Why Does my Stye Make My Whole Eyelid Puffy?

Hello, and welcome! You will learn why styes make your eyelid puffy. I'm Dr. Tanya Gill, Optometrist, and today we're discussing your question: "Why does my stye make my whole eyelid puffy?" Understanding this phenomenon can help you feel more at ease and informed about your eye health.

Understanding Styes and Eyelid Puffiness

Styes are localized infections of the oil or eyelash glands in your eyelid. When a stye forms, it can cause inflammation and swelling, leading to a puffy appearance. It's often confused with an allergy, when in fact - it's an infections. Here’s why this happens:

• • Inflammation:
    When bacteria infect an oil gland, your body responds to protect itself with an inflammatory reaction, which causes the swelling and puffiness. 😷
  • Accumulation of Fluids:
    The body sends extra fluid to the eyelid area to combat the infection, causing the entire eyelid to become bloated and puffy.
  • Immune Response:
    Your body is amazing. Your immune system works to fight off the bacteria, which can lead to additional swelling in the surrounding tissue. 
  • Blockage of Glands:
    A blocked oil gland may not drain properly, resulting in the build up of pressure and further puffiness around the stye.

What Can You Do to Manage the Puffiness?

Styes can sometimes resolve on their own, but here are some helpful tips to manage the discomfort:

• • Cold Compresses:
    Here you want cold, not warm or hot. Apply a cold, damp cloth to your eyelid for 5 minutes several times a day to help reduce swelling.
  • Proper Hygiene:
    Keep your hands, face and eyelids clean to prevent further infection. Also, stop touching your eye area.
  • Avoid Makeup and Contact Lenses:
    You won't like this. No contact lenses. No makeup. These can irritate the area and make the swelling worse.
  • Consult Your Optometrist:
    Use common sense. If the stye persists or worsens, your optometrist is your best friend. 

Response to Infection:

The puffiness associated with a stye is part of your body's amazing, natural response to infection. With proper TLC, most styes improve within a week. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your optometrist.