Causes and risk factors
A stye is caused by infection with bacterium staphylococcus. This infection can occur as a result of poor hygienic practices such as touching eyes with unwashed hands, using old eye cosmetics or leaving eye makeup overnight.
Using contact lenses without disinfecting them or changing contact lenses in poor hygienic conditions can also cause formation of a stye.
Symptoms
A stye appears as a red lump atop a swollen eyelid. There is crusting around the eyelid along with a gritty, scratchy sensation in the eye. The patient complains of pain in the eyelid, lachrymation and photophobia.
Diagnosis & Investigations
Your doctor can diagnose a stye just by looking at it.
Treatment
In most of the cases, stye goes away on its own, without requiring any treatment.
Warm application with wet cloth on eye, for 10 minutes is advised a few times a day. Do not squeeze the stye. Avoid using contact lenses or wear eye makeup, till it gets cured
Antibiotic eye drops or creams are prescribed for application to the eyelid. Tablets may be recommended if the infection persists.
Surgery: Your doctor may recommend incision and drainage, if the stye does not rupture on its own.
