Have you ever woken up in the morning and looked in the mirror and noticed that there is a small lump in the corner of your eye, near your eyelid, that is red? It hurts a little if you touch it, just like a pimple. Have you ever had this experience? This is a common experience for many people. We usually call this a "stye". Medically, it is called a `(Hordeolum)`. So don't worry, today we will talk about this stye in simple terms.
What exactly is a stye?
Simply put, a stye is a small, red, painful bump that forms on the edge of your eyelid. It forms when a small oil gland near your eyelid becomes blocked and becomes infected with bacteria. Think of it like a pimple on your face.
This type of cyst usually only occurs in one eye, but sometimes it can occur in both eyes. Most of the time, it will go away on its own in a week or two . But if it doesn't, you should see a doctor. They will give you the treatment you need to cure it.
There is another condition that is similar to an eye stye called a Chalazion. It is also a lump that appears on the eyelid. However, it is not usually painful like an eye stye, and it is not caused by a bacterial infection. However, the treatments for both are very similar.
Are there different types of eye tumors?
Yes, there are mainly two types.
1. External Styes: These are the most common. They form on the outside of your upper or lower eyelid, near your eyelashes. They are caused by an infection in the follicle of an eyelash.
2. Internal Styes: These form on the inside of the eyelid (on the side of the eye). This type is caused by an infection of a gland that produces oil to keep our eyelids moist.
Eye styes are a very common condition . They are more common in adults than in children. The reason is that the oil glands of adults are thicker than those of children. Therefore, they are more likely to become blocked.
What are the symptoms of an eye tumor?
The main symptom is a red, painful bump on the edge of the eyelid. In addition, you may also notice these symptoms.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Swelling | Swelling of the eyelid (sometimes the entire eyelid may swell). |
| Crab/Peel | Discharge of a liquid like mucus or pus from the eye and smearing it along the eyelid. |
| Sensitivity to light | Feeling uncomfortable looking at the light. |
| Pain and itching | Pain and itching in the eye socket area. |
| Tears coming from the eyes | Tears always flow from the eyes. |
| Feeling like there is dirt in the eye | A feeling of discomfort as if something is stuck in the eye. |
Are eye cysts contagious?
Eye styes are not usually contagious . However, a small amount of bacteria from them can be passed on to others. That's why it's important to wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching your eye stye. Also, washing your pillowcase frequently can help prevent the spread of this bacteria. Avoid touching your eye stye as much as possible.
Who is at higher risk of developing eye tumors?
Anyone can develop eye tumors, but you're at a slightly higher risk if you have these conditions:
- If you have ever had eye problems.
- If you have a condition called `(Blepharitis)` (an allergy/inflammation of the eyelids).
- If you have skin conditions like acne, rosacea , or seborrheic dermatitis.
- If you have diabetes.
- If your skin is getting dry.
- If you are in a period of hormonal changes.
- If you have high blood cholesterol levels (lipid levels).
What treatments can be done at home?
In most cases, an eye stye can be cured with simple home remedies. Try these things to reduce pain and swelling and speed up healing.
| Things to do (Do's) ✅ | Don'ts ❌ |
|---|---|
| Apply warm compresses: Soak a clean cloth in hot water, wring it out, and place it over your eyelid for 10-15 minutes. Do this three to five times a day. This will help loosen the oil trapped inside the gland and help it come out. Some people soak green tea bags in hot water and apply them. There is also a belief that the natural antibacterial properties of green tea can speed up healing. | Do not squeeze or pop a pimple for any reason: Squeezing it can spread the infection and make the condition worse. |
| Keep your eyelids clean: Mix a little baby shampoo with water, soak a cotton ball in the solution, and gently wipe away any debris from your eyelids. | Stop touching or rubbing your eyes: Doing so can make your eyes redder and increase the infection. |
| Wash your hands frequently: Be sure to wash your hands before and after touching your eyes. | Avoid makeup and contact lenses: Avoid wearing eye makeup and contact lenses until the cyst has completely healed. These can delay healing. |
When should we see a doctor?
If the pain and swelling increase after two or three days of home treatment, or if you have any of the following symptoms, be sure to see your doctor.
- If your eye is completely swollen and you can't open it.
- If the lump is oozing pus or blood.
- If the pain and/or swelling worsens after two or three days.
- If you have developed something like a blister on your eyelid.
- If you feel a burning sensation when you touch your eyelids.
- If you feel like your vision has changed (like blurred vision).
- If the eye lump continues to grow, your doctor may take a small piece of tissue and perform a biopsy to check for other serious conditions.
What kind of treatment will the doctor provide?
When you see a doctor, he or she will examine your eyes and make a diagnosis. If necessary, they may prescribe treatments such as:
- Antibiotics: You may be given an eye ointment or eye drops. If the infection has spread, you may also be given oral medication.
- Draining the abscess: Sometimes, the doctor can use a small amount of anesthesia, make a small incision, and drain the pus inside.
- Steroid Injection: Sometimes a steroid injection can be given directly into the tumor to quickly reduce swelling.
How do you prevent eye tumors from forming?
The best way to prevent eye styes is to maintain good hygiene, especially around the face and eyes.
Here are some good practices:
* Always wash your hands thoroughly, especially before touching your face and eyes.
* Wash your hands before putting in and taking out contact lenses. Also, clean them thoroughly with disinfectant and lens cleaning solution.
* Before going to bed at night, remove all makeup and wash your face.
* Remove your eye makeup (mascara, eyeliner) every two to three months and get new ones.
* Never share your makeup with others.
An eye stye, although a minor annoyance, is usually nothing to worry about. Most of the time, it heals on its own. Simple things like applying heat can speed up the healing process. However, if the condition seems to be getting worse, don't delay seeing a doctor.
Take-Home Message
- A stye is a common bacterial infection that occurs in an oil gland in the eyelid.
- These are usually not contagious and will heal on their own within a week or two.
- Soaking in warm water can reduce pain and swelling and speed up healing.
- Never squeeze or pop an eye stye. Doing so can spread the infection and make the condition worse.
- If there is no improvement in a few days, if the pain increases, or if vision is affected, see your doctor immediately.











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