A stye or hordeolum is an infection of the sebaceous glands at the base of the eyelashes. While they produce no lasting damage, they can be quite painful.
Styes are generally caused by a Staphylococcus aureusbacteriainfection
and are particularly common in infants, though people of any age may
experience them. They are commonly associated with stress, probably
because people under stress tend to get less sleep and therefore rub
their eyes more often, thus transporting the bacteria into the eye.[citation needed]
A stye can be secondary, caused by blepharitis. A blocked oil gland near the eye, a chalazion, is often mistaken for a stye.[1]
