A stye (often misspelled as "sly eye") is a red, painful lump that develops near the edge of your eyelid, resembling a boil or pimple. It's typically filled with pus.
Understanding Styes
A stye is usually a bacterial infection of an oil gland in the eyelid. They can occur on the outside of the eyelid (external stye) or, less commonly, on the inner part of the eyelid (internal stye).
Key Characteristics of a Stye:
- Location: Typically on the edge of the eyelid.
- Appearance: Red, swollen, and resembling a pimple or boil.
- Pain: Often painful and tender to the touch.
- Pus: Usually filled with pus.
Causes of Styes:
Styes are generally caused by a staphylococcal bacterial infection. Risk factors include:
- Touching or rubbing your eyes, especially with unclean hands.
- Using contaminated eye makeup or leaving makeup on overnight.
- Inflammation of the eyelid (blepharitis).
Treatment and Prevention:
Most styes will resolve on their own within a week or two. Treatment typically involves:
- Warm compresses: Applying a warm, wet cloth to the eyelid for 10-15 minutes several times a day.
- Avoiding squeezing or popping: Squeezing can spread the infection.
- Good hygiene: Washing hands frequently and avoiding touching your eyes.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: To help alleviate discomfort.
- Antibiotic ointments (if prescribed by a doctor): For more severe or persistent infections.
Prevention strategies include:
- Washing hands regularly.
- Properly cleaning and storing contact lenses.
- Avoiding sharing makeup.
- Replacing eye makeup regularly.
- Managing blepharitis if present.
