Your eyelids play a major role in your eye health and they’re susceptible to a number of issues. One of the most noticeable is a stye, which is a red, sometimes-painful bump on the eyelid. There are telltale signs that you’ve developed a stye, and below you’ll find a complete guide to symptoms, as well as when to see an eye doctor.

What Is a Stye?

A stye occurs when the oil glands in your eyelid become infected. This can happen from introducing dirt and bacteria into the area with your hands, using dirty contact lenses, and leaving makeup on overnight. The result is a red bump on the edge of the eyelid that’s filled with pus. In more serious cases, a stye can also form inside the eyelid. It’s usually painful and lasts several days before going away on its own.

What Are the Symptoms?

Aside from the red lump, which often resembles a pimple, you’ll also experience swelling in the rest of the eyelid and surrounding area. The skin may feel tender when touched, and your eyes will tear up regularly with further agitation. Only an eye doctor can make an official diagnosis.

How Is It Treated?

If you suspect you have a stye, you should contact your eye doctor. They need to check there aren’t more serious issues, such as blepharitis—a chronic inflammation of the eyelid. Most cases are non-serious, and the stye will disappear within a few days. For more extensive inflammation, your eye doctor may prescribe antibiotics or make a small incision to remove the pus.

For over 40 years, Griebenow Eyecare has been proud to serve residents of Clintonville and New London, WI. They specialize in a variety of eye care services, including laser treatment, and also offer a wide selection of corrective lenses. An eye doctor will work closely with you to ensure positive results, so call (800) 427-9585 if you’re overdue for an eye exam. You can also visit them online to explore their practice further and connect on Facebook for regular updates.