Sty: Common eye infection

Babyment

A sty is an infection of the secretory glands of eyelids. It results from the blocked glands within the eyelid. It is a common eye disease in children.

Sty in children is usually caused by bacterial infection or poor eyelids hygiene which causes the secretory gland of the eyelids to be blocked. The oil produced by the small gland backs up and forms a bump in the eyelid.

Treatment at home

1. Apply warm compresses four or six times a day to help the drainage while keeping your child's eyes closed.
2. You may inject anti-flammatory eye drop or ointment into the bumps.
3. Do not ever squeeze or puncture the sty. There is lot of blood vessel in the eyelid. A more serious infection may occur if you squeeze the sty.

You should seek doctor's help if your child's vision is affected, or there is redness covering entire eye or swelling lasting for more than 1 week.