Stye Causes

A stye (or sty) is a pimple-like growth on the inside or outside of the eyelid. Caused by staphylococcal bacteria, which is often transferred from the nose to the eye through rubbing, styes signal an infected eyelid gland.

Although styes are typically painful, tender, red and swollen, they are not harmful to vision. Styes usually burst on their own and then heal within a few days. In order to prevent spreading or further infection, it is crucial that a stye be left to rupture on its own. Unless they recur, styes usually don't require medical treatment.

In certain cases, styes are caused by staphylococcal infections elsewhere in the body. These styes will be treated with an oral antibiotic. In extreme cases, surgical removal of the stye may be necessary.

For more information about causes of styes, please contact us. Select your state below for a consultation.