Understanding Stye: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a common eye infection that occurs when a hair follicle or an oil gland on the eyelid becomes infected. It typically results in a small, red, painful bump on the edge of the eyelid. 

While styes are generally harmless and can resolve on their own, they can be uncomfortable and unsightly. 

Having a stye should not be a burden. Understand the condition and learn how to deal with it to implement the right solutions. Read on to know more. 

Causes of Stye

Styes are from a bacterial infection in the oil glands or hair follicles on the eyelid, most commonly from Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria are typically found on the skin and can easily transfer to the eye area through rubbing or touching the eyes with contaminated hands.

Poor hygiene, frequent rubbing of the eyes, or the use of expired or contaminated eye makeup are common causes of stye. Those with diabetes and rosacea may be more susceptible. 

It’s also interesting to note the potential link between sleep and stye. Lack of sleep can weaken the immune system, making it easier for bacterial infections to occur. Additionally, sleep deprivation can cause eye fatigue, which can lead to rubbing or touching of the eyes, potentially spreading bacteria to the eyelids. However, more research is needed to determine the exact link between styes and sleep.

If you find yourself waking up with dry eyes, it may be a sign of a lack of moisture in the air, which can exacerbate eye fatigue and potentially increase the risk of styes. Using a humidifier in your bedroom can help increase moisture levels in the air and alleviate dryness. Additionally, practicing good sleep hygiene, such as avoiding screen time before bed and establishing a regular sleep schedule, can help improve the quality and quantity of your sleep, reducing the risk of eye fatigue and potential complications such as styes. If you continue to experience dry eyes or other eye-related symptoms, it is important to consult an eye doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.

Styes can be external or internal, depending on the location of the infection. External styes occur when the infection affects the hair follicle or gland at the base of an eyelash, while internal styes develop when the infection affects the oil gland within the eyelid.

In some cases, a chalazion can develop in the same location as a stye. A chalazion is a non-infectious, inflammatory lesion that can form when the oil gland becomes blocked. Although chalazia can be mistaken for styes, they are typically painless and tend to develop gradually over time.

Symptoms of Stye

The most common symptoms of stye include: 

• A small, red, painful bump on the edge of the eyelid
• Swelling and tenderness in the affected area
• Discomfort or pain when blinking or touching the affected eyelid
• Crusting along the eyelid margin
• Watery eyes or increased tear production
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision (in severe cases)

External styes typically appear as a small, red bump on the eyelid, similar in appearance to a pimple or a boil. Internal styes, on the other hand, can cause more significant swelling and tenderness within the eyelid, often resulting in a larger, more painful bump

If a stye is affecting vision or causing significant discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Differentiating between a stye and a chalazion can also be important, as chalazia tend to develop more slowly and do not typically cause significant pain or discomfort. If a bump on the eyelid is painless or has been present for several weeks, it may be more likely to be a chalazion than a stye.

Diagnosis of Stye

In most cases, a stye can be diagnosed through a physical examination of the affected area. The doctor may use a special magnifying lens and a light to examine the eyelid more closely and assess the severity of the infection.

If the stye has caused significant swelling or discomfort, the doctor may also perform a culture or sensitivity test to determine the type of bacteria causing the infection. This can help to guide the selection of appropriate antibiotics or other medications for treatment.

In some cases, a stye may be mistaken for other types of eye infections, such as a chalazion or blepharitis. T

If a stye is recurrent or frequent, the doctor may recommend further testing to determine the underlying cause of the infections. 

Treatment Options for Stye

Don’t panic if you have stye. Consider the possible treatments, including those mentioned below. 

Self-Care Measures

• Warm Compress Applying warm compresses to the affected area can help reduce swelling, relieve pain, and encourage drainage of the stye.
• Good Hygiene: Reduce the risk of infection by practicing proper hygiene, such as by washing your hands regularly. 
• Avoid Makeup: Avoid using eye makeup or contact lenses until the stye has healed, as they can exacerbate the infection.
• Take Supplements: Fish oil supplements can help because they contain Omega-3 fatty acids. Nonetheless, this isn't a treatment but more of a preventive measure. 

Over-the-Counter Medications

Using over the counter stye medication options include topical antibiotic ointments or drops. They contain active ingredients that could potentially lessen the severity of the infection. 

Prescription Medications

In more severe or recurrent cases, prescription medications may be necessary to treat the stye. Oral antibiotics, such as amoxicillin or doxycycline, may be prescribed to treat bacterial infections that are causing the stye. Topical steroid ointments or drops may also be recommended to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Surgical Procedures

In rare cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to drain a large or persistent stye. The procedure involves making a small incision in the eyelid to allow for drainage of the pus and other fluids. 

Conclusion 

Styes are common and generally harmless eye infections. However, they can cause discomfort and temporary vision. In rare cases, they may lead to more serious complications. With proper management and preventative measures, styes can be effectively treated and avoided.