Eye Stye (Eye Sty) - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Alternative Names: Hhordeolum, Eye Stye, Eye Sty

Definition:

An eye stye is a localized, purulent staphylococcal infection, a stye (or hordeolum) can occur externally (in the lumen of the smaller glands of Zeis or in Moll's glands) or internally (in the larger meibomian gland). A stye can occur at any age. Generally, this infection responds well to treatment but tends to recur. If untreated, a stye can eventually lead to cellulitis of the eyelid.

Signs and Symptoms of Stye:

Typically, a stye produces redness, swelling, and pain. An abscess frequently forms at the lid margin, with an eyelash pointing outward from its center.

Diagnosis of Stye:

Visual examination generally confirms this infection. Culture of purulent material from the abscess usually reveals a staphylococcal microbe.

Treatment of Stye:

Treatment consists of warm compresses applied for 10 to 15 minutes, four times a day for 3 to 4 days, to facilitate drainage of the abscess, to relieve pain and inflammation, and to promote suppuration. Drug therapy includes a topical sulfonamide or antibiotic eyedrops or ointment and, occasionally, a systemic antibiotic for secondary eyelid cellulitis. If conservative treatment fails, incision and drainage may be necessary.

Special Considerations for Stye:

1. Instruct the patient to use a clean cloth for each application of warm compresses and to dispose of it or launder it separately.

2. Warn against squeezing the stye; this spreads the infection and may cause cellulitis.

3. Teach the patient or family members the proper technique for instilling eyedrops or ointments into the cul-de-sac of the lower eyelid.