Stye

Name: Stye
SKU: 328
Price: 35.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

From £35.00

Worried about a Stye? Let us help you.

What is a Stye?

A stye (hordelum) is a lump on the inner or outer surface of your lower eyelid. The bump is usually small, painful, and pus-filled. It might look like a pimple. A mild stye might turn into a chalazion, which is a larger swelling/infection. Styes are infections that affect the glands in your eye and the hair follicles of your eyelashes. They are most usually caused by the staphylococcal bacterium. As these glands are responsible for keeping your eyes suitably moisturised, a stye can cause stinging and red eyes. A clogged meibomian gland, which produces a chemical that helps keep your eye moist, could be the cause of a stye on the inside of your eye. This gland can get infected, causing swelling in your lower eyelid.

£35.00

Are there different types of Styes?

The following are different types:

External Stye:

Occurs at the base of the eyelashes.
Looks like a pimple on the outer edge of the eyelid.
More common than internal styes.
Typically caused by an infection in a hair follicle.

Internal Stye:

Develops inside the eyelid.
Caused by an infection in the meibomian gland (oil-secreting gland).
Often more painful and may take longer to heal.

What are the causes of a Stye?

The following are causes:

Bacterial infection: The most common cause is Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which infects the oil-producing glands of the eyelids.

Touching the eyes with unwashed hands: This can introduce bacteria to the eyelid.

Blocked oil glands: Oil glands at the base of the eyelashes can become blocked and infected.

Chronic eyelid inflammation (blepharitis) can increase the risk of styes.

Poor hygiene or not cleaning contact lenses properly.

What are the symptoms of a Stye?

The following are typical signs and symptoms:

A painful, red lump near the edge of the eyelid.

Swelling of the eyelid, which may affect the entire lid.

Tenderness in the affected area.

Crusting along the eyelid margin.

Watery eyes.

Sensitivity to light.

Sensation of something in the eye.

Discharge of pus may occur if the stye ruptures.

Is there treatment available for a Stye?

To promote faster healing of the stye, please do the following:

Warm Compresses:

Apply a warm, damp cloth to the affected eye for 10–15 minutes, 3–4 times a day. This helps the stye to drain and heal faster.
Do not press too hard on the stye to avoid worsening the infection.

Keep the Area Clean:

Gently clean the eyelid with warm water.
Avoid rubbing or touching the eye.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief:

Use medications like ibuprofen or paracetamol to reduce pain and inflammation if necessary.

Avoid Makeup and Contact Lenses:

Do not wear eye makeup until the stye heals to avoid further irritation or spreading the infection.
If you wear contact lenses, switch to glasses during the infection and make sure your contacts are properly disinfected before reuse.

Do Not Squeeze or Pop the Stye:

Allow the stye to drain naturally. Popping it can spread the infection and worsen the condition.

Antibiotics:

In some cases, if the stye does not improve, spreads, or causes significant pain, a clinician may prescribe antibiotic eye drops, ointment, or oral antibiotics.

Most styes are just transitory, and the lump will split, releasing the fluid and begin to heal within a few days. Styes usually clear up on their own. They’ll burst normally, and any pus will drain. We can prescribe antibiotics drops if symptoms are persisting, please book a telephone or video consultation. Please attach pictures if you book the telephone consultation option.

If the stye is persisting for longer than 1 month, you should see your regular doctor for referral for removal.

Please visit your local accident and emergency eye department if a persistent stye is painful or the swelling is interfering with your vision.

If you would like more information on styes, please click the NHS link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stye/