Persistent Stye: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Further Help

A stye that has not resolved for a long time?

Hello, doctor.
Since I developed a stye at the end of December last year, it has not healed for a long time.
I have been applying eye drops and ointment continuously, and I have seen two doctors in total.
I had the stye expressed once by the first doctor (around early January this year), but after one or two weeks, not only did it continue to discharge pus, but there also seemed to be no signs of improvement (I consulted the first doctor about 3 to 4 times).
After that, I consulted the second doctor, who said that the result after the first doctor expressed the stye was that part of it was still discharging pus while another part was scabbing.
He mentioned that the location of the stye was not suitable for incision (due to its proximity to the nasolacrimal duct), so we would try applying ointment to see if the pus could accumulate before considering incision, or if my body could absorb it on its own.
After two weeks of using the eye drops and ointment, I returned for a follow-up, and the doctor continued to have me use the eye drops.
It has now been two weeks since then, but I feel like the stye has not improved.
The lower part of my left eye is still persistently red.
It is not painful and not excessively itchy.
Doctor, could this really be entirely due to my lifestyle and lack of sleep? Should I consider another consultation, or should I continue using the eye drops and wait for the stye to resolve on its own? Thank you, doctor.
I appreciate your help!

A Ben, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/02

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology

Hello, it is still recommended that you seek medical examination.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cai Wenyuan, Director of the Ophthalmology Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2017/03/02

More Info

Persistent styes, or hordeola, can be quite frustrating, especially when they do not resolve after several weeks of treatment. A stye is typically caused by an infection of the oil glands in the eyelid, often due to bacteria such as Staphylococcus. They can present as red, swollen bumps on the eyelid, and may be accompanied by tenderness, discharge, and sometimes, a feeling of pressure in the eye.

In your case, it seems that you have been dealing with this issue since December, and despite multiple visits to different doctors and various treatments, you are still experiencing symptoms. This situation can be concerning, especially if there is persistent redness and discharge. Here are some considerations regarding the causes, treatments, and when to seek further help:

Causes of Persistent Styes
1. Bacterial Infection: The most common cause is a bacterial infection. If the bacteria are not fully eradicated, the stye can persist.

2. Blocked Glands: Sometimes, the oil glands can become blocked, leading to the formation of a cyst or chalazion, which can mimic a stye.

3. Poor Hygiene: Touching your eyes with unclean hands or using contaminated cosmetics can introduce bacteria.

4. Underlying Conditions: Conditions such as blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid) or skin conditions like rosacea can contribute to recurrent styes.

5. Stress and Fatigue: While not a direct cause, stress and lack of sleep can weaken the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections.

Treatments for Persistent Styes
1. Warm Compresses: Applying a warm compress to the affected area several times a day can help to promote drainage and healing.

2. Topical Antibiotics: If there is an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic ointments or drops.

3. Oral Antibiotics: In cases of severe or persistent infection, oral antibiotics may be necessary.

4. Surgical Drainage: If the stye does not improve with conservative treatment, a minor surgical procedure to drain the stye may be required. However, as your doctor mentioned, the location near the nasolacrimal duct complicates this option.

5. Steroid Injections: In some cases, steroid injections may help reduce inflammation.

When to Seek Further Help
You should consider seeking further medical attention if:
- The stye does not improve after two weeks of treatment.

- You experience increased pain, swelling, or redness.

- There is significant discharge or if the discharge changes in color or consistency.

- You develop vision changes or increased sensitivity to light.

- You have recurrent styes or other symptoms like fever or swollen lymph nodes.

Conclusion
Given that you have been experiencing this issue for several months without significant improvement, it may be time to consult an ophthalmologist, particularly one who specializes in eyelid disorders. They can provide a more thorough examination and may suggest alternative treatments or interventions that could be more effective. Additionally, while lifestyle factors such as sleep and stress can impact your overall health, they are unlikely to be the sole cause of a persistent stye.
In the meantime, continue to practice good hygiene, avoid touching your eyes, and follow your doctor's advice regarding the use of topical medications. If you notice any worsening of your symptoms, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.

Similar Q&A

Persistent Stye Issues: Seeking Solutions Beyond Antibiotics

Hello, doctor. My stye keeps recurring, and now both my upper and lower eyelids have developed styes. I previously visited an ophthalmologist who said that my eyelashes were too oily, which was causing the styes to keep appearing. I was prescribed antibiotics, eye drops, and oint...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: 1. Avoid self-diagnosis and self-treatment: Although you may not want to visit an ophthalmologist again, since there is still pus and swelling in the middle of your eyelid, it is recommended that you see a doctor to have your eyes examined for more detailed information and...

Persistent Stye Issues: Seeking Advice for Ongoing Eye Discomfort

Hello Dr. Liang, this is Lu Yu-jun. My stye on the left eye has improved a lot since you performed the surgery on the afternoon of January 14. However, there is still a smaller stye closer to the inner side that seems to have grown a little larger and is somewhat painful. I would...

Dr. Liang Ce reply Ophthalmology
Frequent styes are related to individual constitution and lifestyle habits. People with excessive oil secretion are more prone to developing styes. Those who stay up late or enjoy consuming fried, spicy, or irritating foods are also at a higher risk. Maintaining a regular daily r...

Understanding Recurrent Styes: Causes and Treatment Options

Hello, Doctor. Around mid-October this year, I felt like my right eye was bitten by a mosquito, and there was a small bump in the eye socket. However, after two or three days, my eye started to sting and itch, so I went to see an ophthalmologist. The doctor said it was a stye loc...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello, Cen: How can we prevent styes? Here are some maintenance methods you might try: ◆ Pay attention to eye cleanliness: You can use a cotton swab dipped in diluted baby shampoo or warm water to gently clean the base of your eyelashes and the surrounding area to remove excess o...

Understanding and Managing Styes: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

Hello, doctor. Around the end of October this year, I developed a stye on my lower right eyelid, which I believe is an internal stye. I didn't see a doctor and just applied erythromycin ointment at home. After three weeks, it was not painful, itchy, or swollen, but there was...

Dr. Chen Anping reply Ophthalmology
1. Possible reasons for individuals who are prone to developing styes include: 1. Staying up late. 2. Engaging in excessive eye strain from work. 3. Preferring high-calorie fried foods. 2. Avoiding the aforementioned factors is the key to prevention.