How to Determine if It's a Stye

　　Poor eye hygiene, improper diet, bacterial infection, and other factors may lead to hordeolum. Generally speaking, methods to determine whether it is a hordeolum include observing the affected area, examining the local morphology, monitoring pain levels, vision testing, and slit-lamp examination. If necessary, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Observe the Affected Area

　　A hordeolum results from bacterial infection of the sebaceous glands around the meibomian glands or eyelash follicles. These sebaceous glands are located on the eyelids, so redness and swelling typically occur on the eyelid and can develop on either the upper or lower eyelid.

2. Examine the Local Morphology

　　In the early stages, a hordeolum presents as localized redness and swelling, with a noticeable hard lump that has relatively clear boundaries. As the condition progresses and inflammation reaches a certain stage, pus may form within the tissue, potentially resulting in a yellowish-white pus point at the top of the lump.

3. Monitor Pain Levels

　　Inflammation stimulates surrounding nerve endings, causing pain. Therefore, a hordeolum usually causes pain, particularly exacerbated by touching or blinking. Moreover, the more severe the inflammation, the more pronounced the pain tends to be.

4. Vision Testing

　　In its early stages, a hordeolum typically does not affect vision. However, if the hordeolum is large, the inflammation is extensive, or there are complications such as keratitis or other eye diseases, vision may be impacted. Vision testing can provide an initial assessment of whether the hordeolum has affected vision-related structures.

5. Slit-Lamp Examination

　　A slit-lamp allows clear visualization of ocular structures such as the eyelids, eyelashes, and conjunctiva. For a hordeolum, slit-lamp examination can precisely identify the location of redness, swelling, and induration, determining whether it is at the eyelid margin or within the meibomian gland. It also enables observation of conjunctival congestion and edema, particularly useful in internal hordeolum for assessing inflammation on the palpebral conjunctiva.

　　In daily life, adjusting dietary habits and focusing on nutritional balance are recommended. Consuming more vegetables, fruits, and other foods rich in vitamins and fiber can help enhance overall immunity and promote eye health.