Eye Stye

Definition

An eye stye or eye sty is a very common bacterial infection of eyes in which the gland at eyelid become infected and lead to the obstruction of oil producing glands around the eyelashes or eyelids. A red lump like thing appears near the edge of an eyelid which can be visible at outside as well as inside of eyelid. A stye is not at all harmfull for the visoin. This problem can occur to any person with any age.

Causes of Eye Stye

An stye is caused by the blockage of the hair follicles that may become swollen and painful to the touch, leading to the infection in the sebaceous (oil producing) glands in the eyelid. The infection is primarily caused by staphylococcal bacteria. This bacteria is generally present in the nose, but is easily transferred to the eyes. Touching mucus from the nose and then rubbing the eye is one way of transferring staphylococcal bacteria from nose to the eye. Stye can also occur due to conjunctivitis, eye infections and poor health.

Symptoms of Eye Stye

Symptoms may be slight different in some childrens. Some of the common symtoms of eye sty are discussed below:

• If the pus drains out of the stye, the lump goes away quite quickly. Otherwise, the swelling may take longer to go down.
• Discomfort when blinking.
• Uneasiness in the eye.
• Drainage of yellow fluid.
• Swelling of the affected area of eyelid.
• Redness at the edge of the eyelid.
• Frequent watering from the affected eye.
• Sensation like some thing is there in the eye.
• Pain over the affected area (localized pain).
• Tenderness.
• Tearing of the eye.
• A pimple or red lump like development at the eyelid.

Treatment for Eye Stye

Some of the treatments for the stye may include:

• Refraining from wearing make-up until the infection heals completely.
• Guava leaves, warmed and placed on a warm damp cloth, and then used as a compress will help to reduce the redness, pain and swelling.
• Surgical drainage of the stye may also be necessary if the stye is not responding to treatment.
• Apply warm compresses on the patients eye for 10 to 15 minutes atleast 3-4 times daily. This will help to relieve the pain.
• A grated potato used as a poultice, reduce swelling in inflamed eyes.
• Application of antibiotic ointments on the infected eye may be used to fight the infection and stop it from spreading to the other parts of eye.
• Take a cup of water. Dissolve 2-3 granules of alum in it. This mixture can be used as an eyewash.
• Mix 1 tsp of coriander seeds with a cup of water and then boil it. Use this mixture as a eye wash to be used 3-4 times a day.