What is a Stye?

A stye-also called a Hordeolum-is a red, sore lump near the edge of the eyelid that grows from the base of your eyelash or under the eyelid. Most styes are caused by a bacterial infection. There are two kinds of styes:

  • External Hordeolum: A stye that begins at the base of your eyelash often from an infection in the hair follicle that looks like a pimple.
  • Internal Hordeolum: A stye inside your eyelid that is caused by an infection in an oil-producing gland in your eyelid.

You can also get a stye if you have blepharitis-an inflammation of your eyelids- that makes your eyelids at the base of the eyelashes red and swollen. When you first get a stye, your eyelid is probably red and tender to the touch. Your eye may also feel sore and scratchy.

There are a number of ways your doctor can treat a stye including warm compresses, antibiotics or in office surgery if the other treatments aren’t helping. Never squeeze stye!

If you or someone you know has a stye please schedule an appointment at Hudson Eye Physicians & Surgeons 201-963-3937, or visit Hudson Eye Physicians & Surgeons or Facebook.

Hudson Eye Physicians & Surgeons is a comprehensive eye care practice staffed by NJ ophthalmologist & optometrist eye doctors and eye specialists located at 600 Pavonia Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (P) 201-963-3937, 124 Avenue B & 43rd Street, Bayonne, NJ 07002 (P) 201-436-1150 & 288 Millburn Avenue, Millburn, NJ 07041 (P) 973-912-9100-an affiliate of Prism Vision Group.