Styes are common, and they usually heal on their own within a week or two. However, as long as they are there, they cause pain and discomfort, an experience that people don’t like going through.
This blog will provide you general information about styes; what they are, what causes them, and what you can do to help them heal quickly.
So what exactly is a stye?
Stye (also called a hordeolum) is a tender, painful red bump that appears on the eyelid, typically along the edge. In some cases, however, a stye can also occur on the inside of the eyelid and develop into a sizeable lump, a condition that tends to be even more painful.
Styes must not be confused with chalazions, which are also characterized by the inflammation of the eyelid. Chalazions are less painful than styes, if at all, and usually grow further back on the eyelids than styes.
What causes a stye?
A stye is a result of a bacterial infection of eyelash follicles or skin glands lining the eyelid, usually caused by staphylococcal bacteria. This bacterium is found in your nose and is transferred to your eye, when you rub your nose, then your eye.
Styes can also happen due to certain medical conditions such as blepharitis, or seborrheic dermatitis.
How can you help heal a stye quickly?
While a stye should clear up on its own, you can speed up healing by:
· Applying a flannel, soaked in warm water, over the eye 3 to 4 times a day
· Keeping the area around your affected eye clean
· Avoiding eye makeup as the application of makeup can slow down healing
If you don’t see any improvement within a week, or your eye turns red and swells, consult an optometrist immediately.
Your Friendly Optometrists in Miami, Florida
Dr. Gilberg & Associates have been serving the Miami area with state-of-the-art Diabetic Eye Exam in North Miami for the last ten years. We pride ourselves in offering affordable and high quality medical treatments for a variety of eye-related problems, including styes. Get in touch with us today to schedule your appointment.
Comments