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What is a stye in the eye?
A stye (hordeolum) is a red and painful bump on the edge of the eyelid. In most cases, a stye appears on the outer part of the eyelid, but it can also develop on the inner part. The stye forms when a sebaceous gland (Meibomian gland) or the glands in the eyelash follicles become blocked and infected, usually by bacteria (the most common pathogen is Staphylococcus). This condition typically resolves on its own within a few days, but there are methods to expedite healing, which will be detailed later.
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There are two types of stye
External Stye
It forms on the outer part of the upper or lower eyelid. This is the most common type of stye, usually caused by an infection in the eyelash follicles.
Internal Stye
Formed in the inner part of the eyelid (in the part facing the eyeball). In this case, it is usually an infection and blockage of glands that produce oils whose purpose is to help keep the eyelids moist by delaying the evaporation of tears from the surface of the eye.
There is another type of bump in the eyelid area
Called a chalazion, but unlike a stye, a chalazion tends to appear in a more posterior area of the eyelid. Unlike a stye, a chalazion is not painful and is not caused by a bacterial infection. The treatment for both conditions is similar.
What are the signs and symptoms of a stye?
A red lump on the eyelid near the eyelashes that resembles a pimple or insect bite, pain in the eyelid, swelling, redness, and increased tearing. There may also be light sensitivity, itching, and a sensation of a foreign body in the eye. In extreme cases where the stye or chalazion is particularly large, it can exert pressure on the eyeball and cause blurred vision. Sometimes, a stye may develop with swelling as the only symptom, without other accompanying symptoms.
Risk factors for stye development
A stye is a very common condition that anyone can develop at some point in their life, but the risk is increased if you: frequently touch your eyes with unclean hands, do not maintain proper hygiene with contact lenses, have had a stye before, suffer from blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), have various skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis, diabetes, dry skin, hormonal changes, high levels of lipids in the blood, or use old or expired cosmetic and makeup products.
