What Is a Stye?

Have you noticed a pimple-like bump forming on your eyelid? These bumps are known as styes. They form due to a bacterial infection that has occurred in either the follicle of one of the eyelashes or in one of the oil-producing glands in the eyelid. Because the issue is an infection, a small yellowish spot forms at the center of the bump due to the buildup of pus.

A stye can be a very painful and uncomfortable issue to deal with. It will begin to grow if not taken care of properly or if not addressed quickly, which can lead to the swelling of the entire eyelid. Fortunately, styes do not typically require medical attention. Applying a warm compress and keeping the area clean is usually all it takes.

It is important to remember that if you notice a bump on your eyelid, it may be due to a number of other much more harmful reasons. It may be a skin lesion. If you notice a concerning eyelid bump, contact our office to schedule a consultation with board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Gregory Lewen.