Stye

Caus
es

Sympto
ms

Treatme
nt

Stye (hordeolum)
Stye is an infection that causes a tender red lump on
the eyelid.
It develops when an oil gland at the edge of an eyelid
becomes infected.
Most styes occur along the edge of the eyelid.
When a stye occurs inside the eyelid, it is called an
internal hordeolum. It might not rupture and heal on its
own. Eye doctor may need to open and drain it.

Causes
Caused by bacterial infection. Example, staphlococcal
bacteria.
This bacterium is found in the nose and is transferred
easily to the eye when you rub your nose, then your
eye.
Usually the bacteria grow in the root (follicle) of an
eyelash. An internal hordeolum is caused by infection in
one of the tiny oil glands inside the eyelid.

Symptoms
First sign is pain, redness, swelling and
tenderness.
Then it will appear as a red bump that looks like a
pimple along the edge of the eyelid.
As the stye grows : - eyelid becomes swollen and painful
- eye may become watery.
Starts to swell for about 3 days before they break open
and drain.
Usually heal in about 1 week.

Treatments
Apply warm, wet compresses for 5 to 10 minutes, 3 to 4
times a day, over course of several days. This usually
helps the area heal faster. It may also help open a
blocked pore so that it can drain and start to heal.
Use an over-the-counter treatment. Try an ointment
solution (ex, Bausch and Lomb Eye Wash), or medicated
pads (such as Ocusoft Lid Scrub).
Let the stye open on its own. Don't squeeze or open it.
Don't wear eye makeup or contact lenses until the area
has healed.

Cautions
If a styes is not getting better with home treatment in 1
week, talk to your doctor.
You may need a prescription for antibiotic eye ointment
or eyedrops. You may need to take antibiotic pills if
infection has spread to the eyelid or eye.
If a stye gets very large, the doctor may need to pierce
(lance) it so it can drain and heal. Do not try to lance it
yourself.

Prevention
Don't rub your eyes. This can irritate your eyes and let in bacteria.
If you need to touch your eyes, wash your hands first.
Protect your eyes from dust and air pollution when you can.
For example, wear safety glasses when you do dusty chores like
raking or mowing the lawn.
Replace eye makeup, especially mascara, at least every 6 months.
Bacteria can grow in makeup.
If you get styes often, wash your eyelids regularly with a little bit
of baby shampoo mixed in warm water.
Treat any inflammation or infection of the eyelid promptly
Keep your eyes and hands clean, and don't share pillowcases,
bedsheets, washcloths or towels with others.

References
http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/styes.htm
http://
www.webmd.com/eye-health/tc/styes-and-chalazia-topi
c-overview#2