Stye treatment
Find care
Services are available at MinuteClinic (virtual care also available) and CVS Pharmacy®
Insurance and pricing
Most insurance accepted. Check your coverage or estimate the cost of your visit if you’re uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket.
Need to know more about stye treatment? We’ve got you covered.
What is a stye?
A stye (sty) looks like a pimple on the lower or upper part of the eyelid. This bump is caused by a blocked gland.
2 types of sebaceous glands found on eyelids (meibomian, which is unique to the eyelids, and a sweat gland) secrete an oily material called sebum. Scar tissue or foreign substances such as makeup and dust can clog the opening in the gland. The secretion thickens and flows slowly, or not at all. A change in the flow can cause the stye to develop. Styes are not contagious.
What symptoms can occur with a stye?
- Discharge or crusty material on your eyelids and lashes
- Eye pressure
- Feeling like there’s a foreign body in your eye (especially when you blink)
- Pain in the area of the bump
Getting help
- You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.
Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:
If you made your appointment online:
Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.If you made your appointment in the clinic:
Sign in at the electronic kiosk.If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.- When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
- Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
- At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.
Eye Styes causes, symptoms and treatment
A non-infected stye usually gets better on its own with home care. A commonly used home remedy is to apply a warm compress to the affected eye. This helps soften the secretion, allowing it to drain naturally.
Eye Styes prevention
Your MinuteClinic provider can help you understand the various treatments for your symptoms. Your provider may also discuss the use of over-the-counter medications and other ways to feel better and recover faster.
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.
REFERENCES USED AS SOURCES FOR THIS PAGE:
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1. Suffering From a Stye or Pinkeye? via Riley Children’s Health. (Accessed August 24, 2019)
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2. Sty (Stye) Treatment, Duration, Symptoms, Remedies & Pictures (Accessed August 24, 2019)
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3. Conjunctivitis, styes, eyelid infection: The most common eye infections (Accessed August 24, 2019)