Key Takeaways
- Eye styes can look like a small pimple on the eyelid and can be filled with pus.
- Styes are usually caused by bacterial infections, and good eyelid hygiene can help reduce the risk of developing one.
- A warm washcloth over the eye can help the sensitive bump drain naturally at home without extra irritation.
- An optometrist in Burlington can help if the stye persists or worsens.
You wake up in the morning, look in the mirror, and notice a red bump right on your eyelid. Blinking feels slightly uncomfortable, almost like a piece of sand is stuck near your eyelashes, and your whole eye looks a little bit swollen. You might wonder where this sudden irritation came from and what your optometrist at MEye Health recommends you do.
A stye is a painful, red bump on the eyelid caused by an infection and inflammation involving an eyelid gland or eyelash follicle. Simple home care works well for most styes, but an eye doctor can provide relief if the swelling persists or becomes uncomfortable.
What to Know About Eye Styes
Appearance and Signs
A stye often looks like a small pimple right on your eyelash line. Over time, the area usually fills up with a small amount of pus, which can make the eyelid feel heavy and tender when you blink. You might notice the bump growing slowly over a few days before it begins to go away.
Here are a few common symptoms that may be signs of a stye:
- You notice a red or discoloured bump on your eyelid margin
- Your eyelid area feels tender or painful when lightly touched
- Your eyes water or tear up much more than usual throughout the day
The Spread of Bacteria
Styes aren’t usually contagious, but bacteria from the infected area can potentially spread. Rubbing your eye and then touching another surface, for example, can leave bacteria behind for someone else to pick up. That’s why washing your hands before and after touching your eyes can help reduce the risk of spreading bacteria.
Common Origins and Daily Habits
Blocked Oil Glands
Your eyelids contain small oil-producing glands that help keep your eyes lubricated. Sometimes, these glands can become blocked or inflamed, which may contribute to the development of a stye.
A stye is usually caused by an infection and inflammation around an eyelid gland or eyelash follicle. This can lead to the red, tender bump you notice along your eyelid.
Everyday Habits That Can Cause a Stye
Simple daily actions can introduce dirt to your sensitive eyelids. Here are a few of the most common habits that can introduce bacteria and cause an eye stye:
- Touching your face with unwashed hands
- Sharing eye makeup with others
- Leaving eye makeup on overnight
- Not following recommended contact-lens cleaning and replacement instructions
Differences Between a Stye or Chalazion
You might hear the term chalazion used when discussing eyelid bumps. A stye is usually a painful, infected eyelid bump, while a chalazion is usually a painless lump caused by inflammation around a blocked meibomian gland. A stye can sometimes develop into a chalazion.
Many chalazions can be treated at home, just like styes.
Simple Ways to Help the Eyelid
Safe Home Care
With a stye, a bit of gentle heat can go a long way. Follow these simple steps to care for the area properly at home:
- Apply a clean, warm washcloth to the closed eye for 10 minutes at a time
- Keep the entire eyelid area clean
- Allow the bump to drain naturally on its own without applying pressure
What to Avoid
Protect the sensitive eye area while the bump drains. As the area heals, here are some general tips on what to avoid:
- Never try to pop or squeeze the bump on your eyelid
- Take a break from wearing contact lenses
- Skip applying any eye makeup until the bump goes away
When to See an Optometrist in Burlington
Signs You Need an Eye Exam
Home care works for many situations, but sometimes you need professional support. Schedule a visit if you notice these signs:
- Pain getting noticeably worse instead of better, even after following home care tips
- Swelling spreads beyond the lid to your cheek or other facial areas
- Unexpected changes in your vision
How Your Eye Doctor Can Help
An optometrist in Burlington can take a closer look at the affected eyelid tissue to help diagnose what may be going on with the eye. If we find a stye, our team can recommend appropriate treatment and help you understand what to do next. Professional guidance can help keep your eyes healthy and comfortable year-round.
Book Your Next Visit
Taking care of an unexpected eyelid bump feels much easier when you have the right information. Our friendly team at MEye Health is ready to support your visual needs and eyelid comfort. If you’ve noticed a change with your eyes recently, we encourage you to schedule a consultation today.
