by cleaning it. Experts advise using mild soap or tear-free baby shampoo. Another good option is using a saline solution to clean your eye. Saline will help stimulate the stye to drain and break down bacterial membranes.

Warm Tea Bag

Another variation of a warm compress is using a tea bag from black tea. The tea has some antibacterial properties that will help resolve the stye. It will also work to reduce swelling.

For more about a stye and its treatment, visit Diamond Bar Optometric Center at our office in Diamond Bar, California. Call (909) 861-4999 to book an appointment today.