What is a Stye?

What is a Stye? 

A stye-also called a Hordeolum-is a red, sore lump near the edge of the eyelid that grows from the base of your eyelash or under the eyelid. Most styes are caused by a bacterial infection. There are two kinds of styes: 

• External Hordeolum: A stye that begins at the base of your eyelash often from an infection in the hair follicle that looks like a pimple. 
• Internal Hordeolum: A stye inside your eyelid that is caused by an infection in an oil-producing gland in your eyelid. 

You can also get a stye if you have blepharitis-an inflammation of your eyelids- that makes your eyelids at the base of the eyelashes red and swollen. When you first get a stye, your eyelid is probably red and tender to the touch. Your eye may also feel sore and scratchy. 

 There are a number of ways your doctor can treat a stye including warm compresses, antibiotics or in office surgery if the other treatments aren’t helping. Never squeeze stye! 

If you or someone you know has a stye please schedule an appointment at North Jersey Eye Associates 973-472-4114, or visit North Jersey Eye Associates or Facebook. 

North Jersey Eye Associates is a comprehensive eye care practice staffed by NJ ophthalmologists and eye specialists located at 1005 Clifton Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07013 (P) 973-472-4114-an ffiliate of Prism Vision Group.