| are caused by staphylococcal bacteria. This disease | | | | 1. Do not rub your eyes. This can irritate your eyes and |
| appears due to debilitated condition of the system. An | | | | spread infection. |
| Eye stye occurs when staphylococcal bacteria infect | | | | 2. Protect your eyes from dust and air pollution by |
| one of the tiny glands at the base of the eyelid hairs | | | | wearing safety glasses when outside, particularly |
| and then becomes inflamed. A chalazion can | | | | when doing dusty chores like raking or mowing the |
| sometimes be mistaken for a stye. | | | | lawn. |
| A chalazion or stye is a small lump on the eyelid due | | | | 3. Avoid areas where dust and air pollution are heavy. |
| to a plugged oil gland. This can occur on any eyelid. | | | | 4. Replace your eye makeup, especially mascara, at |
| The eyelids contain many oil producing glands called | | | | least every 6 months. Bacteria can grow in makeup. |
| meibomian glands. In some people, these glands | | | | 5. Treat any inflammation or infection of the eyelid |
| become plugged, much like a pimple might develop on | | | | (blepharitis) promptly. If you do not, the infection may |
| the skin. This is not related to any disease and is not | | | | spread to the oil glands of the eyelid and cause a stye. |
| harmful to the eye or vision. | | | | Eye Stye Remedies |
| Sties are the result of an infected oil gland at the base | | | | Chalazions may be treated with any one or a |
| of the eyelash. You can get more than one sty at a | | | | combination of antibiotic or steroid drops or injections; |
| time or several in succession because the infection | | | | warm compresses for 5 to 10 minutes, 3 or 4 times a |
| can spread from one hair follicle to others. Infection | | | | day; gentle massage to express the glandular |
| can occur, for example, when a contaminated | | | | secretions; or surgical drainage. Chalazions usually |
| mascara or makeup brush gives bacteria a free ride | | | | respond well to treatment, although some people are |
| into the oily pores along the lashes. | | | | prone to recurrences and may require continuing |
| To help prevent styes, internal hordeola, and chalazia, | | | | medication. |
| which are minor problems of the eyelid: | | | | |