How can you identify a stye?

A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is characterized by red, painful lumps on the eyelid, which are caused by the inflammation of an oil gland or hair follicle. This localized swelling often accompanies tenderness and might also result in some discharge. The redness is due to increased blood flow to the area as part of the body’s inflammatory response to infection or irritation.

In contrast, a white patch on the eye typically indicates a different condition, such as a corneal ulcer or a cataract, and not a stye. Blurred vision can result from various eye issues, including refractive errors or more serious conditions affecting the optical structures, but is not a direct indicator of a stye. Excessive tearing can be caused by dry eyes or irritation but does not specifically relate to the presence of a stye. Thus, the defining feature of a stye is indeed the presence of red, painful lumps on the eyelid.