Eyelid Stye
Written by: Muhammad Arif Rahimi
A stye (hordeolum) is a localized infection in the eyelid that causes a tender, red bump near the edge of the eyelid. AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some people and a physician about this disease.
Muhammad Yunas, a resident of Qarabagh district, Kabul province says, “Once of my eyes infected and it caused to develop stye on my left eyelid. It caused my eye inflammation, pain, and redness of the eyelid and it lasted for 3 months.”
Ahmad Bilal, a resident of Kapisa province says, “I was suffering from stye on my eyelid. It had swollen and irritation and it had pain if anything was touching to it and water was coming from my eyes.”
Ophthalmologist, Doctor Dur Muhammad Tanai talks about this disease, “A stye is a localized infection in the eyelid that causes a tender, red bump near the edge of the lid. There are two types of eye styes: External: An eye stye at the base of an eyelash. Internal: An eye stye within one of the small oil glands within the eyelash. Pain, redness, swollen eyelids, tenderness, droopy eyelids, eye discharge, and burning sensation and the patient might lose his/her eyesight gradually.”
What do people think about the causes of a stye?
Mahshargul, a resident of Maidan-Wardak province says, “I think rubbing eyes with contaminated hands causes stye.”
Kulsoom, a resident of Paghman district, Kabul province says, “My cousin was suffering from stye but I do not know about the cause of it.”
Doctor Tanai says, “Bacteria infects the oil glands in the eyelids. Seborrhea (excessive oily discharge from the glands) might increase the likelihood of developing one of these infections. Certain other factors could contribute to the infection of the glands: Use of outdated or contaminated cosmetics or contact lenses, inflammatory diseases of the eyelid, and stress. A contaminated hand could also cause this disease.”
How do people treat a stye at homes?
Muhammad Tamim, a resident of Maidan-Wardak says, “A stye was developed on my cousin’s eyelid. He hung a needle over it but it did not affect.”
A woman, who doesn’t want to mention her name says, “I tied 5 shits of sheep with a five Afghanis coins and then I rubbed it three times on my eye but it did help me. Some people put garlic for this purpose.”
Doctor Tanai rejects these kinds of treatment and says, “Rinsing eyes with lukewarm water or tea decreases the infection. Hot pack also reduces pain but hanging needle or putting sheep shits causes more infection.”
How to people treat and prevent stye?
Muhammad Yunas says, “Two times I went to the doctor and he prescribed me some medicines. I took and used the medicines on time and they cured my eyelid stye but I still take the remained medicines.”
Mahshargul says, “When I work in my land, I use eyeglasses and gloves and I do not touch my eyes with contaminated hands and I regularly wash my hands and face with water and soap.”
Doctor Tanai says, “Stye could be treated and prevented too. In the beginning, we prescribe oral medicines, drops, and ointment. If the disease progresses, it might be cured by a minor surgical operation.
To prevent this disease, we must take care of our hands, face. Prevent eyes from dust and treat minor problems of eyes in the beginning.”