Stye (Sty) in the Eye: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Your eyes are an exquisite organ, powerful yet delicate, with intricate mechanisms that work in cohesion. But just like other organs, they are susceptible to infections. One such infection that affects the eyes is a stye.

Stye in the eye usually appears on the edge or rim of the eyelids. They are common and can often be managed and treated at home. However, a severe infection or recurrent styes may affect eyesight and cause considerable pain. This may need medical intervention.

What is a Stye?

A stye (or sty) is a painful red bump on the edge of the eyelid and may feel tender to touch. Medically called “hordeolum”.

Your eyes remain lubricated due to the sebaceous glands present behind the lashes and the insides of the eyelids. When these glands are clogged for any reason, they become prone to bacterial infection. This eye infection causes pus to accumulate in the clogged gland, creating a painful pimple like lesion or swelling.

Styes typically last for 7 to 10 days. With proper hygiene, care, and home remedies, they may heal more quickly. Some eye conditions that resemble a stye may require similar treatment.

A painless lump that is caused  because of clogged oil glands is called a chalazion.  A chalazion is a common, non-infectious, inflammatory swelling (lump) on the eyelid caused by blockage of a meibomian gland. These glands produce oil that helps lubricate the eye. When the gland’s opening gets clogged, the trapped oil triggers a localized inflammatory reaction, forming a painless or mildly tender nodule.

It is not caused by a bacterial infection and may take longer to heal, from weeks to months. A chalazion usually subsides on its own. In some cases, it may be treated by incision & draining it through a small procedure by a doctor. 

An eye stye causes redness and swelling of the eyelid. Other eye conditions, such as pink eye (conjunctivitis) and blepharitis, can also cause similar symptoms but differ in origin and treatment. Styes may occasionally occur after eye procedures if hygiene is not maintained.Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is the inflammation of the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye, typically causing eye redness and discomfort, along with swollen eyelids.

Blepharitis is inflammation near the base of the eyelashes due to clogged oil glands. Your eyelids may darken or turn red, and become swollen and scaly. Unlike a chalazion, blepharitis can affect the entire eyelid and may increase the risk of developing a chalazion.

Types of Styes

A stye in the eye can appear on the upper or lower eyelid. In some cases, it may develop on the inner part of the eyelid.

There are two types of styes:

Internal Hordeolum:

An internal hordeolum is an acute, localized bacterial infection of a meibomian gland located within the tarsal plate of the eyelid.

• Cause: Most commonly Staphylococcus aureus infection.
  
  
• Location: Inside the eyelid.
  
  
• Appearance: Swollen, red, and tender area on the inner surface of the eyelid.
  
  
• Pain: Painful swelling; may be less visible externally in the early stage.
  
  
• Risk of Progression: Can lead to preseptal cellulitis if not treated.
  
  

External Hordeolum (Stye):

An external hordeolum, commonly called a stye, is an acute bacterial infection of the glands of Zeis (sebaceous glands) or glands of Moll (sweat glands) at the base of the eyelash follicle.

• Cause: Usually Staphylococcus aureus.
  
  
• Location: Along the eyelid margin, near the eyelashes.
  
  
• Appearance: Red, painful, tender bump that often has a visible pustule or yellow point.
  
  
• Pain: Typically more painful than internal hordeolum due to superficial location.
  

Causes of a Stye

Styes are generally caused by a bacterial infection in the eyelid’s clogged sebaceous glands.

The most common bacteria that cause stys of the eye are Staphylococcus aureus. Normally, our eyes have a strong defence mechanism against infection, but poor eye hygiene or certain environmental triggers can increase the risk. 

Some usual causes of a stye are:

• Poor eye hygiene 
  • Touching or rubbing your eyes a lot, with dusty or unclean hands
  • Not removing eye makeup or leaving it on overnight
  • Using expired eye products
• Seasonal allergies 
• Exposure to dust, pollen, or harsh chemicals

Stye Symptoms

A stye can develop rapidly, progressing from a mild discomfort to a noticeable red bump within 1 to 3 days.

The main symptom is a painful red bump inside the eyelids or along the lash line. Other stye symptoms may include:

• Swollen eyelid
• Redness or a yellowish tinge on the bump due to pus
• Pain, soreness, and itching
• Clear or yellowish discharge
• Tearing of the eyes
• Crusting along the lash line and eyelid
• A feeling that there is something in the eye
• Sensitivity to light or blurred vision (Note: If these occur, medical consultation is recommended.)

Best Treatment for Stye

Stye treatment can be managed at home by following simple hygienic practices like:

• Warm compresses – Gently apply a clean washcloth dipped in warm water on the stye. This will ensure blood circulation and help reduce the bacterial infection. This could be done a few times a day. The edges of the eyelids could also be cleaned with a cloth or an earbud. 
• Ensure hand hygiene – Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap before touching your eyes.
  

• Avoid eye manipulation – Do not scratch, rub, or squeeze the stye. Squeezing can worsen the infection. In some cases, doctors may recommend gentle massage to promote drainage, but this should be done only under guidance.
  
• Avoid makeup and contact lenses – Refrain from using makeup or wearing contact lenses until the stye heals completely.
  
• Use prescribed medication – Over-the-counter pain relievers and doctor-prescribed antibiotic ointments or drops can help reduce inflammation and speed up recovery. Avoid self-medication with antibiotic eye drops.
  

If the stye is large, persistent, or worsening, consult an ophthalmologist. Treatments may include:

• Antibiotic ointments or drops are applied to the lash line
  
  
• Oral anti-inflammatory medicines or painkillers
  
  
• Oral antibiotics in case of widespread or deep infection
  
  
• Minor procedures to drain the stye in-clinic
  

How to Prevent a Stye?

A stye can often be prevented by adopting good eye hygiene and taking early precautions at the onset of symptoms.

Helpful habits include:

• Washing hands frequently
  
• Avoiding frequent eye rubbing or scratching
  
• Using medications for known allergies at early signs of irritation
• Using safe, non-expired makeup and removing it thoroughly each day
  

Cleaning contact lenses before and after every use