Styes: Avoid These Common Summer Eye Infections
What is a Stye?
A stye (or hordeolum) is a pimple-like infection within one or both eyelids, near the eyelash line. This infection is very commonly found in children, as well as adults.
What Are the Symptoms of a Stye?
Stye symptoms may include the presence of a small, swollen, reddish-colored lump or bump which may grow rapidly. There may also be redness of the eye, localized swelling, and pain.
What Causes a Stye to Form?
Styes are caused by bacteria. The eyelash follicles, inner eye glands, and areas near the eyelashes contain small oil glands. These can become clogged. When oil is unable to flow out of the gland, infection can develop. During the summertime, it is thought that the presence of sweat may help introduce bacteria into these oil glands and increase the likelihood of developing a stye.
Stye Risk Factors
Proper hygiene and regular cleaning of the face and hands are important. Any bacterial exposure in or near the eye may result in the formation of a stye. In addition, some conditions and activities may create an environment that places you at increased risk of developing a stye.
- Touching the Eyes & Face
- Sports & Sweat-inducing Activities
- Blepharitis
- Rosacea
- High HDL Cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Dandruff
How Long Does a Stye Take to Go Away?
Most styes will resolve on their own after about a week or two. You can apply clean warm, dampened washcloths to the area to help encourage the stye to drain. Persistent styes that fail to heal on their own may require professional treatment such as drainage performed by your eye doctor, followed by a course of prescription antibiotics.
Hands Off!
Do not attempt to pick or squeeze the stye or surrounding area, as that will only lead to painful irritation. Breaking the skin may also cause increased inflammation, spread infection deeper within the tissues, and can result in complications. If you experience pain, redness, a stye that fails to go away on its own, or have any other concerns, seek medical treatment right away.
Contact Wise Eyes Optical
Your Hometown Vision Center Serving Central Pennsylvania
Your local Wise Eyes Optical hometown vision center is here to help you achieve the best possible vision for life. We offer expert eye and vision care including eye-related medical care, custom fitting of eyeglasses and contacts, eyeglass repair, and much more. If you have questions or would like to learn more, reach out to your nearest Central Pennsylvania Wise Eyes Optical office location. For assistance, call (717) 242-1915.
