If you’ve developed a painful, irritating bump on or underneath your eyelid, it’s likely that you have a stye. Most styes go away by themselves, so all you need to do is follow some basic home treatments to help it heal faster. If your stye doesn’t go away after 10-14 days, or displays any symptoms of infection, be sure to see an eye doctor right away.
 

WHAT IS A STYE?

Styes form when dead skin, dirt, or oil block one of the glands around your eyelashes, allowing bacteria to grow inside it. Styes can be a common result of sharing makeup with someone else, or of touching your eyes with unwashed hands. If your stye is not painful, it is most likely a chalazion, which is also non-threatening, but will take longer to heal. Most styes should go away within 7-10 days.
 

WHEN SHOULD I SEE MY OPTOMETRIST FOR A STYE?

Mild pain, swelling, increased tear production, soreness, itchiness, and a crust forming around the eyelid are all normal symptoms of styes. However, be sure to see your optometrist if you experience any of these symptoms:

• An eyelid that is swollen shut

• Increased pain with home treatment

• Increased swelling after the first 2 to 3 days

• An eyelid that feels hot

• Thick pus or blood coming from the bump

• Blistering on your eyelid

• Fever or chills

• Vision changes

• Styes that keep coming back
   

STYE RELIEF TIPS 

If your stye doesn’t display any of the symptoms above, you can help it at home with the following home stye treatments:

1. Do not pop, squeeze, or touch a stye.It might seem tempting, but squeezing will release pus and may spread the infection. If your stye is inside your eyelid, your optometrist can help drain it safely.

2. Use a warm compress. This will help dissolve the pus and oil so the stye can drain.

3. Clean your eyelid with mild soap and water (tear-free baby shampoo works best)

4. Use a saline solution to promote drainage and break down bacterial membranes

5. Use a warm teabag instead of a cloth compress (black tea works best)

6. Take over-the-counter painkillers, like ibuprofen, or stye ointments

7. Avoid using makeup or wearing contact lenses (this might transfer the bacteria to the other eye)
    

GET STYE RELIEF WITH A #1 RALEIGH OPTOMETRY CLINIC

If your stye needs to be professionally drained, or is displaying symptoms of infection, be sure to see a professional Raleigh optometry clinic for treatment. Schedule an appointment with Raleigh Eye Center today.