General Information

Signs and symptoms

Diagnosis and Treatment

General Information  

     A sty is a small abscess of the glands in the eyelids (near the root of an eyelash) which can occur externally and internally. This abscess is generally a localized staphylococcal infection and you may get more than one sty at a time or several in succession. 

     Sties respond well to treatment, but can recur. If untreated, sties can eventually lead to cellulitis of the eyelids, a more serious condition. They are neither contagious nor a sign of cancer. 
 
 

Signs and symptoms 

     Redness, swelling, and pain in a localized area of the eye. An external sty may be noted when there is a tender red nodule present below the lid margin; an internal sty may not have a visible nodule.  Slightly blurred vision. 

Diagnosis and Treatment  

     An examination of the eye generally confirms this infection.  Many sties will drain on their own, but to facilitate the drainage of the abscess and reduce pain, a folded clean cloth can be used as a compress. The compress should be dipped in warm water, wrung out until just a little dripping remains, and applied to the eye. Dip the folded cloth repeatedly to keep the compress wet and warm. Continue the application of the compresses for 10-15 minutes. Using a clean cloth each time, apply the warm compresses 4 times a day for 3 to 4 days. 

     Generally, drug therapy includes antibiotic eyedrops/ointment and, occasionally, an antibiotic taken by mouth. Do not attempt to squeeze or drain the sty yourself.  This will spread the infection and may cause cellulitis. Have your eye rechecked if symptoms persist after several days of treatment.