Why Do I Suddenly Have a Stye?
As an optometrist, I encounter many patients concerned about the sudden appearance of a stye on their eyelid. A stye, also known as a hordeolum, can be uncomfortable, unsightly and concerning, but understanding its underlying causes can provide clarity and guide effective treatment and prevention strategies.
Primary Causes of Styes:
Styes typically develop due to bacterial infections, with the most common culprit being the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium. These bacteria are commonly found on the skin's surface and can enter the eyelid through tiny openings at the base of eyelashes or oil glands. Once inside, they trigger an inflammatory response, resulting in the formation of a stye.
Blocked oil glands, particularly those around the eyelashes, can also contribute to the development of styes. When these glands become obstructed by dead skin cells, dirt, or excess oil, it creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth, leading to infection and the formation of a stye.
Poor eyelid hygiene is another significant factor that can increase the risk of styes. Failing to properly remove eye makeup, using expired or contaminated cosmetics, or frequently touching the eyes with unwashed hands can introduce bacteria to the eyelid margins, fostering infection.
Individuals with chronic blepharitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the eyelids and eyelashes, are more prone to developing styes due to recurrent bacterial infections.
Additionally, factors such as stress and hormonal changes can weaken the immune system, making it easier for infections like styes to take hold. Underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, can also predispose individuals to styes by compromising the body's ability to fight off infections effectively.
Preventative Treatments:
To prevent styes, I often recommend the following measures to my patients:
Maintain Good Eyelid Hygiene: Thoroughly remove eye makeup before bedtime, avoid sharing eye cosmetics with others, and wash your hands frequently to minimize the spread of bacteria to the eyelids.
Use Clean Eyewear: Ensure that eyeglasses and contact lenses are cleaned and stored properly to prevent bacterial contamination. Check out our article on how to clean your eyeglasses properly.
Warm Compresses: Apply warm compresses to the affected eyelid several times daily to promote drainage, reduce swelling, and alleviate discomfort. In addition, you can also use a Bruder Mask to increase the duration and intensity of the warm compress.
Avoid Rubbing or Squeezing: Refrain from rubbing, squeezing or trying to pop the stye, as this can worsen the inflammation and increase the risk of spreading the infection.
Consider Antibacterial Eyelid Cleansers: In cases of chronic blepharitis or recurrent styes, using antibacterial eyelid cleansers as directed by your optometrist may help reduce the risk of bacterial infections. We can recommend both lid wipes and sprays (great for kids).
When Should You Book An Eye Exam:
If you experience recurrent or persistent styes despite following preventative measures, or you've already tried everything in our article on how to get rid of a stye fast, then it's essential to schedule an emergency eye care visit at our clinic. Additionally, if the stye is accompanied by severe pain, vision changes, or signs of spreading eye infection, seek prompt medical attention by one of our eye doctors. They may need to refer you to the on-call ophthalmologist for more advanced treatment.
While the sudden appearance of a stye can be concerning, understanding its primary causes and implementing preventative measures can help minimize the risk of recurrence and promote eye health. You can effectively manage and prevent styes by maintaining good eyelid hygiene, seeking timely medical care when needed, and consulting with your optometrist for personalized recommendations.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog post by Helio Optometry eye care clinic in Edmonton is intended solely for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a Licensed Optometrist. No doctor/patient relationship is established through the use of this blog. The information and resources presented are not meant to endorse or recommend any particular medical treatment. Readers must consult with their own healthcare provider regarding their health concerns. Helio Optometry and its optometrists do not assume any liability for the information contained herein nor for any errors or omissions. Use of the blog's content is at the user's own risk, and users are encouraged to make informed decisions about their health care based on consultations with qualified professionals.
