Stye Treatment

Eye health is one of the most delicate and attention-requiring areas of overall health. Infections or cystic structures that occur on the eyelids can negatively affect individuals’ quality of life. Among these conditions, one of the most common is a stye, which can often heal on its own but may sometimes require professional intervention. In this article, we will examine stye treatment in detail, from its symptoms to preventive methods. Ophthalmology specialist Op. Dr. Diclehan, who has performed successful operations for many years, shares frequently asked questions and current approaches regarding this condition.

What is a Stye?

A stye (medically called hordeolum) is a usually painful and red lump that forms as a result of the inflammation of the oil glands located in the eyelid. It can occur on the outside of the eyelid (external stye) or the inside (internal stye). External styes generally occur when the oil glands located at the base of the eyelashes become infected, while internal styes result from inflammation of the deeper oil glands on the inner surface of the eyelid.

According to Op. Dr. Diclehan, a stye is often a harmless infection and can heal quickly with proper stye treatment. However, if left untreated, it may develop into a cyst or become chronic and cause different complications.

What Are the Causes of a Stye?

The main factors leading to the formation of a stye include

• Blockage of the oil glands in the eyelid
• Bacterial infections, especially staphylococcal bacteria
• Hands coming into contact with the eyes
• Not cleaning eye makeup properly
• A weakened immune system
• Allergic reactions
• Chronic blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
• Insufficient attention to eye hygiene

Op. Dr. Diclehan emphasizes the importance of personal hygiene and states that hands that come into contact with the eyes should be washed frequently in daily life.

What Are the Symptoms of a Stye?

The development process of a stye occurs within a few days and can manifest with the following symptoms

• Painful swelling on the eyelid
• Redness in the swollen area
• A stinging sensation in the eye
• Increased sensitivity of the eyelid
• Watery eyes
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light

If these symptoms do not subside within a few days or if the complaints worsen, a consultation with an eye specialist should not be delayed. At this point, Op. Dr. Diclehan highlights the importance of early intervention, noting that personalized stye treatment methods increase the success rate.

How Is a Stye Diagnosed?

A stye can usually be diagnosed easily with an eye examination. The ophthalmologist evaluates the size, location, and sensitivity of the swelling to make a diagnosis. In rare cases, if the swelling does not subside for a long time or keeps recurring, the doctor may request further tests such as a biopsy. In such cases, it is investigated whether there is another underlying reason (for example, chalazion or a cyst).

Stye Treatment Methods

Stye treatment may vary depending on the type, size, and general health condition of the person. Here are the most common stye treatment methods:

Warm Compress Application

One of the most common stye treatment methods is the application of a warm compress. It is recommended to moisten a clean cloth with warm water and apply it to the eyelid for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times a day. This method helps open the blocked gland and allows the pus to drain.
Op. Dr. Diclehan states that especially in the first days, regular application of a warm compress contributes to the rapid healing of a stye.

Antibiotic Eye Drops or Ointment

If the infection is thought to be bacterial, the eye doctor prescribes antibiotic drops or ointment. This treatment is generally used to prevent the spread of infection and to reduce the existing condition.
Medications used during stye treatment usually act in a short time, but they must always be used under medical supervision.

Oral Antibiotics

In more severe, painful, or widespread styes affecting the entire eyelid, oral antibiotic treatment may be necessary. This method is especially preferred for individuals with weakened immune systems or diabetic patients.
Op. Dr. Diclehan states that oral antibiotic treatment is very effective in long-lasting and recurrent styes.

Surgical Intervention

In some cases, especially when an internal stye (internal hordeolum) hardens and forms a cyst, surgical intervention may be necessary. In this procedure, performed under local anesthesia, the pus-filled cyst is drained and the swelling is eliminated.
Recovery after surgical stye treatment is usually quick. Short-term use of antibiotics and eye drops is recommended after the procedure.

Supportive Methods That Can Be Applied at Home

To support the stye treatment process, some natural and home-based methods may also be used:
• Compresses with chamomile tea
• Applying clean black tea bags to the eyelid
• Ensuring eye hygiene
• Avoiding the use of makeup products

However, it should be remembered that these methods cannot replace medical treatment. A specialist should always be consulted before applying any home remedy.

Other Eye Conditions Confused with a Stye

Some eye conditions can show similar symptoms to a stye. In particular, chalazion (oil cyst), blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), eyelid abscess, or tumoral formations may be mistaken for a stye. For this reason, rather than self-diagnosing, it is extremely important to consult an ophthalmologist.
Op. Dr. Diclehan emphasizes that in complaints similar to a stye, the correct diagnosis can only be made through an eye examination, ensuring that the appropriate stye treatment method is selected.

What Should Be Done If a Stye Recurs?

A stye may recur frequently in some people. This is usually due to poor eye hygiene, underlying chronic diseases, or structural disorders of the eyelid. In cases of recurrent styes, the following should be considered
• Paying attention to eye cleanliness
• Changing cosmetic products used
• Using eyelid cleansers
• Strengthening the immune system
• Visiting the ophthalmologist regularly

Op. Dr. Diclehan states that in the treatment of recurrent styes, personalized hygiene and preventive treatment plans provide great benefits.

Ways to Prevent a Stye

Another important point as much as stye treatment itself is prevention. Some preventive measures that can be taken to avoid styes include:
• Avoiding touching the eyes with hands
• Not sharing eye makeup products
• Removing makeup every night
• Paying attention to the hygiene of contact lenses
• Not rubbing the eyes
• Keeping the immune system strong

These measures are effective not only in preventing styes but also in protecting against many other eye diseases.

A stye, which manifests itself with sudden swelling, redness, and pain in the eyelid, can often resolve with simple precautions, but in some cases may require serious intervention. Therefore, stye treatment should be taken seriously and an ophthalmologist should be consulted without delay. Op. Dr. Diclehan, an expert in eye health, emphasizes that developing a personalized treatment plan for each individual’s complaints is of great importance for rapid and permanent recovery.

It should not be forgotten that eye health cannot be neglected. Even an infection that seems simple can cause serious problems in the future. Therefore, a professional perspective is essential for any change in the eyes. When stye treatment is applied at the right time and with the right method, the success rate is quite high.