• Infection of the glands in the eyelid
• Symptoms may include redness, swelling and tenderness of the eyelid
• Caused commonly by infection from bacteria
• Cannot be spread from person to person
• Affects males and females
• Can occur at any age but more common in adults
• May be mild to severe
• May resolve without treatment or progress to severe inflammation of eyelid
• Not life threatening

GENERAL THERAPY

• Do not squeeze the sty on your own
• Apply warm, wet compresses to eye for 10 minutes, 4 times a day
• Keep hands away from eyes
• Wash hands frequently
• Avoid rubbing eyes
• Wash eyelash line with mild no tear soap and water

Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):

• Ophthalmic
  • Ointments
  • Solutions
  • Medicated pads

PRECAUTIONS AND AVOIDANCES

• Make sure any medicine you buy is ophthalmic (eye) not otic (ears)
• Do not heat compresses in microwave
• Practice good hand washing techniques
• Keep hands away from eyes
• Use care with cosmetics
  • Do not use outdated cosmetics, replace every 6 months
  • Do not share makeup with anyone
• Make sure your contact lenses and hands are clean when inserting them
• Wear eye protection when in dusty environments

SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IF:

• Your vision is interfered with
• Becomes painful, continues to drain pus, or grows larger quickly
• Redness develops with swelling that extends beyond the lid
• No improvement after 3 days of treatment