Advanced Eyecare & Vintage Eyewear Logo
order contacts
Call Today
Book an appointment
Phone Icon
order contacts
Book an appointment

Understanding Styes in Adults: Causes, Risks, and Prevention

If you’ve ever woken up with a red, painful bump along your eyelid, you’ve likely had a stye. While they’re more common in children, styes affect adults too — and they can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and even embarrassing. The good news is that most styes are harmless, and with the right preventive steps, they can often be avoided. At Advanced Eyecare & Vintage Eyewear, we help patients understand why styes happen, who is at risk, and how to lower the chances of developing them.

What Is a Stye?

A stye, also called a hordeolum, is a red, tender lump that forms along the edge of the eyelid. It’s caused by a blocked or infected oil gland, often involving bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. Styes may appear on the inside or outside of the eyelid and can sometimes be mistaken for other eyelid conditions such as chalazia (non-infectious cyst-like bumps).

Most styes heal on their own within a week, but they can cause significant discomfort in the meantime.

Common Risk Factors for Adult Styes

While anyone can get a stye, certain factors increase the likelihood of developing them:

  • Poor eyelid hygiene: Not cleaning the eyelids or removing makeup properly can leave oils, bacteria, and debris that clog glands.
  • Frequent eye rubbing: Touching your eyes with unwashed hands transfers bacteria to the eyelid area.
  • Chronic conditions: Adults with blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), rosacea, or seborrheic dermatitis are more prone to styes.
  • Contact lens wear: Inadequate cleaning or handling of lenses increases bacterial exposure.
  • Weakened immune system: Stress, illness, or certain medical conditions can reduce the body’s ability to fight infection.
  • Cosmetic use: Old or contaminated eye makeup can harbor bacteria and contribute to blockages.

How to Prevent Styes in Adults

The best way to manage styes is to keep them from forming in the first place. Here are some simple, effective strategies:

Maintain Eyelid Hygiene

Wash your face and eyelids daily with a gentle cleanser. If you are prone to styes or blepharitis, consider using a lid scrub or wipes recommended by your eye doctor.

Remove Makeup Thoroughly

Always take off eye makeup before bed. Replace mascara and eyeliner every three months to reduce bacterial contamination.

Practice Good Hand Habits

Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes. If you must touch your eyes (for example, to insert contacts), wash your hands thoroughly first.

Care for Contact Lenses Properly

Follow cleaning instructions closely and never use tap water to rinse lenses. Consider daily disposable contacts if you have frequent eye irritation.

Apply Warm Compresses

If you notice early tenderness on your eyelid, applying a warm compress can help open oil glands and reduce the risk of a stye fully developing.

Address Underlying Conditions

If you have rosacea, blepharitis, or dry eye, managing these conditions can reduce flare-ups and the likelihood of styes.

When to See an Eye Doctor

Most styes resolve without medical treatment, but you should schedule an exam if:

  • The stye persists longer than a week
  • It becomes very large or painful
  • Your vision is affected
  • You experience recurring styes

Healthier Eyes Start with Prevention

While styes can be bothersome, knowing the risk factors and taking preventive steps goes a long way in reducing your chances of developing them. At Advanced Eyecare & Vintage Eyewear, we provide comprehensive eye care to keep your eyes comfortable, healthy, and clear of preventable issues like styes.

If you’ve been dealing with frequent styes or other eyelid problems, schedule an appointment with our team today. We’ll identify the cause and create a plan to restore your eye comfort and confidence.