Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Styes

A stye, also known as a hordeolum, manifests as a small, often painful bump on or inside the eyelid. It is essentially a pus-filled abscess caused by bacterial infection, predominantly by Staphylococcus bacteria. Styes are common eye conditions, often experienced once or twice throughout a lifetime, similar to conjunctivitis.

Factors Leading to Stye Development

Styes are most frequently seen in individuals aged 20 to 50, especially those with diabetes or high cholesterol levels.

Styes can develop on the upper or lower eyelids, or both.

The bacterial agent, Staphylococcus, resides on the skin surface and can infect oil glands or hair follicles in the eyelids, causing the formation of tender bumps.

Individuals with poor eye hygiene or those prone to eyelid inflammation are more susceptible to frequent stye episodes.

Chalazion, a type of stye, results from blockage of small eyelid glands, which normally produce oils that lubricate the eye. Blocked glands can lead to lump formation over weeks or months as the immune system reacts to trapped oils.

Internal hordeolum occurs when Meibomian glands at the eyelid edges become infected.

Recognizing Stye Symptoms

Symptoms of a stye vary based on its cause but typically include:

A small, localized swelling resembling a pimple on the eyelid, often red and tender, which may cause the eyelid to swell if the infection spreads.

In some cases, eyelid swelling appears first, followed by a visible lesion.

Minor cases may resolve without treatment, but severe inflammation can cause pain and affect surrounding tissues, especially if itching persists, indicating possible underlying eye issues.

Purulent material may form around the infected area, and in serious cases, enlarged lymph nodes near the ears could be present.

If you notice any symptoms described above, consult an eye care professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.