Stye (Hordeolum): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
شحاذ العين (دمل الجفن)
A stye, or hordeolum, is a small painful eyelid lump usually caused by an infected gland or eyelash follicle. Many improve with simple care, but reduced vision or spreading swelling needs urgent assessment.
What is Stye (Hordeolum)?
A stye can occur at the eyelid edge or inside it. It differs from a chalazion, usually a blocked oil gland with less pain. Not every red eye is a stye.
Related reading: Chalazion and its distinction from a stye.
Symptoms
A tender localized lump may have a pus-filled point, with watering or irritation. Vision is usually unaffected; deeper eye pain, light sensitivity or blurred vision should not be dismissed.
Causes
Bacteria usually infect a lash follicle or eyelid gland. Persistent blepharitis or gland dysfunction can contribute. Appearance alone is insufficient to explain an unusual, recurrent or lasting lump.
Risk factors
Blepharitis, rosacea and eyelid gland problems increase susceptibility. Old cosmetics or touching the eye with unwashed hands can contribute; recurrent episodes warrant review of associated factors.
Diagnosis
The clinician examines the eyelid and eye and locates the lump. Typical cases need no complex testing. An unusual appearance, persistence or recurrence at the same site may require specialist evaluation.
Treatment
Apply a clean, comfortably warm compress for 5–10 minutes several times daily. Temporarily avoid contacts and eye makeup. Do not squeeze the lump or pull out a lash. Antibiotics or drainage are clinician-selected options, not necessary for every case.
Complications
A lump may persist or be followed by a chalazion, and infection occasionally spreads around the eyelid. Squeezing can worsen spread. Vision loss should never be attributed to an uncomplicated stye without examination.
Prevention
Wash hands before eye or lens contact, remove makeup before sleep and gently clean lid margins as advised. Do not share towels or eye cosmetics, and manage recurrent blepharitis.
When to see a doctor
Seek urgent care for reduced vision, severe pain or spreading swelling with fever. Pain on eye movement or a protruding eye requires emergency assessment. Persistent or recurrent lumps need review rather than prolonged home treatment.