Stye (Hordeolum)

A stye (medically known as a hordeolum) is an acute, painful inflammation at the eyelid margin. It develops when a sebaceous gland of the eyelid becomes infected with bacteria and a small, reddened lump forms. Styes are very common, usually harmless, and most often heal on their own.

Causes

There are numerous small glands at the eyelid margin that produce sebum and stabilize the tear film. If one of these glands becomes blocked, bacteria (usually staphylococci) can enter and trigger an inflammation. Contributing factors include:

Frequent rubbing of the eyes with unwashed hands
Eyelid margin inflammation (blepharitis) or meibomian gland dysfunction
Contact lenses that are not cleaned properly
Stress and lack of sleep (which weaken the local defenses)

Symptoms

Painful, reddened, swollen lump at the eyelid margin
Tenderness to pressure
Possibly a small point of pus at the tip
Slight swelling of the entire upper eyelid
Sometimes increased tearing

Difference from a chalazion

A stye is an acute bacterial infection and is therefore painful and red. A chalazion, on the other hand, develops from a chronic blockage of a meibomian gland without active infection. It is usually painless, firm, and can persist for weeks. Sometimes a chalazion develops from a stye.

Home treatment

Most styes heal on their own within one to two weeks. The following measures speed up healing:

Warm compresses: several times a day (3–4 times), place a clean, warm washcloth on the closed eye for 5–10 minutes. The warmth opens the blocked gland and promotes drainage.
Eyelid hygiene: gently clean the eyelid margin with diluted baby shampoo or special lid-cleaning wipes.
Do not squeeze or press: never try to open the stye yourself – this can make the infection worse.
No eye make-up and no contact lenses until the stye has healed.

When should you see an ophthalmologist?

If the stye does not heal after two weeks
If the swelling increases or spreads to the entire eyelid or the surrounding area
If you have a fever or general feeling of illness
If the stye affects your vision
If styes recur frequently

In such cases, an antibiotic eye ointment may be prescribed, or the stye may be opened and drained in a minor procedure.

Prevention

Wash your hands regularly, especially before touching your eyes
Do not share towels and washcloths with others
Replace eye make-up regularly and remove it thoroughly in the evening
If you have known eyelid margin inflammation: maintain regular eyelid hygiene