Understanding the Impact of Stye on Vision: Symptoms You Should Be Aware Of
Swollen eyelid from a stye
A stye is a bacterial infection that typically affects the oil glands in the eyelid. As the bacteria multiply, the infected gland becomes inflamed, leading to swelling in the eyelid. The swelling may be noticeable in the affected eye, and the skin around the eye may also be red and sore.
The swelling can cause the eyelid to feel heavy, making it challenging to open or close the eye fully. It can also affect your appearance, making you feel self-conscious. In some cases, the swelling may be severe enough to cause the eye to look puffy and distorted.
Pain from a stye
Styes can be quite painful, causing discomfort in the affected eye. The pain can vary from mild to severe, depending on the severity of the infection. In some cases, the pain may be worse if the stye becomes infected or ruptures.
The pain may be sharp, throbbing, or aching and can affect your daily activities. It can cause difficulty in blinking, reading, or using a computer or other electronic devices. The pain may also radiate to the surrounding areas of the eye, such as the forehead, cheek, or temple.
Sensitivity to light after a stye
Individuals with styes may experience sensitivity to light or photophobia, especially if the stye is located near the eye's edge. The sensitivity may make it challenging to go outside during the daytime or use electronic devices, such as computers and smartphones.
Photophobia is usually a temporary symptom that improves as the stye heals. However, in some cases, it may persist, indicating that there may be an underlying eye condition that needs to be addressed.
Discharge
A stye can produce a yellowish or white discharge from the eye, which can crust over the eyelashes. The discharge is usually a sign that the stye is in the acute stage of infection, and the body is trying to fight off the bacteria.
The discharge can be itchy and irritating, making it challenging to keep the eye clean. It is essential to avoid rubbing the eye or picking at the discharge, as this can worsen the infection and lead to other complications.
Blurred vision from a stye
If the stye is located in the eye's edge, it can cause blurry vision. This is because the swelling can affect the cornea, the transparent layer at the front of the eye that helps to focus light. Blurred vision is a concerning symptom that requires immediate medical attention to prevent any further damage to the eye.
While the five symptoms mentioned above are the most common symptoms of a stye, there are a few other less common symptoms that some people may experience. These include:
A gritty or scratchy feeling in the eye
You may experience a gritty or scratchy feeling in the eye, similar to having sand or dirt in the eye. This is because the swelling from the stye can irritate the surface of the eye, causing discomfort.
The sensation may be mild or severe and can make it challenging to perform daily activities, such as reading or driving. It is important to avoid rubbing the eye, as this can worsen the irritation and lead to further complications.
Tearing
Tearing or watery eyes can be a symptom of a stye, particularly if the stye is located near the inner corner of the eye. The tears are usually a result of the eye's natural response to the infection, which is to produce more tears to flush out the bacteria.
Excessive tearing can cause discomfort, making it challenging to keep the eye clean and dry. It is essential to use a clean, soft cloth to gently wipe away any excess tears to prevent further irritation.
Recurring styes
In some cases, you may experience recurring styes, which can be a sign of an underlying eye condition. Recurring styes may indicate that you have a weakened immune system or are suffering from chronic inflammation.
Recurring styes can cause discomfort and affect your quality of life. It is essential to seek medical attention from our optometrist to identify the underlying cause and prevent further complications.
If you are experiencing any of the above listed symptoms, call us at 111-222-3333 to schedule an evaluation.
