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Sty (cont.)

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What is the treatment for a sty?

Application of a warm compress or warm washcloth to the affected area for 10 minutes, four to six times a day, can speed rupture of the sty and aid in the relief of symptoms. A sty should not be pressed or squeezed to facilitate drainage. If a sty persists for several days, a doctor may lance (drain) the infection under local anesthesia in his or her office. Children who require surgical drainage of a sty may need a general anesthetic. Antibiotic ointments and/or steroid ointments sometimes are prescribed to treat a sty. Rarely, systemic (oral) antibiotics are recommended for persistent or multiple styes. Over-the-counter pain medications may be used to alleviate pain and tenderness. Contact lenses and eye makeup should never be worn during treatment for a sty.

What is the prognosis (outcome) of a sty?

A sty is harmless in the majority of cases. In most cases, a sty ruptures on its own within a few days to a week, leading to relief from symptoms. Some people will require medical or surgical treatment of a sty, as described in the following section. A sty does not cause intraocular damage (damage to the eye). Styes often recur. Complications of styes are rare (see below).

Are there any potential complications resulting from a sty?

Complications of a sty are rare. The infection may spread to other eyelash follicles, leading to multiple styes. A chalazion (a form of scarring of the glands in the eyelid that may include the formation of cysts) is the most common complication that develops from a sty. Chalazia can be large enough to deform the cornea of the eye and interfere with vision, and they may cause a cosmetic problem. Other potential complications include a generalized infection (cellulitis) of the eyelid, and improper drainage of a sty may lead to deformity or disruption of eyelash growth. Progression of a sty to a systemic infection (spreading throughout the body) is extremely rare, and only a few instances of such spread have been recorded.

Can a sty be prevented?

While it is impossible to completely prevent the development of a sty, good hygienic practices, including proper hand washing, can help prevent all forms of infection, including a sty. Other measures that can help prevent styes include

  • never sharing cosmetics or cosmetic eye tools (such as lash curlers or eyelash combs) with others,
  • keeping eye tools clean,
  • discarding old or contaminated eye makeup,
  • keeping all cosmetics clean, and
  • not touching the eye and surrounding areas.

Last Editorial Review: 12/11/2007


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