A stye is an infection, typically a bacterial infection, which causes a painful red lump either on the edge or inside of the eyelid. Bacteria grow at the root of an eyelash follicle or inside an oil gland. The bacteria can be a result of poor hygiene, touching the eyes with unwashed hands or chronic inflammation. The stye resembles a pimple or a boil and is usually filled with pus. A stye does not pose a risk to vision and most often heals without treatment within a week. However, a stye may require treatment with a doctor if the infection does not resolve with at-home remedies.
Symptoms of a Stye
A stye is not usually hard to spot. Not only does a red lump form on either the top or bottom eyelid, but pain is also an immediate symptom of the condition. Typical symptoms of a stye include:- red lump on the eyelid similar to a pimple
- watering of the eye
- eyelid pain and swelling
- clear or yellow fluid collecting in the stye
Treatment for a Stye
If a stye has occurred, certain measures may be taken by an individual to assist in healing. Home treatment may consist of:- not wearing eye makeup or contact lenses until the stye heals
- applying warm, wet compresses
- allowing the stye to heal naturally
- using non-prescription medicated ointments or pads, such as Ocusoft Lid Scrub and Stygiene