A stye (also spelled sty ) or hordeolum is an inflammation of the sebaceous glands at the base of the eyelashes. Staphylococcal bacteria are the usual culprits. Styes are usually harmless and will go away after several days on their own as your body fights the infection. Touching mucus from the nose and then rubbing the eye is one way of moving staphylococcal bacteria to the eyelid. They are generally caused by a Staphylococcus bacteria infection . A sty also may arise from an infected hair follicle at the base of an eyelash. A sty can develop as a complication of blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid). The term external hordeolum has been used to refer to a sty that develops at the base of an eyelash involving a hair follicle of the eyelid, whereas the term internal hordeolum refers to a sty arising due to blocked meibomian glands in the eyelid. Most clear up within a few days, even if no treatment is received. Rarely the entire eyelid may become infected. This requires medical treatment, including antibiotics. Some people seem to get many styes while others get few or none at all.

Styes usually develop over a few days and may drain and heal on their own. A stye can become a chalazion -- this is when an inflamed oil gland becomes fully blocked. If a chalazion gets large enough, it can cause trouble with your vision. Frequently, the lump appears with a visible whitish or yellowish spot that looks much like a large pimple. The lump frequently goes away when the blockage of the gland opening is relieved. There are some cases where surgical draining of the stye or the application of antibiotic drops may be required. To prevent a stye in the eye always washing hands before touching the eyes and keeping good eye hygiene, especially for contact users.

Causes of stye

Styes are generally caused by a Staphylococcus aureus bacteria infection and are particularly common in infants, though people of any age may experience them. They can be triggered by stress or poor nutrition.

A stye can be secondary, caused by blepharitis. A blocked oil gland near the eye, a chalazion, is often mistaken for a stye.

Stye Symptoms and Signs

A stye initially brings pain, redness, tenderness and swelling in the area, then a small pimple appears. Sometimes just the immediate area is swollen; other times the entire eyelid swells. You may notice frequent watering in the affected eye, a feeling like something is in the eye or increased light sensitivity.

How is a stye or chalazion diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose a stye or chalazion by closely examining the eyelid. It may be hard to tell the difference between a stye and a chalazion. If there is a hard lump inside the eyelid, the doctor will probably diagnose it as a chalazion.

Alternative Treatment of Stye

Application of prescribed antibiotic drops may also be used to help fight the infection

Surgical drainage of the stye may also be necessary if the stye is not responding to treatment

Antibiotic ointments for the eye (this does not make the stye go away faster, but it can help to stop the spread of the infection to other parts of the eye).

Antibiotic creams may help recurrent or persistent styes

Boil a handful of acacia leaves in two cups of water to make a decoction and apply it as compress on the eyelids

A grated potato used as a poultice, reduce swelling in inflamed eyes.

Any one or a combination of antibiotic or steroid drops or injections; warm compresses for 5 to 10 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day; gentle massage to express the glandular secretions; or surgical drainage

Boil 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds with a cupful of water like an herbal tea preparation to wash the eyes 3-4 times a day.