What Causes a Stye in the Eye? Expert Eye Care in Lincoln

If you live in Lincoln and have noticed a tender bump or eyelid pimple, you may be dealing with a stye — medically known as a hordeolum. A stye in the eye is a common and often painful condition caused by an eye infection affecting the oil glands in your eyelid. Although it may look like a small pimple, a stye can lead to swelling, redness, and even blurred vision if left untreated. Understanding what causes a stye in the eye, how to manage it safely, and when to see a doctor can help prevent complications and recurrences.

What Is a Stye?

A stye is a localized eye infection that develops when an oil gland at the base of an eyelash follicle becomes blocked and bacteria multiply inside it. The result is a red, swollen bump that may feel tender to the touch. Styes can appear on the outside or inside of the eyelid, and in some cases, they can make the entire eyelid swell or feel sore.

Common symptoms include:

• Swelling or redness around the eyelid
• A small pus-filled bump or eyelid pimple
• Tenderness and irritation
• Excessive tearing or mild eye discharge
• A sensation that something is in your eye

If the swelling spreads or your vision becomes blurry, it’s best to contact your eye doctor right away, as it could signal a more serious eye infection or an urgent eye emergency.

What Causes a Stye in the Eye?

There are several reasons for a stye on the eye, but the main cause is bacterial infection, typically by Staphylococcus aureus. Other contributing factors include:

1. Poor Eyelid Hygiene: Touching your eyes with unclean hands or not removing makeup properly can introduce bacteria to your eyelids.
2. Blocked Oil Glands: Accumulation of oil, dirt, or dead skin cells can clog your glands and cause bacterial buildup.
3. Old or Shared Cosmetics: Using expired mascara or eyeliner—or sharing makeup—can transfer bacteria directly into the glands around your eyelashes.
4. Contact Lens Use: Wearing contact lenses without proper cleaning or handling increases the risk of introducing bacteria to your eyes.
5. Chronic Blepharitis or Skin Conditions: People with recurring eyelid inflammation, oily skin, or rosacea may be more prone to developing styes.

Do Optometrists Treat Styes?

Absolutely. If you’re wondering what doctor treats a stye, your optometrist is the first professional you should see. Optometrists diagnose and treat mild to moderate styes through:

• Antibiotic ointments or drops to fight infection.
• Warm compress therapy to encourage drainage.
• Lid hygiene routines to prevent future styes.

If a stye becomes large, persistent, or extremely painful, your optometrist may refer you to an ophthalmologist for a minor in-office procedure to drain it safely.

How to Treat a Stye at Home

For mild styes, you can often manage symptoms at home while promoting healing:

1. Apply a Warm Compress: Use a clean, warm cloth over your eyelid for 10–15 minutes, three to four times daily. This helps soften blockages and encourages natural drainage.
2. Keep the Area Clean: Gently clean your eyelids with mild baby shampoo or a dedicated eyelid cleanser.
3. Avoid Squeezing or Popping It: Never try to pop a stye, as it can spread bacteria and worsen the eye infection.
4. Skip Makeup and Contact Lenses: Avoid using contact lenses or makeup until the stye heals to reduce irritation and prevent bacterial contamination.
5. Use Antibiotic Ointment if Prescribed: Your doctor may prescribe medicated ointment or drops to reduce infection and swelling.

If your stye does not improve within a week or becomes more painful, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor for further evaluation.

Chalazion vs. Stye: What’s the Difference?

A chalazion may look like a stye but is not an active infection. It develops when an oil gland becomes blocked but not infected, leading to a firm, painless lump under the eyelid. Treatment involves warm compresses, gentle massage, and lid hygiene. If a chalazion persists, your eye doctor may recommend minor surgical drainage.

When to See an Eye Doctor

Seek immediate attention for a stye if you experience any of the following:

• Severe swelling or spreading redness around the eye
• Vision changes or blurriness
• Pain that worsens over time
• Recurring styes or multiple bumps on the eyelid

Prompt diagnosis helps prevent serious complications like deeper eye infections or abscesses that may require urgent treatment.

Expert Eye Care for Styes and Eye Infections

At Eyeson Group, our doctors provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for styes, eye infections, and other eye emergencies. Whether it’s your first stye or you experience recurring eyelid irritation, we’ll help restore your eye health with gentle, effective care and preventative guidance.

We proudly serve patients across Lincoln, Cranston, Worcester, and Randolph, providing advanced eye care solutions for all ages. If you suspect a stye or notice any signs of an eye infection, contact us today to schedule your exam and protect your vision.