EYE CONDITION: STYE ON THE EYE?

A stye, while seriously inconvenient, is luckily not a sight threatening condition. Stye, more formally known as a hordeolum, is due to a bacterial infection of the meibomian (oil) glands, situated at the base of lashes. 

Looking at the eyelids, on the rim of the lids there are small openings, these are the meibomian glands, and their primary role is to excrete oil. The oil mixes with your tears to create a protective barrier and keep the eyes well lubricated. 

When the meibomian gland becomes blocked, this presents as a small, non-painful bump which is an inflammatory reaction rather than an acute infection. This is a chalazion and is not to be confused with a stye. 

A stye on the other hand is where the blocked meibomian gland develops an acute bacterial infection resulting in a painful, red bump either on the outer eyelid rim or inner eyelid. Symptoms include eyelid swelling, crusting or mild discharge and discomfort when blinking. Most commonly, the bacterial infection is caused by excessive rubbing and touching of the lids, expired make up products, and poor lid hygiene. A stye is typically non-infectious and will likely resolve on its own.

Usually, a stye resolves within 2-3 weeks and does not require treatment, however warm compresses and lubricating eye drops can alleviate some of the pain and discomfort.  Avoiding make up and contact lenses are crucial. Furthermore, avoid squeezing and touching the stye as this may cause further infection of neighbouring meibomian glands. 

In severe cases, if the stye does not resolve, or neighbouring oil glands become infected, a referral to an Ophthalmologist would be necessary, in which case an antibiotic drop or ointments may be used to treat the infection.