Does Eye Sty Respond To Treatments? by Kacey C.Hall
A stye (also spelled "sty") develops when a gland at the edge of the
eyelid becomes infected. Resembling a pimple on the eyelid, a stye can
grow on the inside or outside of the lid. Styes are not harmful to
vision, and they can occur at any age.
Sties respond well to treatment, but can recur. If untreated, sties
can eventually lead to cellulitis of the eyelids, a more serious
condition. They are neither contagious nor a sign of cancer.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
A stye initially brings pain, redness, tenderness and swelling in
the area, then a small pimple appears. Sometimes just the immediate
area is swollen; other times the entire eyelid swells. You may notice
frequent watering in the affected eye, a feeling like something is in
the eye or increased light sensitivity.
1. Redness, swelling, and pain in a localized area of the eye.
2. An external sty may be noted when there is a tender red nodule
present below the lid margin; an internal sty may not have a visible
nodule.
3. Slightly blurred vision.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Styes are caused by staphylococcal bacteria. This bacterium is often
found in the nose, and it's easily transferred to the eye by rubbing
first your nose, then your eye.
1. An examination of the eye generally confirms this infection.
2. Many sties will drain on their own, but to facilitate the
drainage of the abscess and reduce pain, a folded clean cloth can be
used as a compress. The compress should be dipped in warm water, wrung
out until just a little dripping remains, and applied to the eye. Dip
the folded cloth repeatedly to keep the compress wet and warm. Continue
the application of the compresses for 10-15 minutes. Using a clean
cloth each time, apply the warm compresses 4 times a day for 3 to 4
days.
3. Drug therapy can be prescribed by your health care provider. Do
not use any medicine (including over-the-counter remedies) without
checking with your health care provider. Generally, drug therapy
includes antibiotic eye drops/ointment and, occasionally, an antibiotic
taken by mouth. Carefully follow the directions prescribed by your
health care provider.
4. If a sty does not drain spontaneously with compress application,
visit your health care provider for assistance. Do NOT attempt to
squeeze or drain the sty yourself. This will spread the infection and
may cause cellulitis. Have your eye rechecked if symptoms persist after
several days of treatment.
Most styes heal within a few days on their own. You can encourage
this process by applying hot compresses for 10 to 15 minutes, three or
four times a day over the course of several days. This will relieve the
pain and bring the stye to a head, much like a pimple. The stye
ruptures and drains, then heals.
About the Author
Is Eye Sty Dangerous? Find out more at about Hordeolum at http://EyeSty.ewhy.info
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