The COVID-19 pandemic raised many questions about the virus’s effects, including whether it could cause a stye, a common eyelid condition. This article explores the nature of styes, how COVID-19 can affect the eyes, and the scientific understanding of any potential connection between the two.
Understanding Styes
A stye, medically known as a hordeolum, is a red, painful lump on the eyelid’s edge, often resembling a pimple. It typically results from a bacterial infection of a tiny oil gland or hair follicle near the eyelashes, frequently caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
Symptoms commonly include localized swelling, tenderness, tearing, and a gritty sensation. Factors increasing stye likelihood include:
Poor eyelid hygiene
Improper hand cleaning before handling contact lenses
Leaving eye makeup on overnight
Using old cosmetics
Certain skin conditions like rosacea or blepharitis
Most styes are not serious and often resolve on their own within one to two weeks.
COVID-19 and Ocular Manifestations
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, primarily affects the respiratory system but can also manifest with various eye-related symptoms. The most commonly reported ocular manifestation is conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. This inflammation of the eye’s outer surface can present with redness, watery eyes, itching, and a gritty sensation.
Other reported eye symptoms include dry eyes, light sensitivity, eye pain, and blurred vision. These issues can occur because the virus may directly infect eye tissues, as the eye’s surface and eyelids contain receptors SARS-CoV-2 can use to enter cells. Alternatively, these symptoms might be part of the body’s broader inflammatory response. Eye symptoms can sometimes be the first or even the sole indication of a COVID-19 infection.
Investigating the Link Between COVID-19 and Styes
While COVID-19 can cause various eye symptoms, a direct causal link between the viral infection and stye formation is not strongly established. Styes are bacterial infections, occurring when bacteria like Staphylococcus infect blocked oil glands or hair follicles on the eyelid. Their primary cause remains bacterial, regardless of a concurrent viral illness.
However, indirect possibilities might explain a perceived increase in styes during the pandemic. COVID-19 can induce systemic inflammation and potentially affect the immune system, which could make an individual more susceptible to bacterial infections. Ocular symptoms of COVID-19, such as conjunctivitis or dry eyes, can also lead to increased eye rubbing, transferring bacteria from hands to eyelids and increasing infection risk. The increased use of face masks during the pandemic has also been suggested as an indirect factor, as masks can create a humid environment near the eyes and redirect exhaled air, contributing to dry eyes and encouraging eye touching.
Despite these indirect considerations, styes are common and often occur independently of systemic viral infections. Any observed rise in stye cases during the pandemic might be attributed to these indirect factors or simply increased public awareness and reporting, rather than a direct viral trigger from SARS-CoV-2 itself.
Managing a Stye and When to Seek Care
If a stye develops, standard home care practices are generally effective. Applying a warm compress to the affected eyelid for 5 to 10 minutes, several times a day, can help reduce swelling and encourage natural drainage. Gently massaging the eyelid with clean hands after applying the compress may also promote drainage. Maintain good eyelid hygiene by gently cleaning the area and avoid wearing eye makeup or contact lenses until the stye heals.
Never attempt to squeeze or pop a stye, as this can spread the infection or lead to more severe complications. While most styes resolve on their own, seek medical attention if the stye:
Does not improve within a few days
Worsens
Becomes very painful or swollen
Affects vision
Appears to spread to other parts of the eyelid or face
A healthcare provider can assess the situation and, if necessary, prescribe antibiotic ointments or perform a minor procedure to drain the stye.