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Eye Disease

Stye

Swelling and pain in the eyelid — an accurate diagnosis matters

A stye is an inflammatory condition caused by a bacterial infection in the eyelid's oil or secretory glands. It begins with swelling and pain, and as it progresses, pus may form.

Stye

Types & symptoms of styes

  • External stye

    External stye (external hordeolum)

    State

    A bacterial infection in the glands along the eyelid margin (glands of Zeis and Moll).

    Symptoms

    Itching, swelling, pain, induration (hardening)

  • Internal stye

    Internal stye (internal hordeolum)

    State

    A bacterial infection causing inflammation in the meibomian glands inside the eyelid.

    Symptoms

    Deep-seated pain, swelling, abscess

  • Chalazion

    Chalazion (meibomian cyst)

    State

    A chronic granulomatous inflammation where blocked meibomian glands accumulate secretions, forming a firm nodule inside the eyelid.

    Symptoms

    Firm nodule, lump inside the eyelid, mild pain

Stye treatment at Shinsegae Eye Center

01·03
Solution 1

Early medication

In the early stage, antibiotic drops and oral medication quickly calm the inflammation.

Solution 2

Warm compress

We guide proper warm-compress technique to release hardened oil and support natural healing.

Solution 3

Micro-incision drainage

If medication doesn't help or pus collects, local anesthesia + micro-incision removes the abscess scar-free.

Everyday stye prevention

  • 1

    Hand hygiene

    Hand hygiene
  • 2

    Avoid rubbing your eyes

    Avoid rubbing your eyes
  • 3

    Keep makeup tools clean

    Keep makeup tools clean
  • 4

    Get enough sleep

    Get enough sleep
  • 5

    Relieve stress

    Relieve stress
  • 6

    Contact lens hygiene

    Contact lens hygiene

Frequently asked questions

Squeezing at home
Q.

Can I squeeze it at home?

A

Squeezing at home is not recommended.

Squeezing a stye with unsterile hands or tools can spread bacteria into surrounding tissue, worsening the inflammation and risking scarring or delayed recovery.

Is a stye contagious
Q.

Is a stye contagious?

A

No, a stye is not contagious.

Unlike viral conditions such as epidemic conjunctivitis, a stye is a non-contagious inflammation caused by your own blocked glands or an individual bacterial infection.

Why styes recur in the same spot
Q.

Why do styes recur in the same spot?

A

Styes can recur due to eyelid hygiene, meibomian gland dysfunction, or chronic blepharitis.

In adults especially, if a chalazion keeps recurring in the same spot, there is a rare chance of a malignancy such as sebaceous gland carcinoma, so it must be checked with an exam.

Contacts or eye makeup with a stye
Q.

Can I wear contact lenses

or eye makeup with a stye?

A

It is best to pause until symptoms ease.

Wearing lenses with a stye can cause secondary infection (conjunctivitis, keratitis).

Eye makeup can also block or irritate the oil glands, so keep the eye area clean during treatment.