Stye & Eyelid Bump Treatment in Anchorage

Relief for Painful Eyelid Bumps

A stye is a small, painful bump on the edge of the eyelid, often near the lashes. It forms when an oil gland or eyelash follicle gets clogged and infected, usually by staph bacteria. At Southside Eyecare & Optical in Anchorage, Dr. Jacquelyn Lamigo and Dr. Christie Stemmle evaluate styes and other eyelid bumps and recommend the right treatment.

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Call 907-561-1167

What is a stye?

A stye (hordeolum) is a red, swollen, often tender bump on the eyelid caused by a blocked and infected oil gland or lash follicle. It can look like a pimple, sometimes with a white or yellow head. Most styes improve with warm compresses. If a stye does not get better or gets worse, an eye doctor can prescribe antibiotics.

Help for Styes That Keep Coming Back

Frequent styes can be a sign of blocked oil glands or eyelid inflammation (blepharitis). We offer BlephEx professional lid cleaning and in-office treatments for meibomian gland dysfunction that help keep the glands along your lids clear.

Signs of a Stye

A stye usually shows up as one or more of these:

- A red, swollen bump on the edge of the eyelid, often near the lashes

- A white or yellow head of pus, like a pimple

- Eyelid swelling and tenderness

- A feeling that something is in your eye

- Crusting along the lid

- Sensitivity to light

How Styes Are Treated

Most styes clear up on their own. A clean, warm compress held on the closed eyelid several times a day helps the blocked gland open and drain. Do not squeeze or pop a stye, since that can spread the infection.

If a stye does not improve, keeps coming back, or the swelling spreads, schedule a visit. Our doctors will examine the bump, rule out other causes, and prescribe antibiotics when needed.

When to Call Us

Call 907-561-1167 if an eyelid bump lasts more than a week or two, keeps coming back in the same spot, affects your vision, or if redness and swelling spread across the eyelid or face.

You don't need to know whether it's a stye or something else. Tell our front desk what you're noticing and we will schedule the right visit.

What is the difference between a stye and a chalazion?

Both are bumps caused by a blocked gland in the eyelid. A stye is usually red, painful, and infected. A chalazion is usually a firmer, less painful lump that forms when an oil gland stays blocked. Our doctors can tell which one you have and how to treat it.

Can I wear contacts or makeup with a stye?

It is best to skip both until the stye heals. Wash your hands before touching your eyes, and don't share towels or washcloths.

Is a visit for a stye covered by insurance?

Visits for eyelid infections are medical care and are usually billed to your medical insurance. We accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most medical plans, and our front desk can check your coverage before your visit.

Get Your Eyelid Checked

Call 907-561-1167 or request an appointment online.