Hordeolum (Stye)

A hordeolum, commonly known as a stye, is a red, painful bump that forms near the edge of the eyelid. It usually results from a bacterial infection in an oil gland or eyelash follicle. Styes can appear on the outer or inner part of the eyelid and are typically filled with pus. While they may look alarming, styes are generally harmless and often heal on their own within a few days.

• Bacterial transfer from rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands introduces Staphylococcus germs that inflame an eyelid oil gland.

• Blocked Meibomian glands caused by excess oil, dead skin, or makeup residue trap bacteria and trigger swelling.

• Old or shared cosmetics harbor microbes; using expired mascara or eyeliner spreads infection.

• Poor contact-lens hygiene (overnight wear, unsterilized lenses) increases eyelid contamination.

• Chronic blepharitis or rosacea creates a persistently irritated lid margin, making styes more likely.

• Stress and lack of sleep weaken immunity, letting minor bacterial exposure escalate into a painful stye.

• External hordeolum (stye): Acute, painful infection of an eyelash follicle or its associated Zeis/Moll glands at the lid margin. Presents as a red, tender, pointing pustule on the outer eyelid and often drains spontaneously within a week.

• Internal hordeolum: Deeper-seated suppurative infection of a meibomian gland inside the tarsal plate. Causes diffuse lid swelling, throbbing pain, and may discharge onto the conjunctival surface. If unresolved, it can evolve into a chalazion.

• Multiple or recurrent hordeola: Linked to chronic blepharitis, rosacea, or poor lid hygiene; management combines warm compresses, lid-scrubs, and targeted antibiotics to prevent repeated episodes.

• Red, tender lump along the eyelid edge that feels sore.

• Localized swelling causes part of the lid to puff outward.

• Gritty or scratchy sensation—as if something is stuck in the eye.

• Watering and light sensitivity that make blinking uncomfortable.

• Crusting at the lash line on waking due to dried discharge.

• Tearing and blurred vision when swelling presses gently on the cornea.

• Mild pain that eases with warmth, but returns if irritation persists.

A hordeolum begins when bacteria infect an oil gland or eyelash follicle, leading to a localized build-up of pus and inflammation. The infected area becomes red, swollen, and painful as the body responds to the infection. External styes develop quickly and may drain on their own, while internal styes can take longer to surface and may cause more discomfort.

• Apply warm compresses (10 minutes, 3–4 times daily) to soften the blockage and speed natural drainage.

• Clean eyelid margins gently with diluted baby shampoo or a sterile eyelid wipe to reduce bacterial load.

• Avoid eye makeup and contact lenses until the stye resolves to prevent further irritation and spread.

• Use over-the-counter lubricating drops for comfort; skip “red-relief” vasoconstrictor drops.

• If swelling worsens, ask your doctor about a topical antibiotic or steroid-antibiotic ointment.

• Persistent or recurring styes may need in-office incision-and-drainage or oral antibiotics prescribed by an ophthalmologist.

See an ophthalmologist if the stye doesn’t improve within a week, becomes more painful, affects your vision, or keeps recurring. Also seek medical help if the swelling spreads to other parts of the face or if you develop a fever. A healthcare provider can diagnose the issue and provide treatment, especially if it’s not a simple stye but a more serious eyelid condition.