Published on Jul 19, 2018 and last reviewed on Sep 07, 2018 - 2 min read
Abstract
Stye, also called hordeolum in medical terminology, is an infectious disorder of the eyelid. The disorder is very common in old and young people. This article looks at ways in which a patient can develop a stye, what symptoms it can cause, what treatments are available, and measures you can take to avoid this troublesome infection.
What Is a Stye?
A stye is a bacterial infection of the numerous tear glands in the eyelids. The tears glands, namely glands of Zeiss, Moll, and meibomian glands, are responsible for secretions contributing to the tear film. The infection causes the secretions of the glands to accumulate and makes the gland swell, thus causing a swollen appearance.
What Are Its Types?
There are two types of stye, namely hordeolum externum in which there is usually a pus point at the lid margin and hordeolum internum in which there is no such pus point. The basic difference being that they infect different glands in the eyelid but the mechanism of infection and the symptoms remain the same.
How Is It Caused?
It is caused by infection of eyelid tear glands by bacteria such as staphylococci and streptococci. The majority of cases of stye are caused due to eye rubbing. The infection finds a foothold in the eye by way of eye rubbing.
Treatment Options and Home Remedies
An important adjunct to treatment is hot fomentation. This forces the pent-up secretions out of the glands thus ending the inflammatory processes. The traditional way to give hot fomentation to the eye is to dip a clean cloth in comfortably warm water, squeeze out all the water and to apply this heat to the eyelid over the closed eyes.
As the essential problem is an infection, it is treated with antibiotics as the first line of therapy. The commonly used antibiotics are Moxifloxacin 0.5 % or Tobramycin 0.3 % used around six times a day.
Effects of Neglecting a Stye
The stye, if left untreated for about a month, can develop into a "chalazion". The only treatment for a chalazion is to surgically remove it.
How to Avoid Stye?
Prevention is by following hygiene practices such as handwashing and avoiding eyerubbing. Also, it is advisable to get infective conjunctivits and infective processes in and around the eye treated appropriately and in a timely manner.
Hence, good hygienic practises and timely treatment can effectively solve problems caused by styes.
For more information consult an eye infections specialist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/eye-care-ophthalmologist/eye-infections
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Last reviewed at:
07 Sep 2018 - 2 min read
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Ophthalmology (Eye Care)
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I have a stye with painful dry eyes. Kindly advise.
Query: Hi doctor, I have recently developed something that looks like a stye but is not where most are positioned. The stye is on the center of the eyelid just above the pupil area when the eye is closed. I was wondering how to get rid of it as it is disturbing my vision every often. The eye is dry all th... Read Full »
I have frequent and recurring stye problem.Please advise.
Query: Hello doctor, I have frequent and recurring stye problem. Please advise. Read Full »
I have frequent eye infection with pus and blood discharge. Please help.
Query: Hello doctor, Since last 7 to 8 months I am having an eye infection, like a stye. It is getting frequent almost after every 3 to 4 weeks. I recollect having collided with somebody about one and half years back, hurt on my right eye with somebody's elbow and had a swollen eye, very painful and under... Read Full »
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