Eyelid Stye - What is it?

Eye stye treatment and remedies
Chalazion
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Eye stye treatment and remedies

Stye is the common name for an eyelid infection. It involves the blockage and infection of a gland at the edge of the eyelid. In the same way as pimples on the face, the eyelash follicles can become blocked and infected (external hordeolum).

The Meibomian glands on the inner edge of the eyelid can also become infected (internal hordeolum). These glands supply oils for your tears. If they are not working properly your eyes can get dried out. When these glands are blocked or infected, it can be very sore and uncomfortable.

You will see a red sore lump on the eyelid, which may have a yellow or white "head", like a pimple. It may make your eye water a lot. You may be more sensitive to lights than usual. It can also make your vision blurry by upsetting the normal balance of your tearfilm.

Both infections are acute, which means they come on quickly and usually resolve quickly. Hot compresses help to melt the oils blocking the gland. It is important to keep the eyelid stye clean and clear of debris from makeup or dead skin cells. TheraTears SteriLid foaming cleanser is a very good way to achieve this. You can even use it in the shower to wash around your eyes.

The most common culprit is Staphlococcus bacteria. They live around the eyes and nose all the time. But sometimes the population gets out of control or your immunity is down and it escalates into an infection.

Your body will usually fight the infection by itself. However, if it takes more than a few days to clear up, see your Optometrist. You may benefit from topical antibiotics to help clear the infection.

Chalazion

This is the name for a hordeolum that has become a chronic problem. It typically stops being sore and inflamed, but the lump is still there. It may need to be lanced (opened up and squeezed out) by an eye doctor to remove the solid material that is blocking the gland.

Where chalazion continue to recur repeatedly, it is advisable to have it inspected by an Ophthalmologist. Very rarely, it can actually be a type of skin cancer called sebaceous cell carcinoma.