If your lower eyelid begins to swell or develop a bump, it could be a stye. This affliction is usually mild and treatable at home, but in more severe cases, you may need to consult with an optometrist. Use this guide to learn more about styes as well as how to prevent and treat them.

What Is a Stye?

A stye is a small, red bump that develops at the corner of your eye, the base of your eyelash, or even under the eyelid. Styes can be painful and are caused by a bacterial infection. The specific bacteria, staphylococcal, are typically found in the nose. If you touch your nose and then your eye, for instance, the bacteria could transfer, and a stye could form.

An external stye by the eyelashes results in the infection of an eyelash follicle, while an internal stye causes one of the oil glands inside your eyelid to become irritated. While styes can make your eye tender, the pain should not be unbearable.

How to Treat Styes

While styes may seem like pimples, it’s important that you do not try to pop them. Instead, apply a hot compress of some sort, such as a warm washcloth, to the affected area for at least 10-15 minutes three to four times a day for several days. This is a natural way to reduce the stye’s inflammation and allow it to drain.

If your stye persists for over a week, you may need to consult with an optometrist for further treatment. They can prescribe ointments or medications to help the swelling go down. If this still does not rid you of the irritation, you can get rid of the most persistent of styes by undergoing a surgical procedure to drain them.

How to Prevent Styes

Aside from being careful not to touch your eyes immediately after your nose, there are other small ways to prevent styes. Since this bacterial infection is contagious, washing your hands frequently as well as regularly cleaning washcloths and pillowcases can help to ward off styes. If you wear eye makeup, make sure you don’t share your products with others.

If you’re looking for an optometrist to evaluate a stye, check out Dr. Michael R. Schmit in Cincinnati, OH. He has over ten years of experience, and so does every single member of his staff. Dr. Schmit and his team are knowledgeable, but they also prioritize customer satisfaction. Reliable, fast, and efficient, they’re here to help with any of your eye care needs. For more information on their services, visit their website or call (513) 741-8811.