What is a stye?

A stye (also called a hordeolum) is a bump on the eyelid due to an infection of one of the oil glands along the lash line. 

Along the waterline of your upper lid and lower lid there are many meibomian glands that secrete oils to help keep the front surface of the eye moisturized. These glands can get clogged for many reasons, changes in the weather, changes in diet, hormonal changes, medications we take, makeup, etc. 

If bacteria gets in the clogged gland, the infection causes a red tender bump on the eyelid. It may have a pus point almost like a pimple. 

Many mild cases can be treated simply with warm compresses and gentle massage of the eyelid. We recommend the Bruder Mask for warm moist heat. 

Moderate cases may require eye drops and/or ointment.

Severe cases may cause pain with eye movement and fever. If you experience this, please see your optometrist for treatment ASAP. It is possible the infection has become a cellulitis and you may require oral antibiotics. 

Patients that experience chronic styes may benefit from daily warm compresses, lid scrubs with Ocusoft, artificial tears, and/or omega 3 supplementation, we recommend Nordic Naturals.