What is a stye?

A stye is indeed a blocked gland in the eyelid. Specifically, it often occurs when a meibomian gland, which is responsible for producing oil that makes up part of the tear film, becomes blocked or infected. This blockage can lead to a localized swelling, redness, and sometimes pain in the eyelid, forming what appears as a small bump.

Understanding that a stye results from a blocked gland helps differentiate it from other conditions. For instance, infections in the cornea are not referred to as styes; they are typically termed corneal infections or keratitis. Similarly, contact lenses serve a purpose related to vision correction, and a tear deficiency refers to a different condition known as dry eye syndrome. Recognizing these distinctions is essential for accurately diagnosing and explaining various ocular conditions.