The word "Zeissian sty" or "stye" refers to a painful lump that forms at the base of an eyelash. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription system. The "Z" sound at the beginning is represented by the IPA symbol /z/. The "ei" in "Zeissian" is pronounced as /aɪ/. The "y" in "sty" is pronounced as /aɪ/ as well. Meanwhile, the "s" in "sty" is pronounced as /s/ and the "t" is pronounced as /t/.
Zeissian sty, also known as stye, refers to a common eye condition characterized by a small, painful lump that forms on the eyelid. This condition typically occurs when a gland at the base of an eyelash becomes infected or inflamed. The Zeissian sty is named after its discovery by the German ophthalmologist, Carl Zeiss.
A Zeissian sty appears as a red, tender bump on the eyelid, often filled with pus. It usually develops on the outer edge of the eyelid but can also occur on the inner side. This condition may cause discomfort or pain, especially when blinking. It can lead to a sensation of the eye being irritated, along with excessive tearing and sensitivity to light.
Zeissian sties are primarily caused by an infection from bacteria, commonly Staphylococcus aureus, that enters the oil glands found along the eyelashes. Factors that increase the risk of developing a Zeissian sty include poor hygiene, frequent touching or rubbing of the eyes, as well as the use of expired or contaminated eye makeup.
Most Zeissian sties resolve on their own within a few days to a week, as the body's immune system fights off the infection. Warm compresses applied to the affected area can help to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. In some cases, the sty may drain spontaneously, relieving pain and reducing its size.
If a Zeissian sty persists, grows larger, or causes severe pain, medical attention should be sought. An eye care professional may prescribe antibiotic ointments or oral antibiotics to eradicate the infection. Additionally, they may recommend good eyelid hygiene practices to prevent the recurrence of Zeissian sties.
Inflammation of one of Zeiss's glands.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.