“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a small, painful lump that forms on the edge of the eyelid. It is typically caused by an infection of the oil glands in the eyelid and can be quite uncomfortable.
Symptoms of a Stye:
Causes of a Stye:
Styes are usually caused by an infection of the oil glands in the eyelid. The infection can be caused by bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, that live on the skin and can enter the gland through a hair follicle. Certain factors can increase your risk of developing a stye, including:
Treatment of a Stye:
Most styes will resolve on their own within a few days to a week. However, there are some steps you can take to help speed up the healing process and reduce discomfort:
In some cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments to help clear up the infection more quickly. If the stye is particularly large or painful, it may need to be drained by a healthcare professional.
Prevention of a Stye:
To reduce your risk of developing a stye, it is important to practice good eyelid hygiene and avoid sharing cosmetics or eye makeup with others. Additionally, avoid touching or rubbing your eyes with dirty hands and try to minimize the use of contact lenses or wear them for shorter periods of time. If you have chronic blepharitis, it is important to follow your healthcare provider's treatment plan to help prevent future styes.