While a sty is often more a nuisance than a medical issue, it is important to understand what sties are, what cause them, how you can treat them, and when to see a doctor.
Overview
A sty (sometimes spelled stye) is a small infection of the eyelid’s oil gland(s). A stye will usually disappear on it’s own within a few days to a week.
The bacteria that creates sties is staphylococcus, the bacteria found in your nose. As such, it can be transferred from rubbing your nose and wiping your eye without washing your hands. Other causes and risk factors include:
- Poor hygiene
- Improper or insufficient removal of eye makeup
- Use of expired or outdated cosmetics
- Touch eye(s) without washing hands first
- Touch contact lenses without disinfecting them first
Symptoms
A sty is a red, painful pimple-like lump on the edge of your eyelid. Typically, sties are formed on the outer surface of your eyelid, but they can form on the inner surface as well. The most common symptoms of sties are:
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Tearing
- Stress
Treatment
While a sty may look like a pimple, a sty should never be “popped” like one. Allow the sty to rupture on it’s own to avoid spreading the infection.
There are a number of things you can do at home to help treat your sty, including:
- Apply a warm, damp washcloth to the affected eye for 5 to 10 minutes, 3 to 4 times per day. The warmth should not be so hot that it burns your eyelid.
- Keep the area around the affected eye clean.
- Avoid touching and/or rubbing the sty.
- Wear glasses instead of contacts.
- Avoid applying eye makeup to the affected area.
Prevention
Practicing good eye, hand and body hygiene is a great start to preventing sties and other eye infections. Washing your face with a mild soap every night and/or morning can help prevent oil gland blockage.
Keep all comsetics and cosmetic tools clean, and do not share them with others. Discontinue use of old or contaminated cosmetics as well.
When to See Your Doctor
Most sties are harmless to the eye and to your eyesight. If you are still experiencing pain or redness after a few days, or your symptoms worsen, call your doctor.
If you are experiencing pain and redness of the eye and are unsure if it’s a sty, call our office and make an appointment with one of our award-winning doctors. We would love to help you!