Vision

Eye Styes Treatment 101: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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Simple Treatments for a Common Eye Problem

An eye stye (also called a hordeolum) is a small, red, painful lump that forms along the edge of the eyelid or just inside it. While uncomfortable and often irritating, eye styes are common and usually harmless. Understanding the causes and the most effective eye styes treatment options can help speed up healing, reduce discomfort, and prevent future flare-ups.

What Causes an Eye Stye?

Styes are typically caused by a bacterial infection, most often staphylococcus bacteria, that affects an oil gland or eyelash follicle. Factors that increase your risk include:

  • Touching or rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands.
  • Using old or contaminated eye makeup.
  • Poor eyelid hygiene.
  • Stress, fatigue, or a weakened immune system.
  • Conditions like blepharitis (chronic eyelid inflammation).

Common Symptoms

  • A red, swollen bump on the eyelid.
  • Tenderness or pain around the area.
  • Watery eyes or light sensitivity.
  • A yellowish centre that may drain pus.

Eye Styes Treatment

Most styes can be safely treated at home with simple care.

Warm Compresses

This is the most effective treatment. Apply a clean, warm (not hot) facecloth to the affected eye for 10-15 mins, 3-5 times a day. The warmth helps loosen clogged oils and encourages natural drainage.

Keep the Area Clean

Gently cleanse the eyelid with warm water. If recommended by a healthcare provider, you may use diluted baby shampoo or a lid-cleaning solution.

Avoid Makeup and Contact Lenses

Eye makeup and contact lenses can worsen irritation or spread bacteria. Switch to glasses and discard any eye makeup used before the stye appeared.

Don’t Squeeze or Pop It

As tempting as it may be, squeezing a stye can spread infection and delay healing.

When to see your Doctor

Seek medical advice if:

  • The stye doesn’t improve after 7-10 days.
  • Swelling spreads beyond the eyelid.
  • Vision is affected.
  • Styes occur frequently.

In some cases, a doctor may prescribe antibiotic ointment or rarely, drain the stye under sterile conditions.

Prevention Tips

  • Wash your hands regularly.
  • Remove eye makeup before bed.
  • Replace eye makeup every 3-6 months.
  • Keep eyelids clean, especially if you’re prone to styes.