Eyelid Styes

What is a stye?

A stye (chalazion/hordeolum) is when an oil gland at the edge of the eyelid becomes infected.  The presence of the lump disappears on its own when the blockage of the gland opening is relieved. The infection often goes away when the pus is drained from the stye.

What causes stye?

Some factors that may contribute to the infection of the glands:

• Improper or incomplete removal of eye makeup
• Poor eyelid hygiene
• Hormonal change
• Inflammatory diseases of the eyelid

Symptoms of stye

Here are some of the symptoms:

• Pain
• Redness
• A lump on the top or bottom eyelid
• Burning
• Blurred vision

Stye treatment

Apply a warm cloth to your eyelid for about 10 to 15 minutes, three to four times a day

In what circumstances should I visit an eye doctor?

Seek medical attention if the stye becomes painful or tender, or if the eyelids become more swollen and/or affects your vision.

Your specialist will be able to treat it with a range of treatments which may be given alone or in combination, such as:

• Antibiotic and steroid gels
• Warm compress and lid wipes
• Oral antibiotics
• Incision and Drainage of the stye