Can Pulling Eyelashes Relieve a Stye?

 

Understanding Styes

A stye (also called a hordeolum) is a common eyelid bump that forms when an oil gland near the base of an eyelash becomes clogged and infected. Typically, styes are painful, swollen, and look a bit like a pimple near your lash line. They can also cause redness, irritation, and watery eyes 👀. As an optometrist, one of the most frequent questions I get asked is whether pulling eyelashes might help relieve a stye. Let’s clear up any misconceptions and outline the safest solutions.

 

Common Myths About Styes

Here are a few myths about styes and what can actually help:

• • Myth: Pulling out eyelashes will drain a stye faster.

  • Myth: Applying makeup on a stye is okay.

  • Myth: You should pop a stye like a pimple.

Pulling eyelashes ONLY ONLY helps if the infected gland is the exact gland that services the exact eyelash - usually a Gland of Zeis or Moll. Usually it's the meibomian oil gland, not an eyelash gland that is affected. Pulling out an eyelash and sending it to heaven is NOT THE WAY. Do this instead.

 

Safe Remedies for Styes

Consider these safe, optometrist-approved alternatives:

• Warm Passive Compresses: A gentle warm compress applied 2-3 times a day for 10-15 minute sessions. This helps open up clogged oil glands and speeds recovery.
• Warm Active Rolling Compresses: Use Focused Eye Roll just where you need it.  2-3 times a day for 30 seconds a session to help encourage cleaning and draining. 
• Lid Hygiene: Cleanse your eyelids with specialized eye cleansers and tools designed to reduce bacteria and debris. See Stye Cleansing System by We Love Eyes.
  
• No Squeezing or Popping: Attempting to pop or drain the stye yourself can lead to further infection.
• Hands Off: Refrain from touching your stye to avoid spreading bacteria.
• Consult a Eye Care Professional: If your stye persists or worsens, see an optometrist for a proper evaluation.

 

 

When to Seek Professional Help

Though most styes can resolve on their own within a week, there are times when you should see your eye doctor:

• If the stye grows larger or more painful.
• If vision becomes blurred or impaired.
• If you experience recurring styes.
• If there is yellow or green-ish discharge.

About Dr. Tanya Gill, OD

As the founder of We Love Eyes, Dr. Tanya Gill is passionate about delivering healthy, natural eye care solutions that truly make a difference. Explore WeLoveEyes.com to learn more about treating styes and other common eye issues. Your eyes deserve the best! ❤️