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Struggling with an eye stye? Book an online appointment today to get eye stye treatment online. Get quick, practical advice and a treatment plan tailored to your needs, all from the comfort of your home.

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Fast, Effective Treatment

Eye styes can be painful, but online treatment is fast and easy. Speak with a doctor who can recommend remedies like warm compresses or medication to help you heal quickly and prevent further discomfort.

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Ongoing Expert Support

Don’t let an eye stye disrupt your day. Online doctors provide personalised support to manage your symptoms and prevent future styes. Get professional advice and care whenever you need it, right from your home.

Medically Reviewed

By

Chrysoula I. Liakou

MD, PhD, Internal Medicine Specialist and
Cancer Immunology Researcher.

What Is A Stye?

A stye (sometimes spelled “sty”) is a red, painful bump that forms on the edge of your eyelid, often near your eyelashes. It’s caused by a blocked oil gland or eyelash follicle infected with bacteria. The medical term for a stye is “hordeolum.” A stye can feel tender, look swollen, and may even be filled with pus, making it resemble a pimple or boil. While most styes form on the outer part of the eyelid, they can sometimes appear on the inside as well.

 

Styes usually heal on their own within a week or two. Applying a warm compress several times daily can help ease discomfort and speed healing. The warmth helps to unblock the gland and allows any pus to drain naturally. In rare cases, a stye may need medical attention if it doesn’t improve or if the infection spreads. An eye care provider might drain it or prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.

 

It’s important not to squeeze or pop a stye, as this can worsen the infection. Some people may get styes repeatedly, so practising good eye hygiene, such as keeping your hands and eyelids clean, can help prevent them.

Stye Symptoms

A stye often begins as a small, red, and painful lump near the base of your eyelashes (external stye) or inside your eyelid (internal stye). The area may feel tender to the touch and can cause noticeable discomfort.

 

Common Symptoms Of A Stye Include:

 

  • Eyelid swelling and redness around the affected area.

  • A yellow spot in the middle of the lump, often filled with pus.

  • Eye discharge or crust forming along the edge of your eyelid.

  • Light sensitivity makes bright lights uncomfortable.

  • A scratchy or gritty feeling, as though something is in your eye.

  • Tearing or watery eyes caused by irritation.

  • Itchy eyelids that may feel irritated or inflamed.

 

A tender stye can make blinking uncomfortable but usually heals within a week or two. If symptoms worsen or the swelling spreads, it’s essential to seek advice from a doctor. Avoid squeezing or popping a stye, which can worsen the infection or delay healing.

Stye Causes

A stye develops when a tiny oil gland in your eyelid or eyelash follicle becomes blocked and infected, often by Staphylococcus bacteria. These bacteria naturally live on your skin and are usually harmless, but they can cause an infection if trapped in a blocked gland or follicle.

 

Touching or rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands is one of the most common ways bacteria can be transferred, leading to a stye. Other factors, like using old eye makeup or not removing makeup before bed, can increase the risk of infection. Allergies that irritate your eyes can also lead to more frequent touching and rubbing, raising the risk.

 

Sometimes, a stye can evolve into a chalazion if the oil gland remains blocked and inflamed. A chalazion is usually less painful but can grow large enough to affect your vision.

 

Certain conditions, like blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid) or the presence of Demodex mites on the skin, may make styes more likely. These mites can contribute to chronic eyelid inflammation, creating the perfect environment for styes to develop.

Stye Treatment

Most styes heal on their own in about a week, but there are simple ways to make them feel better and recover faster:

  • Use A Warm Compress: Soak a clean cloth in warm water, squeeze it out, and place it gently on your eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes. Do this 3 to 5 times daily to ease the swelling and help the stye drain naturally.

  • Keep Your Eyelid Clean: Gently wash your eyelid with a baby shampoo mixed with water. Use a clean cloth or cotton pad, and be careful not to rub too hard.

  • Don’t Pop Or Squeeze: Avoid touching or trying to pop the stye, as this can make the infection worse.

If your stye doesn’t get better after a few days or becomes very painful, you might need help from a doctor. They can:

  • Give Antibiotics: These could be ointments, eye drops, or pills to fight the infection.

  • Inject Steroids: A small shot to reduce swelling and irritation.

  • Drain The Stye: In rare cases, a doctor can make a tiny cut to drain the stye.

Keep your eyelids clean, and don’t use old or shared eye makeup to prevent future styes. If your stye worsens or affects your vision, visit a doctor for help.

Stye Prevention

You can prevent styes by keeping your hands, face, and eyes clean. Here are some simple tips to help avoid styes:

  • Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands with soap and warm water before touching your eyes. Use hand sanitiser if soap isn’t available.

  • Keep Your Face Clean: Wash your face daily and remove makeup before bed to keep your eyelids clean.

  • Replace Old Makeup: Throw away eye makeup after 2–3 months to avoid bacteria. Don’t share makeup with others, and permanently remove it before sleeping.

  • Take Care Of Contact Lenses: Wash your hands before touching your lenses. Clean and disinfect them regularly, and follow your doctor’s advice.

  • Use Warm Compresses: If you’ve had styes before, applying a warm cloth to your eyelids can help stop them from returning.

  • Clean Your Eyelids: If oily, gently clean them with warm water and baby shampoo.

  • Eat Healthy Fats: Taking fish oil may help avoid clogging oil glands.

Following these easy steps can lower your chances of getting styes and keep your eyes healthy. Mobi Doctor can help you manage and prevent styes with expert online consultations. Get personalised advice, treatment plans, and tips for keeping your eyes health.

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