Stye: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

A stye, commonly known as a hordeolum, is an infection of an oil gland in the eyelid caused by bacteria. It usually manifests itself as a red, painful lump near the edge of the eyelid.

• External stye: An external stye is a swollen lump on the outside of the eyelid caused by an infection of one of the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes. It looks like a red, painful bump that may have pus in it.
• Internal stye: An internal stye is an infection inside the eyelid that occurs when a gland or oil duct becomes blocked or infected. It appears as a red area on the inside of your eyelid and may be filled with pus or fluid.

The bacteria, usually staphylococcus, can enter through a break in the skin near the eyelid or through contact with contaminated objects.

Other possible causes include:

• Poor hygiene
• Allergies
• Rubbing or scratching the eyes.

These are the most usual signs of a stye:

• Swelling and redness of the eyelid.
• Tenderness or pain in the area surrounding the stye.
• A yellow or white bump at the base of the eyelid.
• Blurred vision
• Itching or burning sensation in the eye.

• The most effective method for preventing a stye is practising proper hygiene, such as routinely washing your face and hands with warm water and mild soap.
• If you use contact lenses, you must always keep them clean.
• Avoiding touching your eyes can also help reduce your risk of developing a stye.

• Visual examination: This test involves the doctor examining the affected eye to diagnose a stye. The doctor looks for visible signs of swelling, inflammation or redness.
• Slit-lamp examination: This is an in-depth examination done using a microscope to check for any eyelid abnormalities or infections.
• Culture test: This test involves taking a sample of the pus from the stye and culturing it in a laboratory to identify any bacteria that may be causing the infection.
• Imaging tests: If your doctor feels that an underlying issue is causing the stye, he or she may recommend imaging tests such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Potential complications of a stye include:

• Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids).
• Chalazion (an inflamed cyst in the eyelid).
• Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva).
• Corneal ulcer or infection (damage to the cornea caused by bacteria).
• Eyelid scarring or deformity.
• Permanent vision loss if left untreated.

• Using your fingertips, massage the area around the stye.
• Make a mixture of 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon of mustard oil and apply it to the affected area.
• Mix 2 tablespoons of coriander powder with 2 tablespoons of water to form a paste, then apply it on the affected area.
• Take Triphala powder (a combination of three herbs) every day to strengthen your eyesight and clear any infections that cause stye disease.
• Put some drops of castor oil in each eye before going to bed every night as it helps reduce inflammation and irritation caused by stye remedies to cure stye

• Vitamin A: Increasing your intake of foods rich in vitamin A, such as leafy green vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes, and eggs, may help reduce inflammation and boost your immune system.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Consuming foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseed oil, can aid in reducing inflammation and fasten healing.

• Spicy Foods: Foods that are high in spices and seasonings can irritate the lining of the eyes, causing redness and swelling.
• Dairy products: Dairy products may increase mucus in your eyes, which can lead to irritation, redness and discomfort.
• Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages can dehydrate your body, which can worsen your condition.
• Caffeinated Beverages: Caffeine causes dehydration as well as elevation of blood pressure which could cause issues related to eye pressure and inflammation.
• Processed sugar and artificial sweeteners: Excessive sugar intake may increase inflammation th

• Warm compresses: Warm compresses put on the region several times a day can help minimize the pain and swelling caused by a stye.
• Antibiotic ointment: Ointments containing antibiotics, such as bacitracin or erythromycin, can be applied to the affected area to reduce inflammation and help it heal.
• Antibiotic pills: Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed if the infection is severe or if other treatments have not been effective.
• Incision and drainage: In some cases, a doctor may need to surgically drain the stye to remove any pus or other material that is causing it to swell.

• It is best to consult an ophthalmologist, who is specially trained in diagnosing and treating eye conditions, for the treatment of a stye.
• An ophthalmologist can determine the best course of treatment for this eye infection, which may include antibiotics, warm compresses, or surgery, depending on its severity.

• Antibiotic ointments or drops: These can be applied directly to the affected area and help to reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and speed up healing.
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen are two pain relievers that might be helpful in reducing swelling and pain.
• Prescription antibiotics: Oral antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection is severe or has spread beyond the eye area.

Generally, mild cases may resolve within one to two weeks, while more severe cases may take up to four weeks to heal.

• No, the treatment's effects are not permanent.
• Depending on the type of treatment, it may be necessary to receive follow-up treatments in order to maintain the results.

• Clean the eyelid gently: Use a clean cotton swab dipped in warm water to gently clean your lid area, taking particular care not to touch the eye itself.
• Avoid makeup and contacts: Do not use any type of makeup, face lotions, or creams around or on your affected eyelid until it has healed completely. Further, avoid wearing contact lenses until you’re given permission from your doctor or healthcare provider to do so once more.
• Follow up with your doctor: Follow up with your doctor for further advice on treatment and monitoring of the stye until it has completely healed with no residual symptoms or discomfort.

• The cost of stye treatment in India varies according to the severity, location, and extent of the illness.
• In general, medicines and basic surgical treatment might cost anywhere from ₹500 to ₹5000.
• In more severe situations, hospitalisation and antibiotics may be necessary, which may increase the overall cost.

The side effects of Stye treatments vary depending on the treatment. The following are examples of common side effects:

• Redness or irritation of the eyes.
• Inner and/or outer lid swelling.
• Discharge from the eyes.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Headaches
• Abnormal vision and/or temporary blindness.
• Development of new nodules or growth on eyelids.

If you have Stye, you should see a doctor right away since it may lead to issues such as "blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcers," with treatment courses ranging from a few months to years based on the severity of the case.