A stye is a bump that develops along the inside or outside of the upper or lower eyelid. Although common, styes typically do not pose any serious threats to one’s health. Arizona oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Ali Ghafouri has years of experience managing styes. Here, the trusted doctor shares important information regarding the condition.
Common Symptoms
Styes occur when an oil gland at the edge of an eyelid becomes infected, resulting in a bump that resembles a pimple. The area around the stye can become swollen; or, in other cases, the entire eyelid can swell. Some patients may experience frequent watering in the affected eye, increased light sensitivity and a feeling of a foreign object in the eye.
Styes Don’t Interfere with Vision
Although irritating, a stye shouldn’t affect your ability to see well at either near or far distances. If it does, the bump on your eyelid may not be a stye but instead a symptom of a more serious condition. If your vision is affected, it’s best to seek medical care right away.
Styes are Contagious
The bacteria that causes styes is easily transferrable. However, everyone has the bacteria that causes styes in their body. The bacteria is found in the nose and is transferred to the eye when you rub your nose and then your eye. Still, if you have a stye, you should take precautions to make sure you don’t transfer the infection to someone else. Simple hygienic steps like washing your hands often and not rubbing your eyes can help. Make sure to wash pillowcases, bedsheets, towels and makeup brushes often and never share these items with other people.
Never “Pop” a Stye
Treat a stye as you would a pimple and never attempt to squeeze or pop it. Most styes heal on their own within a few days. To aid healing, you can apply a hot compress on the stye for 10 to 15 minutes, three to four times a day, until the stye ruptures, drains and heals on its own. A stye that forms inside the eyelid may not rupture or heal on its own. If this is the case, you should consult your eye doctor right away.
Contact Arizona Oculoplastic Specialists
To learn more about styes and the treatment options we offer, contact Arizona Oculoplastic Surgeons. Please call (480) 905-1010 today.
