A stye is an eye condition that involves a small, painful bump. It is located on the edge of the eyelid and is often caused by a bacterial infection or an eyelash follicle. Many styes heal on their own within a short time. However, some can be more serious and require medical intervention. Styles that cause swelling, pain, and vision problems can impact your daily life. Below you will find information on when to see an eye specialist for a stye.

When to See an Eye Specialist for a Stye

Knowing when to see a specialist for a stye is essential. It prevents the risk of complications and ensures a faster healing process. Stye treatment from a professional can relieve pain, drain the infection, and protect your long-term eye health. There are several symptoms that indicate it is time to contact an eye specialist.

The bump becomes large, red, or painful.
You experience swelling that spreads.
The stye does not improve after one week.
Your vision becomes blurry.
You become sensitive to light.
The bump does not drain or open naturally.
The stye is returning to the same spot.

These symptoms are signs that the stye may be more serious. It is often an indication that there are deeper infections. This requires medical evaluation and treatment from an eye specialist at an eyelid surgery center. An eye specialist is skilled in eye conditions and can diagnose the exact cause of your symptoms. They can safely drain the stye or provide you with medication to resolve the issue.

An eye specialist can also check for any underlying conditions that could be related to your stye. Persistent stye infections may be associated with other medical conditions. Prompt treatment of the stye and underlying conditions ensures optimal recovery. It also protects the delicate structures around the eye, so there is no impact on your long-term vision.

Common Risk Factors for a Stye

Styes can impact anyone. There are several factors that increase your risk of the condition. Understanding this information can reduce your risk of a stye.

Poor Eye Hygiene

Poor eye hygiene is a major risk factor for styes. This includes properly removing your makeup and cleaning your eyelids on a regular basis. This ensures that trapped oil, dirt, and bacteria are effectively removed. If they are not removed, the buildup can block glands near the lashes. This can lead to painful styes.

Touching Your Eyes

People who frequently rub their eyes increase the risk of styes. Rubbing transfers bacteria and dirt from your hands to your eyes. The delicate skin around the eyelids can become irritated or infected. This is especially problematic if the glands are already inflamed or clogged.

Using Unclean Makeup

Many women wear makeup often. This alone does not increase your risk of styes. However, using old makeup or someone else’s makeup can. This is especially harmful if you do not properly remove it before you go to sleep. Old mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow, and makeup brushes easily collect bacteria. This can block oil glands and increase your risk of developing a stye. Replace old makeup once it has expired, and clean your makeup brushes regularly. Cleaning them once each week is optimal for healthy eye hygiene.

Certain Skin Conditions

Those with certain skin conditions are at a higher risk of styes. Common skin conditions include rosacea, blepharitis, and seborrheic dermatitis. These conditions are often associated with excess oil buildup and eye irritation. This is an increased risk factor for persistent styes.

Contact Lens Wearers

Proper hygiene is essential when inserting or removing contact lenses. Touching lenses with unwashed hands introduces bacteria into the eye. Wearing contact lenses longer than recommended is also harmful. Practicing optimal hygiene when you wear contact lenses is necessary to reduce your risk.

Best Treatment Options for Persistent or Severe Styes

If you have had a stye for more than one week or you have recurring styes, treatment from an eye specialist is necessary. Each patient is uniquely different, so treatment is customized to meet your specific needs. Common treatments include one or both of the following methods.

Medication

Common medications include antibiotic ointments or drops. These target the infection. If necessary, oral antibiotics are used for deeper infections. This prevents it from spreading. To reduce pain and swelling, steroid eye drops may be prescribed.

Procedures

Stubborn or persistent styes may require an in-office procedure for drainage. This is often performed under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Drainage provides fast relief and reduces unwanted symptoms.

In rare cases, a surgical procedure or cosmetic correction may be necessary. Persistent infections that cause scar tissue to form can impact the appearance and function of the eyes. This can be improved through surgery to ensure your long-term eye health.

Top Eyelid Surgery Center

If you need treatment for a stye, contact the team at Clarity Eye and Face today to schedule an appointment!