STYE

General Information

DEFINITION--A small abscess of hair-follicle glands in the eyelid.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Eyelid; eyelashes; conjunctiva (white of the eye).

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness or pain on the edge of the top or bottom eyelid. The head of the sty is usually on the outside, but it may be on the underside of the lid.
• Increased tear production.
• Sensitivity to bright light.
• A gritty feeling in the eye.

CAUSES--Bacterial infection (usually staphylococcal). The infection may be limited to the eyelid or may have spread from somewhere else in the body.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Eye irritation from smoking.
• Exposure to cosmetics, chemical or environmental irritants.
• Blepharitis (infection of eyelid margin).
• Contact lens wearer.

HOW TO PREVENT--General good hygiene including a mild shampoo used on eyelashes when bathing or washing face.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory culture of the discharge from the sty.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care.
• Doctor's treatment.
• Surgery to drain the abscess (sometimes).

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Spread of infection to other glands in the eyelid.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable once the stye discharges its pus. They frequently recur, even with treatment.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Use warm-water soaks to relieve pain and inflammation and hasten healing. Apply soaks for 20 minutes, then rest at least 1 hour. Repeat as often as needed.
• Don't squeeze the stye. It will soon open and release the pus, bringing relief from the pain.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe topical antibiotic ointments or creams, such as erythromycin or bacitracin. Apply according to package instructions.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• A ripened sty does not drain spontaneously or after gentle removal of the affected eyelash.
• Pain occurs in the eye.
• Vision changes.