A stye is an acute infection of an eyelash follicle, most often staphylococcal — the equivalent of a small boil on the eyelid margin. It presents as a painful, red swelling centred on a white point at the lash line.
Treatment
A topical antibiotic ointment, sometimes combined with an anti-inflammatory, prescribed after examination: recovery occurs within a few days. Removing the lash at the centre of the stye can help it drain. Do not squeeze or pierce the stye yourself.
Stye or chalazion?
A stye is acute, painful and superficial (at the eyelid margin, on a lash). A chalazion is deeper, painless or nearly so in its chronic phase, due to obstruction of a Meibomian gland — its management is different.
Book an appointment
Consultations in Boulogne-Billancourt (Ophtalife) and Saint-Maur-des-Fossés (Beaurepaire).