Barton L. Halpern, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Theodore D. Jones, M.D.
Catherine H. Bene, M.D.
Leonard B. Nelson, M.D.
Understanding Styes
A stye is an infection of an eyelash follicle caused by an overpopulation of the bacteria that normally inhabit the eyelid margin. Treatment of styes consists of hot compresses and occasionally antibiotic ointment to the eye. In severe cases, an oral antibiotic is necessary. Although styes are infections, they are not contagious. Styes can be prevented by keeping the eyelids clean and free of scaly debris. This not only removes the bacteria and their noxious waste products, but also removes the nutritive source for the bacteria. When a stye blocks the oily eyelid secretions normally released into the tear film, the oil can back up in the tissues and incite an inflammatory reaction. The reaction is called a chalazion and appears as a firm nodule on the eyelid. These nodules often resolve spontaneously but may become larger or secondarily infected. Treatment of chalazia is initially conservative, consisting of hot compresses and topical antibiotics. If a chalazion does not resolve, it can be removed surgically under local anesthesia (in adults) in the ophthalmologist's office. During this procedure, the eyelid is everted and the lesion is incised and drained from the underside, leaving no visual scar. It should be noted that with care and good hygiene, chalazia can be prevented. When a stubborn chalazion seems to resist healing, one must be suspicious that it is really a more dangerous problem, such as a tumor. Ophthalmologists are trained to look for this masquerading disease and treat it before it becomes uncontrollable.
