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If you experience redness or selling in your eyelids, you may have a stye. This is a common problem and an eye care specialist will definitely be able to help. Rest assured, you won’t be experiencing your discomfort for long. Find out how to handle a stye below. 

What Is a Stye?

A stye is an infection of the eyelid caused by staphylococcal bacteria, which can be transferred to the eyes via your own hands after you've rubbed your nose. It can affect the outside or the inside of the eyelid, often appearing in the form of a small bump near the edge of the eyelid.

eye careIt may be red, and will be accompanied by swelling, tenderness, and possible pain. In some cases, inflammation is localized and in others the entire eyelid swells up. Luckily, although they are uncomfortable, styes usually do not cause any vision problems.

How Are Styes Treated?

Home remedies can sometimes heal a stye. First, clean the eyelid gently with warm soap and water. Then, apply a washcloth soaked in warm water. Replace it with a fresh one once it loses heat, doing this for up to 10 minutes, and then gently massage the eyelid. This encourages the stye to drain. 

Avoid wearing eye makeup or using contact lenses, which may irritate the eye. If the stye doesn't drain, see an eye care specialist. If necessary, your eye doctor will open and drain the stye and prescribe an antibiotic ointment to prevent recurrence.

How Do You Prevent Styes?

Styes are contagious, so wash your hands regularly when you’ve been out in public. At home, avoid sharing washcloths, towels, and pillowcases. If you wear contact lenses, never insert them without disinfecting first. If you wear makeup, always wash it off at night and never use old or expired cosmetics.

 

Midwest Eye Center: A Division of TriState Centers for Sight of Crestview Hills, KY, serves patients throughout the Greater Cincinnati, OH, area and northern Kentucky with top-quality eye care. Their diverse team of specialists covers everything from laser eye surgery to cataract treatments. Whatever you turn to them for styes or LASIK, expect personalized, compassionate care. Each patient is given a thorough exam and tailor-made eye care plan suited to their precise needs. Find out more about their procedures online. For an appointment, call (859) 525-6215.

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