Eye barley is a small, red, painful bump that forms under the eyelid or at the base of the eyelashes. It is also known as a stye or hordeolum. The bump is usually caused by a bacterial infection in the hair follicle or oil gland of the eyelid.
Eye barleys are common and usually not serious, but they can be uncomfortable and unsightly.
Symptoms of Eye Barley
The main symptoms of eye barley include:.
- A small, red bump on the eyelid or at the base of the eyelashes
- Pain or tenderness around the bump
- Swelling of the eyelid
- Watery eyes
- Crusting or discharge around the eye
- Sensitivity to light
Causes of Eye Barley
Eye barleys are caused by a bacterial infection in the hair follicle or oil gland of the eyelid. The bacteria usually responsible for eye barleys are staphylococcus bacteria.
These bacteria are present on the skin and can easily get into the hair follicles or oil glands when the eye is rubbed or touched with dirty hands. Other factors that can increase the risk of eye barleys include:.
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What Causes Barley in the Eye?
- Poor hygiene
- Using old or expired eye makeup
- Wearing contact lenses for extended periods of time
- Not removing eye makeup before going to bed
- Having a weakened immune system
Treatment of Eye Barley
Most eye barleys will go away on their own within a few days to a week. However, there are some things you can do to help speed up the healing process and relieve symptoms:.
- Apply a warm compress to the affected eye for 10-15 minutes several times a day. This will help to reduce swelling and promote drainage of the bump.
- Keep the area clean and avoid touching or rubbing the affected eye.
- Avoid wearing eye makeup or contact lenses until the bump has healed.
- If the bump is particularly painful, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment to help clear up the infection.
- In rare cases, the bump may need to be drained by a healthcare professional.
Preventing Eye Barley
There are several things you can do to help prevent eye barleys:.
- Wash your hands regularly, especially before touching your eyes.
- Avoid touching your eyes or rubbing them with dirty hands.
- Replace eye makeup and makeup brushes regularly and avoid using old or expired products.
- Remove contact lenses before going to bed and clean them properly before reusing them.
- Don’t share eye makeup or contact lenses with others.
When to See a Doctor
You should see a doctor if:.
- The bump does not go away after a week
- The bump gets bigger or more painful
- Your vision is affected
- You develop a fever or other symptoms of infection
In rare cases, eye barleys can lead to more serious eye infections, so it’s important to seek medical attention if you have any concerns.
