A stye can cause discomfort and may interrupt your child’s daily activities, such as reading, playing, or using digital devices. While usually harmless, it’s important for parents to know what to look for and how to help their child feel better.
A stye is a small, painful bump that forms on the eyelid when one of the eyelid’s oil glands becomes blocked and infected. This blockage leads to inflammation, causing a red, swollen, tender lump that often resembles a pimple.
Although a stye typically does not affect long-term vision, it can create irritation or a gritty sensation that makes the eye feel uncomfortable.
If you or your child are experiencing these symptoms, it’s best to avoid rubbing the eye and to follow proper hygiene to prevent further irritation. If the stye doesn’t improve or becomes more painful, consult an optometrist for guidance.
While styes are generally not serious, they can cause discomfort and may interfere with your child’s daily activities. The tenderness or pain can make it difficult for them to blink or focus on things. Although styes usually clear up on their own, repeated or severe styes may indicate a problem with the eyelid’s oil glands or hygiene. It’s important to monitor the stye to ensure it doesn’t worsen or develop into a more serious infection, like an abscess.
Warm compresses, gentle eyelid hygiene, and avoiding eye rubbing can help a stye heal faster. But if the stye becomes larger, more painful, or doesn’t improve within a few days, an optometrist can assess the eye and provide appropriate care.
At Eyecare Kids, we specialise in children’s eye health and understand how uncomfortable styes can be.
Our optometrists offer gentle, child-focused care and can help:
We encourage parents to book a comprehensive eye exam with one of our friendly optometrists if their child is experiencing repeated or persistent styes.
Good vision is vital for your child’s development, both academically and in their everyday life. Don’t wait for the signs to show up – let our optometrists help you give your child the best chance at clear, efficient vision.
