Stye

A stye (hordeolum) is a small, painful, red lump on the edge of the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland that has become infected — most often by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Styes are common and usually resolve on their own within a week.

Symptoms

• A painful red lump on the edge of the eyelid, typically where an eyelash emerges
• Swelling of the eyelid
• Watery eye
• Sensitivity to light
• A feeling like there's something in the eye
• Sometimes a small yellow-white point or pus head

A stye is different from a chalazion — a painless, slow-growing lump caused by a blocked (but not infected) oil gland. Chalazia usually don't need antibiotics.

Home care

• Warm compresses — apply a clean, warm washcloth to the closed eye for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times a day. This is the most important treatment — the warmth softens the blockage and encourages drainage.
• Keep the eyelid clean — wash with mild diluted baby shampoo or a commercial eyelid cleanser, particularly if you have blepharitis
• Don't squeeze or pop the stye — this can spread infection
• Avoid eye makeup and contact lenses until it heals
• Over-the-counter pain relief for discomfort

When to see a doctor

• The stye doesn't improve after a week of home care
• The stye is very large, very painful, or affects vision
• Redness or swelling spreads beyond the eyelid to the surrounding skin — could indicate preseptal or orbital cellulitis, which needs urgent antibiotics
• Recurrent styes — may need further evaluation (blepharitis treatment, or occasionally incision and drainage)
• A hard, painless, persistent lump — may be a chalazion that needs different treatment

Doctors may prescribe topical antibiotic ointment. Incision and drainage (a small office procedure) is sometimes needed for stubborn styes.

Prevention

• Don't touch your eyes with unwashed hands
• Remove eye makeup before bed; replace mascara every 3 months
• Don't share eye makeup or towels
• Treat blepharitis (chronic eyelid inflammation) — a common underlying cause of recurrent styes
• Contact lens hygiene — wash hands before handling lenses, follow the cleaning/storage regimen strictly