What is a stye?

A stye or sty is a bump that is formed in or on the eyelid due to a blocked gland. Depending upon the type of gland that gets blocked, styes can be divided into two types called chalazion and hordeolum. Both of them have distinct causes and treatments.

Causes

Styes form when the sebum producing sebaceous glands become blocked.

• The blockage can be due to the obstruction of the gland’s opening by a foreign material like dust or make up.
• The blockage can be due to the formation of a scar tissue.
• The sebum itself can get thickened causing it to block the opening.

Symptoms

• The first symptom would be tenderness, redness and pain.
• Itchiness
• Swelling
• Discomfort when you blink the eye
• Sensitivity to light
• Watering of the eye

Treatment

• A non infected Stye will resolve by itself.
• Warm compresses will help accelerate the healing process.
• Steroids can be injected into the lesion for a faster recovery but this option comes with risks.
• A chalazion can be incised and drained.
• An infected Stye will need to be treated with antibiotics.
• Sometimes the infection may spread to the eye and will need to be treated with antibiotics.
• Any underlying cause will have to be treated too.

Prevention

• The best way to prevent Styes is to keep your eyelashes and eyelids clean. Use a makeup remover to remove any makeup residue at the end of the day.
• Have a diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids. It improves the performance of the glands.

What you can expect when you visit our clinics

1. Stop by our front desk to visit a certified Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant. No appointment is required.
2. Your medical practitioner will examine your medical background, go over your medical issues, perform an examination and supply you with an individualized plan for treatment. This might consist of non-prescription items or a medical prescription.
3. Towards the end of your visit to our clinic, your medical attendant will give you an overview, an invoice and some instructional material may be given.
4. The overview of your clinic visit can be forwarded to your primary health care provider with your authorization.