A stye, or hordeolum, is a common, uncomfortable, red lump on the eyelid. Though its location can cause concern, it is generally harmless and temporary. This article explains what a stye is, its vision risk, and when to seek medical attention.
Understanding a Stye
A stye is a red, tender bump near the eyelid’s edge, often resembling a pimple. It results from a bacterial infection, commonly Staphylococcus aureus, affecting an oil gland or hair follicle. Styes are either external, forming on the outer eyelid from an eyelash follicle, or internal, developing inside the eyelid from an infected Meibomian gland. Symptoms include localized swelling, redness, pain, tenderness, and sometimes a small pus spot. Styes typically resolve on their own.
Is Blindness a Risk?
Styes very rarely cause blindness. They are localized infections, confined to the eyelid’s surface, and typically do not impact the eyeball or optic nerve. The infection remains superficial, not penetrating deeper eye structures.
In extremely rare instances, a severe, untreated stye might lead to more widespread infections like preseptal or orbital cellulitis, affecting tissues around the eye. Even these complications are treatable and seldom result in permanent vision loss. Occasionally, a large stye can press on the eye, causing temporary blurred vision that subsides once swelling reduces, indicating no lasting damage.
When to See a Doctor
While most styes resolve with home care, certain signs indicate a need for professional medical evaluation. You should consult a doctor if the stye does not show improvement after a few days of home treatment, or if it worsens significantly. Seek medical attention if the pain or swelling increases after the initial two to three days, or if the entire eyelid becomes extensively swollen, red, or feels hot.
Additional warning signs include pus or blood leaking from the stye, the formation of blisters on the eyelid, or any persistent changes in vision that do not resolve as the stye shrinks. Recurrent styes, or the presence of fever or chills, also warrant a doctor’s visit to investigate potential underlying causes or systemic infection. A doctor might prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment, or in some cases, perform a small incision to drain the stye.
Managing and Preventing Styes
Effective home care can help manage a stye and promote healing. Applying a warm compress is a primary recommendation: soak a clean cloth in warm, not hot, water and hold it against the closed eyelid for 5 to 10 minutes, repeating this 3 to 4 times daily. This warmth can help the stye drain naturally. It is important to maintain gentle eyelid hygiene, but avoid squeezing or attempting to pop the stye, as this can spread the infection. Refrain from wearing eye makeup and contact lenses until the stye has fully healed.
To prevent future styes, consistent good hygiene practices are beneficial. Regularly wash hands thoroughly, especially before touching the face or eyes. Avoid rubbing the eyes, which can introduce bacteria. Replace eye makeup, particularly mascara, every two to three months, and always remove makeup before sleeping. For contact lens wearers, strict adherence to cleaning and replacement schedules is important.