Stye (Hordeolum)

Stye (Hordeolum)

A stye, medically known as a hordeolum, is a common and often painful eye condition that affects many individuals. This comprehensive guide will help you understand, identify, and manage styes effectively.

 

What is a stye?

A stye is a localised infection that appears as a small, red, painful lump near the edge of the eyelid. It’s similar to a pimple or boil and can occur on the inside or outside of the eyelid.

 

Types of styes

  1. External Hordeolum: Occurs at the base of an eyelash, affecting the eyelash follicle or surrounding glands.
  2. Internal Hordeolum: Develops inside the eyelid, typically affecting one of the meibomian glands.

 

Common symptoms of a stye

  • Red, swollen lump on or near the edge of the eyelid
  • Pain and tenderness in the affected area
  • Eyelid swelling
  • Tearing and eye discomfort
  • Sensitivity to light
  • A sensation of grittiness or irritation in the eye

 

Causes and risk factors

Styes are typically caused by a bacterial infection, often involving Staphylococcus bacteria. Risk factors include:

  • Poor eyelid hygiene
  • Touching eyes with unwashed hands
  • Using expired or contaminated eye makeup
  • Leaving eye makeup on overnight
  • Chronic blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
  • Certain medical conditions like diabetes or rosacea

 

Stye vs chalazion: Understanding the diference

While often confused, styes and chalazia are different conditions:

  • Stye: Acute, painful, and typically caused by a bacterial infection
  • Chalazion: Chronic, usually painless, and caused by a blocked oil gland

 

Treatment options for styes

At AccuVision, we offer various treatment approaches for styes:

  1. Home Remedies:
    • Warm compresses applied 3-4 times daily for 10-15 minutes
    • Gentle eyelid massage to promote drainage
    • Over-the-counter pain relievers if needed
  2. Medical Treatments:
    • Topical antibiotic ointments or drops
    • Oral antibiotics for severe cases
    • In-office drainage procedure for persistent styes
  3. Advanced Treatments:
    • LED light therapy to reduce inflammation and promote healing
    • Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment for recurrent styes associated with meibomian gland dysfunction

 

Preventing styes: Expert tips from AccuVision

  1. Practice good eyelid hygiene with regular cleansing
  2. Remove eye makeup before sleeping
  3. Replace eye makeup every 3-6 months
  4. Avoid sharing towels or washcloths
  5. Wash hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes
  6. Use protective eyewear when in dusty or dirty environments

 

When to seek professional help

While many styes resolve on their own, consult an eye care professional if:

  • The stye doesn’t improve after 1-2 weeks of home treatment
  • The stye grows very large or affects your vision
  • You experience recurrent styes
  • You have severe pain or the entire eyelid becomes swollen
  • You have a fever or other signs of spreading infection

 

Why choose AccuVision for stye treatment?

  • Experienced ophthalmologists specialising in eyelid conditions
  • State-of-the-art diagnostic equipment for accurate assessment
  • Comprehensive treatment plans tailored to your specific needs
  • Advanced therapies for stubborn or recurrent styes
  • Focus on patient education and preventive care

 

Take action for healthier eyes

Don’t let a stye disrupt your daily life or compromise your eye health. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a stye or have concerns about your eye health, schedule a consultation with AccuVision today. Our expert team is ready to provide the care and guidance you need for clear, comfortable vision.

Book a Free Video Consultation
Book a Consultation
The AccuVision team is not call centre based. We will use the information you provide here to direct your enquiry appropriately and your information is not used for unsolicited marketing or shared with third parties.

    Our dedicated and friendly staff is here to assist you with any questions to ensure you're on the fast track to visual freedom.

    Fill out the form below so we know the best time to reach you or simply call us on0330 123 2020WhatsApp

    The information you have provided may be held on our database. It will not be sold to any third party. Our privacy policy which we are obliged to give you under the GDPR is available here.

    Invest in your visual future
    AccuWave
    Wavefront LASIK Vision Correction
    Summer Offer!
    JUST£1200*per eye
    *Usual price £1800 per eye | *T’s & C’s apply
    Fill in the contact form or call us today to arrange a complimentary screening consultation. Quote “Summer Offer!” when making your enquiry.
    *See T’s & C’s below.

      I agree with terms of use and privacy policy

      The information you have provided may be held on our database. It will not be sold to any third party. Our privacy policy which we are obliged to give you under the GDPR is available here.

      Terms & Conditions
      Offer price of £1200 per eye is valid for:
      • WaveFront Optimised Surgery for both eyes. Offer does not apply to a single eye treatment.
      • Myopic prescriptions under -3.50 dioptres only. Prescriptions with other additional conditions/variations may not be eligible and are subject to a detailed evaluation.
      • Prescriptions outside the eligible range are always competitively priced.
      • This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
      • There are no cash alternatives to this offer.
      • All eye surgical procedures carry a level of risk including not obtaining the desired outcomes through to varying levels of visual loss. Your eye surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits including ones specific to your circumstances at the time of your preoperative consultation.
      • AccuVision reserve the right to change or withdraw this offer.