Have you noticed a small red bump at the base of your eyelashes, and now every blink feels irritating? Don’t panic! A stye is an annoying nuisance, but fortunately, it doesn’t stick around for long—if you know what to do. In this article, we break down everything you need to know: what causes a stye, how to recognize it, the best treatments, and, most importantly, tips to prevent it from coming back. Let’s dive in!
What you’ll learn in this article:
What is a stye?
A stye is a small infection that usually appears at the base of the eyelashes. This red, painful bump results from a bacterial infection. No need to worry—styes are generally not contagious, though they can be uncomfortable.
What’s the difference between a stye and a chalazion?
Although they are often confused, styes and chalazions differ in their origin and location:
- Stye: Develops in the eyelash follicles or eyelid glands. It appears as a small, painful red bump, usually on the edge of the eyelid.
- Chalazion: A chronic inflammation of the Meibomian glands without bacterial infection. It tends to appear farther from the eyelid’s edge as a small, firm, painless lump.
To sum it up, a stye is infectious and often painful, while a chalazion is a more discreet, non-painful inflammation.
What are the symptoms of a stye?
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Styes present both visual and physical symptoms, making them easy to recognize. Here are the most common signs:
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Redness and swelling
A stye usually starts with localized redness on the eyelid, followed by gradual swelling. It may seem like the whole eye is affected, but the issue remains confined to a small area.
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Eye pain
Persistent pain often accompanies the infection, localized at the affected spot and worsening when touched or when blinking.
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Crusting around the eyelashes
You might notice crusting right when you wake up due to discharge from the infected area overnight.
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Itching or irritation
A stye can cause itching, making you want to rub your eyes. Avoid this, as it can worsen the infection.
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Pus formation
A small white or yellowish spot may appear in the centre of the stye, similar to a pimple filled with pus.
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Light sensitivity
Some people experience mild photophobia (increased sensitivity to light) due to inflammation.
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Foreign body sensation
It may feel like an eyelash or particle is stuck under your eyelid, adding to the discomfort. -
Slightly blurred vision (rare)
In rare cases, significant swelling can temporarily affect vision without directly impacting the eye itself.
What causes a stye?
Styes develop when a bacterial infection affects the eyelash follicles or sebaceous glands in the eyelids. Common causes include:
Stress and fatigue:
A weakened immune system due to stress or lack of sleep can make infections, including styes, more likely.
Bacterial infection:
Styes are primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium naturally present on the skin. A small injury or blocked gland can allow it to multiply.
Poor Hygiene:
Touching your eyes with dirty hands or failing to remove makeup properly can introduce bacteria.
Contact lenses:
Using improperly cleaned lenses or handling them with unwashed hands increases infection risk.
Sharing towels or makeup:
Shared items like pillows, towels, or makeup can transfer bacteria that cause styes.
Skin conditions:
Conditions such as rosacea, blepharitis, or seborrheic dermatitis can increase the risk of blocked eyelid glands, leading to styes.
Hormonal changes:
Hormonal fluctuations can affect oil production, potentially causing blockages.
How can a stye be treated?
Styes usually heal within 1 to 2 weeks, but proper care can speed up recovery and relieve symptoms.
At-home treatments:
- Apply warm compresses: Use a warm (not hot) compress for 10–15 minutes, three to four times a day. This helps reduce inflammation and naturally drain the stye.
- Clean your eyelids: Use wipes specifically designed for eyelid hygiene to remove impurities.
- Don't pierce the stye with your fingers: this could aggravate the infection or cause scarring. Simply apply warm compresses, then massage for about two minutes towards the base of the lashes.
- Wash your hands regularly: Keeping your hands clean reduces the risk of spreading bacteria.
- Avoid makeup and contact lenses: Give your eye a break to allow proper healing.
Medical treatments:
If the stye becomes larger, more painful, or interferes with your vision, seek professional care. Possible treatments include:
- Antibiotics: Antibiotic creams or eye drops may be prescribed to eliminate the infection.
- Drainage: If the stye persists or grows significantly, an ophthalmologist may drain it in a sterile environment.
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Anti-inflammatory medication: Medications may be prescribed to reduce pain and swelling.
When should you see an optometrist?
You should consult a professional if:
- The stye lasts more than two weeks without improvement.
- You experience severe pain or the swelling spreads across the eyelid.
- Your vision becomes blurred or impaired.
- You have frequent styes, which could indicate an underlying issue.
How can you prevent styes from recurring?
A few simple habits can reduce your risk:
- Maintain good eye hygiene: Regularly clean your eyelids with specialized wipes or clean towels.
- Don’t share cosmetics: Mascara, eyeliner, or makeup brushes can harbor bacteria.
- Properly clean your contact lenses: Follow cleaning instructions carefully.
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Wash your hands: Ensure your hands are clean before touching your eyes.
Don't neglect your eye health—take care of your eyes! Check out our best tips to keep them in top shape.
By following these guidelines, you can not only treat a stye effectively but also minimize the chances of it returning. Need professional advice? The optometrists at New Look are here to help.
