Stye — causes, symptoms, treatments

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Icon of Stye

What is a Stye?

A stye is a painful lump on your eyelid. A stye is like a pimple, except it’s on (or in) the lid of your eye. Styes, like pimples, are all too common. They can happen at any age, and occasionally are uncomfortable or painful. But they typically don't cause vision problems.

There are two types of styes: external and internal. External styes often form as red lumps that turn yellow and release pus. Internal styes are usually more uncomfortable and take longer to heal, but typically don’t cause redness. Both types might cause swelling, tenderness, or watery eyes

What causes Stye?

Styes are caused by bacterial infection. Sometimes an oil gland on your eyelid becomes infected, causing a stye to form. Staphylococcal (staph) bacteria is a common cause of this pimple-like bump, and it’s possible to spread it unknowingly by rubbing your nose and then directly touching your eyes.

Signs and Symptoms of Styes

A stye is a small abscess (collection of pus) on your eyelid, which can make your eye and eyelid red and your eyes watery. It can often be painful and unsightly.

Treating Eye Styes

The stye often dissipates of its own accord. The symptoms may be eased by gently placing a clean, warm flannel on your eyelid, but you must never squeeze the stye. If a stye persists, or is very painful, visit your Eye Care professional.

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Last updated 12/07/2024.