A stye is an inflammation of the eyelid caused by a bacterial infection. It is associated with a small collection of pus. Also spelled “sty,” it is often known as a hordeolum. In most cases, the culprit behind this eye condition is Staphylococcus bacteria.
In some patients, this condition gets better within a week. In contrast, some others experience mild or severe symptoms and require further treatment.
This blog will cover the symptoms, types, causes and risk factors, and treatment for a stye!
Symptoms of Styes-
A person having a stye may experience pain and swelling over the eyelid area. Their eyes will produce more tears and become red. The swelling is more like a lump. This condition usually affects only one eye. However, in rare cases, it can affect both eyes simultaneously.
Common symptoms of a stye are-
Tenderness
Burning sensation over the eyelid
Crusting of margins of the eyelids
Itching on the eyes and over the eyelid area
Blurry vision
Mucus discharge from the eye
Sensitivity to light
Tearing
Discomfort while blinking
Feeling that something has stuck inside the eye
If you experience the following signs, consult the best eye specialist in NJ immediately!
This eye condition persists for more than a week
Vision problems occur
the swelling becomes painful.
Bleeding from the eyelid area
Red eyes
Types of Styes infection-
In general, Styes are formed on the outside of the eyelid. These may turn yellow and release pus in some people. While in some other people, Styes are formed inside the eyelid and cause pain over the eyelid area. There are two different types of Styes infection- External and Internal hordeolum.
External hordeolum
It’s a kind of Stye that emerges along the outer edge of the eyelid. If left untreated, they can become yellow and filled with pus. In addition, a person may feel pain in the affected area. Infections in the eyelash follicles, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands, etc., may cause external Styes.
Internal hordeolum
In this type of eye condition, the swelling occurs inside the eyelid. So, it’s more painful as compared to an external hordeolum. Most often, this condition is known as internal Styes. Patients with internal hordeolum may experience a burning sensation in their eyes, crusting of their eyelid margins, itchiness on their eyeballs, etc.
Causes and risk factors for Styes
Though it can occur in people of any age group, it develops more commonly in adolescents. The following factors can increase the chances of developing a stye:
Using eye care products after their expiry dates.
Sleeping at night with eye makeup on.
Not disinfecting the contact lenses before wearing them.
Changing contact lenses without properly washing your hands.
Poor diet.
Lack of sleep.
Although Styes can not be spread from one person to another, it is advisable not to share washcloths or face towels with someone with a Stye. Avoiding this type of contact can help reduce the risk of cross-infection. This is because washcloths or towels of a person having this eye infection may have residual bacteria that can infect other people using the infected clothes.
Treatment for styes
In some patients, styes go away on their own after a few days. But if you have been suffering from this eye condition for weeks, do not hesitate to book an appointment with the best eye doctors in NJ. Get the medical treatment at the right time before the condition becomes worse.
New Jersey Eye Center 