The colloquial phrase “star on the eye” most often refers to a stye, a common bacterial infection known as a hordeolum. While the painful bump itself is localized, the underlying germs can be transferred through direct contact. This bacterial transmission makes proper hygiene necessary for managing the condition and minimizing the risk of spreading the bacteria to others.
Defining the “Star on the Eye”
A stye is a small, red, tender lump that forms on the edge of the eyelid, resembling a pimple. It is the result of a bacterial infection, most frequently caused by Staphylococcus aureus, which targets the oil glands or eyelash follicles. The infection blocks the gland, leading to inflammation and the accumulation of pus. Styes appear suddenly and cause localized pain, tenderness, and swelling.
The infection is either an external stye, forming near the base of an eyelash, or a less common internal stye, developing deeper within the tissue. A stye is distinct from a chalazion, a non-infectious, painless bump resulting from a blocked oil gland. The acute pain of a stye signals the active bacterial component, unlike a chalazion.
Understanding How Styes Spread
The stye itself is a localized infection. Transmission occurs when the bacteria, primarily Staphylococcus, is moved from the infected area to a vulnerable spot on another person or a different part of the same person. This requires direct contact with the discharge or the infected eyelid. The primary route involves touching or rubbing the stye and then touching another surface or person before washing the hands.
Sharing personal items that contact the eye is a common way the bacteria can spread indirectly, including:
- Towels
- Washcloths
- Pillowcases
- Eye makeup applicators
For the bacteria to cause an infection, it must gain entry into a compromised gland or follicle, often facilitated by poor eyelid hygiene or rubbing the eyes. The risk of transmission increases significantly if the stye bursts and releases pus onto surfaces.
Treatment and Prevention Strategies
The most effective home treatment involves the application of a warm compress. Soaking a clean washcloth in warm water and applying it to the affected eye for 10 to 15 minutes, three to five times a day, helps to melt the oil within the blocked gland. The heat encourages the stye to open, drain, and heal naturally. Gently massaging the area after the compress can also assist in clearing the blockage.
Strict hygiene practices are paramount to prevent the spread of the bacteria and avoid recurrence. Thoroughly wash your hands before and after touching the eye or applying a compress. Avoid wearing eye makeup or contact lenses until the stye is completely resolved, as these items can harbor bacteria and re-infect the area. Discarding any eye makeup used while the stye was active is recommended.
Never attempt to pop or squeeze a stye, as this action can push the infection deeper into the eyelid tissue or spread the bacteria. If the stye does not begin to improve within 48 hours of home treatment, or if the swelling extends beyond the eyelid, professional medical attention is appropriate. Other reasons to see a healthcare provider include vision changes, recurrence, or if the stye bleeds, as these symptoms may indicate a need for prescription antibiotic ointment or a medical procedure to drain the infection.