Eye Stye Cause

An eye stye (sty) is an eye infection that is the result of the obstructed orifices or openings of the oil glands in the eyelids. This minor, short term bacterial infection is caused by the staphylococcal bacteria or staph infection in the eye. In medical parlance an eye stye is referred to as a hordeolum. The result is a painful, pimple like bump or boil which appears on the inside or outside of either of the eyelids. Although most of them are minor and usually recede in a day or two, certain sties embedded deeper in the eyelid can swell up and need medical attention. In certain cases multiple sties along the margin of the eyelid may result in a serious medical condition known as blepharitis. Here are some common eye stye causes along with the symptoms and the treatment options.

Causes of Eye Stye

Eye sties occur on the eyelids because of the infection of sebaceous gland (zeis gland), which helps keep the eye moisturized and soft with the help of tiny glands that are present at the base of eyelash. This is known as external hordeolum. When the staph bacteria get trapped in the eyelash follicles and attack the glands, it gets swollen and painful. Because eye sties can also itch quite a lot, relieving this itching by rubbing can spread the infection which gets transferred to other hair shafts.

There is second kind of eye stye known as the internal hordeolum which is a more serious form of staph infection. It originates in the meibomian gland, located in the central part of the eyelid. Due to the pus accumulating in an internal stye not being able to drain on its own, these eye styes are comparitively more painful. So a person affected with an internal eye stye has to visit a doctor for draining out the pus and relieving themselves. So, is eye stye contagious? Well, the good news is none of these two types of eye sties are contagious.

In addition to the staphylococcal bacteria, there may be some other organisms responsible for this infection. For example, a respiratory tract bacterium, found in the nose can get transferred to the eye through contact. Diabetic patients or those with a local predisposition such as acne have weak immune systems, which can cause these eye infections. Also using certain cosmetic eye products, like mascara and eyeliner can also irritate eyelids which can result in eye sties. Stress or certain hormonal changes have also been known to be a common eye stye cause.

Eye Stye Symptoms

Patients affected with an eye stye complain of eye problems such as an inflammation or boils on the eyelids which is accompanied by itching, swelling, redness and pain. Along with that you will feel heat at the corner of your eyelids and the area around the eyelashes and eyelids can be rendered painful and tender. Most of the times touching the eye stye aggravates the pain. Here are some other common eye infection symptoms.

• Swollen eyelids
• Tiny, yellowish spot develops at the center of the swollen area
• A teary sensation in the eyes
• Irritation while blinking your eyes
• You feel like scratching your eyes, as though there is some foreign object present in the eyes
• Eyes become sensitive to bright light
• Temporarily blurred vision

Sometimes people may suffer repeated eye infections which may in turn lead to a chronic eyelid infection known as staph blephaeritis.

Eye Stye Treatment

Most eye sties recede on their own within a week, with the pus draining away. However, for more persistent or recurrent styes, antibiotic drops or ointments can be used. To help drain the pus from the eye stye, fold a clean cloth and dip it in warm water. Use this as a compress and gently hold it to the affected part of the eye for 10 minutes or so. Applying the warm compress, three to four times a day over the next few days can help relieve the pain. Another home remedy for an eye stye is the use of teabags as a compress. Do not try to squeeze the sty as the infection can spread to the other eye as well. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or use clean cotton balls to clean areas around eye to avoid the spread of infection. If the stye persists for more than 48 hours, or if there are multiple styes, you should see your family doctor to avoid it turning into a chalazion. Avoid wearing eye make-up, contact lenses are another eye stye cause, so refrain from using them until the stye heals, to prevent the possibility of infection.