What is a Stye?

A stye-also called a Hordeolum-is a red, sore lump near the edge of the eyelid that grows from the base of your eyelash or under the eyelid. Most styes are caused by a bacterial infection. There are two kinds of styes:

  • External Hordeolum: A stye that begins at the base of your eyelash often from an infection in the hair follicle that looks like a pimple.
  • Internal Hordeolum: A stye inside your eyelid that is caused by an infection in an oil-producing gland in your eyelid.

You can also get a stye if you have blepharitis-an inflammation of your eyelids- that makes your eyelids at the base of the eyelashes red and swollen. When you first get a stye, your eyelid is probably red and tender to the touch. Your eye may also feel sore and scratchy.

There are a number of ways your doctor can treat a stye including warm compresses, antibiotics or in office surgery if the other treatments aren’t helping. Never squeeze stye!

If you or someone you know has a stye please schedule an appointment at Ridgewood Eye Associates at 201-857-4999, visit Ridgewood Eye Associates or Facebook.

Ridgewood Eye Associates is a comprehensive eye care practice staffed by NJ ophthalmologist eye doctors and eye specialists located 1 W. Ridgewood Avenue, Suite 101, Paramus, New Jersey 07652, 201-857-4999, an affiliate of Prism Vision Group.