What it is, symptoms and how to care for the eye
Stye
A stye is an acute, localised inflammation affecting a gland in the eyelids, creating a small, painful, boil-like swelling. Although generally benign, it can be bothersome, cause noticeable swelling, and interfere with the normal opening of the eye.
In most cases, a stye is caused by a bacterial infection, often by Staphylococcus aureus, which obstructs a sebaceous gland on the eyelid margin. It can affect either the outer (external stye) or inner part of the eyelid (internal stye), with varying degrees of intensity.
Stye
Main symptoms of a stye
Common signs include:
• localized redness and swelling of the eyelid;
• pain to the touch and when closing the eye;
• foreign body sensation;
• tearing and light sensitivity;
• formation of a small pustule at the inflamed spot.
In more evident forms, a stye can make focusing difficult and cause slight blurred vision due to altered lipid production by the eyelid glands.
Stye
Causes and risk factors
A stye develops when a gland becomes infected or blocked, often due to:
• poor eyelid hygiene;
• touching the eyes with dirty hands;
• chronic blepharitis;
• improper use of contact lenses;
• make-up or cosmetic products not thoroughly removed;
• stress and weakened immune system.
Although it is not a serious condition, it is important not to underestimate the symptoms and to avoid improvised remedies that could worsen the situation.
Stye
How to manage a stye
In most cases, a stye tends to resolve spontaneously within a few days. However, it is useful to follow some good practices:
• apply warm compresses to promote drainage;
• keep the eyelid area clean;
• avoid makeup, contact lenses, and touching;
• never force the contents out;
• protect the eye from overexposure to light.
In case of persistent swelling, intense pain, or frequent recurrence, a professional check-up is recommended.
The Più Ottica Solution
medical glasses to protect and stabilize vision during a stye
During a stye episode, the inflamed eyelid can alter the quality of the tear film and increase light sensitivity, causing temporary visual disturbances, fatigue, and discomfort.
For this reason, at Più Ottica centers, we create specific medical glasses designed to improve vision and reduce irritation during inflammatory phases.
They are an effective optical aid to alleviate visual disturbances until the stye is completely resolved.
Stye
Medical glasses Più Ottica
Più Ottica medical glasses help to:
• reduce photophobia thanks to photo-selective filters and advanced anti-reflective treatments;
• stabilize vision, by compensating for tear film fluctuations;
• protect the ocular surface from wind, dust and artificial light;
• improve visual comfort when using a computer, through blue light filters and anti-fatigue coatings;
• promote a more stable microclimate in front of the eye, useful during inflammation.
These glasses are specially made with personalized lenses, adapted to the customer's light sensitivity and eyelid condition.
Take care of your eyes
Trust the professionals at Più Ottica
A stye is a common but often underestimated condition. A proper evaluation can prevent its recurrence and improve eyelid health.
Book a consultation now with Più Ottica specialists and receive personalized advice to protect your eyes and prevent recurrent eyelid disorders.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CURIOSITY
A stye is an acute inflammation of a gland in the eyelid, generally caused by a bacterial infection, often by Staphylococcus aureus. It appears as a small, painful, and red swelling, similar to a boil, located on the outer or inner eyelid margin. It is a common and usually benign condition, but it can be bothersome and temporarily interfere with vision.
Symptoms of a sty include localized eyelid swelling, pain to the touch, redness, foreign body sensation in the eye, tearing, and increased light sensitivity. In some cases, a small visible pustule and slightly blurred vision may appear, due to changes in the tear film caused by inflammation.
In most cases, a stye tends to resolve spontaneously with warm compresses and proper eyelid hygiene. During the inflammatory phase, at Più Ottica stores, you can consider customized medical glasses with photo-selective filters and anti-reflective coatings, useful for reducing photophobia, stabilizing vision, and protecting the eye from light, wind, and irritating agents until the condition completely resolves.
A stye is often confused with a chalazion, but these are two different conditions:
• A stye is acute, infectious, and painful, with rapid onset;
• A chalazion is non-infectious, painless, and slower to form, caused by the obstruction of a Meibomian gland.
Correctly recognizing the difference allows for identifying the most appropriate management.
MASTER OPTICIAN
ENNIO SCAUZILLO
Ennio is a Master Optician, a title he earned in Florence in 2018, with over fifty years of experience in the world of optics. He qualified as an optician at the prestigious Vinci (Florence) School of Optics. Renowned for his professionalism, kindness, and sensitivity, Ennio is often consulted for personalized advice and delicate optical solutions.
We recommend that you consult your ophthalmologist for an accurate assessment and detailed information, especially if you have acute or particularly bothersome symptoms.