What is a Stye?
A stye-also called a Hordeolum-is a red, sore lump near the edge of the eyelid that grows from the base of your eyelash or under the eyelid. Most styes are caused by a bacterial infection. There are two kinds of styes:
- External Hordeolum: A stye that begins at the base of your eyelash often from an infection in the hair follicle that looks like a pimple.
- Internal Hordeolum: A stye inside your eyelid that is caused by an infection in an oil-producing gland in your eyelid.
You can also get a stye if you have blepharitis-an inflammation of your eyelids- that makes your eyelids at the base of the eyelashes red and swollen. When you first get a stye, your eyelid is probably red and tender to the touch. Your eye may also feel sore and scratchy.
There are a number of ways your doctor can treat a stye including warm compresses, antibiotics or in office surgery if the other treatments aren’t helping. Never squeeze stye!
If you or someone you know has a stye please call and schedule an eye exam at Schefkind Eye Care-703-997-9710, visit Schefkind Eye Care or Facebook
Schefkind Eye Care is a comprehensive ophthalmology practice staffed by ophthalmologist eye doctors serving the Mt. Vernon & Alexandria, VA communities.
