A stye is a common eyelid infection that can present with redness, pain, and swelling in the eyelid. Often resulting from bacterial infections, this condition can occur due to inadequate eye hygiene, contact with dirty hands, or the use of contact lenses. While some styes may heal quickly, prolonged and recurrent cases may require specialist evaluation.
What is a Stye?
A stye is an eye infection caused by the inflammation of the oil glands in the eyelid. It typically presents with redness, tenderness, pain, and swelling in the eyelid. Insufficient attention to eye hygiene, contact with dirty hands, and periods when the immune system is compromised can increase the risk of developing a stye.
What Causes a Stye?
The microbial inflammation of the glands in the eyelid can lead to the formation of a stye. Particularly, an inflammatory process can develop in the area with the multiplication of bacteria.
Some conditions that can lead to the formation of a stye include:
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Inadequate attention to eye hygiene
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Contact with the eyes using dirty hands
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Use of expired makeup products
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Improper use of contact lenses, not following hygiene rules
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Frequent rubbing of the eyes due to heavy screen use
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Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelash margin) such as chronic eyelid problems
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Periods when the immune system is weakened
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Lack of sleep and stress
In cases of frequently recurring styes, evaluation of underlying eyelid diseases may be necessary.
What Are the Types of Styes?
Styes are generally assessed in two different types based on the area where they occur: external stye and internal stye. In both cases, infection and swelling of the eyelid can develop, but the affected area and the severity of symptoms may vary.
External Stye
An external stye develops as a result of the infection of the oil glands located at the base of the eyelashes. It is one of the most commonly seen types of styes. It typically appears on the outer part of the eyelid as a red, painful swelling similar to a pimple. Often, it heals on its own within a few days.
Internal Stye
An internal stye occurs with the infection of the oil glands inside the eyelid. This type of stye may sometimes progress in such a way that it is difficult to notice from the outside. If the swelling persists for a long time or grows, specialist evaluation may be required.
What is the Difference Between a Stye and a Chalazion?
A stye can sometimes be confused with a chalazion. However, a stye is usually infection-related and painful. A chalazion is often a painless, firmer eyelid mass that develops due to the blockage of oil glands. Some untreated or prolonged styes may eventually turn into chalazions over time.
What Are the Symptoms of a Stye?
A stye usually appears in one eye, but in some cases, it can affect both eyelids. Symptoms often develop quickly.
The most common symptoms of a stye include:
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Painful swelling on the eyelid
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Redness
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Sensitivity
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Sensation of pricking or burning in the eye
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Tearing
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Feeling of warmth in the eyelid
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Inflammation at the base of the eyelashes
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Sensitivity to light
It is important to evaluate underlying eyelid conditions in cases of recurrent stye formation.
When Might Specialist Evaluation Be Necessary?
A stye should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist if the swelling grows, the pain increases, vision becomes blurred, it recurs frequently, or does not resolve within 1–2 weeks. Particularly in cases of hardening or persistent swelling, the investigation of other eyelid infections is important.
How Is a Stye Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of a stye can be made through an eye examination performed by an ophthalmologist. By evaluating the redness, swelling, sensitivity, and inflammatory appearance on the eyelid, the location of the stye and the status of the bacterial eye infection are examined. Although most cases do not require additional tests, further evaluations for different eyelid problems, such as chalazion, may be necessary in cases of prolonged, recurrent, or hard swelling.
How Is a Stye Treated?
Stye treatment can be planned according to the severity of the infection and the condition of the swelling in the eyelid. During the treatment process, it is important to maintain eyelid hygiene, avoid irritation to the eye, and support practices to prevent the spread of infection.
Warm compress applications can help alleviate the blockage in the eyelid. In some cases, antibiotic drops or ointments may be used following a specialist evaluation. If the swelling does not resolve for a long time, hardens, or if the infection progresses, different treatment methods may be considered.
How to Heal a Stye?
A stye can often be mild and may resolve within a few days. However, it is important not to irritate the area around the eye to ensure a smooth process.
Supportive approaches that can be implemented at home may include:
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Application of Warm Compress
Soaking a clean cloth in warm water and applying it to the eyelid for a few minutes can help alleviate blocked glands.
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Attention to Eye Hygiene
It is important to keep the area around the eye clean and avoid contact with dirty hands.
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Avoiding Rubbing the Eye
Squeezing the stye or constantly touching it may cause the infection to spread.
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Taking a Break from Makeup and Lens Use
During the healing process, eye makeup and contact lens use may irritate the eyelid.
How Many Days Does a Stye Last?
A stye usually resolves within a few days to 1 week. However, if the swelling grows, the pain increases, or blurred vision occurs, specialist evaluation may be required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are Styes More Common in Children?
A stye is one of the common infections of the eyelid, especially in situations where eye hygiene is inadequate. Because children tend to touch their eyes more frequently with their hands during the day, eyelid infections are more commonly observed. Additionally, insufficient eye hygiene can accelerate the formation of eyelid infections.
Is a Stye Contagious?
Although a stye is not considered directly contagious, the bacteria causing the infection can be transmitted through contact. Therefore, sharing towels, makeup products, and personal eye items is not recommended.
What Helps with a Stye?
Warm compress applications, paying attention to eyelid hygiene, and avoiding eye irritation can help relieve a stye. However, in prolonged or worsening cases, specialist evaluation is important.
Can Stress Cause a Stye?
While stress is not directly considered a cause of a stye, it can affect the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections. Styes are more commonly seen during periods of sleep deprivation and intense fatigue.
What Are the Methods to Prevent a Stye?
Regular hand washing, avoiding frequent rubbing of the eyes, using makeup products cleanly, and paying attention to contact lens hygiene can help reduce the risk of styes. Especially avoiding neglecting the cleanliness of the area around the eye is important.
