A stye, or hordeolum, is a tender lump at the eyelid margin caused by acute infection of an eyelash follicle or associated gland. It often appears as a red, painful swelling.
How It Develops
Bacteria from the skin, commonly Staphylococcus species, infect a blocked gland or follicle. Risk factors include blepharitis, poor lid hygiene, contact lens or make‑up contamination, and rubbing the eyes with unclean hands.
- External styes point towards the lash line, while internal ones involve deeper meibomian glands
- Swelling, local tenderness, and a small yellow head may be seen
- Recurrent styes can evolve into firm, non‑tender chalazia
- Underlying skin conditions like rosacea may predispose to frequent episodes
Implications
Most styes settle with warm compresses and lid hygiene but some require medical treatment or drainage. Persistent or atypical lumps need evaluation to exclude other lid lesions.
- Antibiotic ointment or tablets are sometimes prescribed for significant infection
- Do not squeeze or pierce a stye yourself
- Seek assessment if the whole lid becomes very swollen or vision is affected
- Regular lid care can reduce recurrence in blepharitis‑related cases
