Vision Changes After Recurrent Styes: Causes and Solutions

Q: Vision Changes After Recurrent Styes: Causes and Solutions

Hello： The pressure from a stye can potentially cause astigmatism to develop. <br>Moreover, this type of astigmatism is often difficult to correct with contact lenses. <br>After some time, once the stye has completely healed and the cornea is no longer under pressure, it is possi

After developing a stye, vision may decrease?

In March of this year, I suddenly developed a stye on my left upper eyelid, which resolved after about two weeks of medication and topical treatment.
A few weeks later, around early June, the stye reappeared in the same location and also resolved in about two weeks.
In mid-August, I experienced a third stye, but this time it was located inside the upper eyelid and could only be seen by flipping the eyelid.
Initially, I treated it with medication and topical ointment.
However, a week later, while at work, I suddenly found it difficult to see with my left eye; it felt strained, my vision became blurry, and when I covered my right eye, I noticed double vision on the screen.
When looking at traffic lights with my left eye, they appeared as two overlapping circles, with a slight migraine sensation accompanying it.
I initially thought it was due to fatigue, but after two days without improvement, I returned to the doctor.
The doctor believed my myopia had worsened and recommended new glasses after an eye exam.
Unsatisfied, I visited an ophthalmologist the following week, who found my intraocular pressure to be slightly elevated but attributed the other findings to age-related vision decline.
Both doctors stated that my vision deterioration coincided with the stye but insisted there was no direct correlation between the two.

Is it really possible for vision and astigmatism to deteriorate so suddenly? Yesterday, I specifically purchased a stronger prescription (matching the new eye exam results) for contact lenses.
While my vision became somewhat clearer, the double vision persists.
Is there a chance for improvement in this situation? (Two years ago, my vision was: left 175; right 150, with astigmatism of 50 degrees.
Recently, my vision was checked and found to be: left 225/astigmatism 125; right 125/astigmatism 50.)

Joi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/08/30

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: The pressure from a stye can potentially cause astigmatism to develop.
Moreover, this type of astigmatism is often difficult to correct with contact lenses.
After some time, once the stye has completely healed and the cornea is no longer under pressure, it is possible for the cornea to return to its original state, and vision may improve.

Reply Date: 2023/08/30

More Info

Understanding vision changes after recurrent styes can be quite complex, as various factors can contribute to the symptoms you're experiencing. Styes, or hordeola, are localized infections of the eyelid glands, typically caused by bacteria. While they are generally not serious, recurrent styes can lead to complications that may affect your vision.

Causes of Vision Changes After Recurrent Styes
1. Infection and Inflammation: Each time a stye occurs, it can cause localized inflammation and irritation in the eyelid. This inflammation can lead to temporary changes in vision, such as blurriness or double vision, particularly if the stye is located near the cornea or if it causes swelling that affects the eyelid's ability to close properly.

2. Corneal Involvement: If the stye is located on the inner eyelid, it may come into contact with the cornea, leading to irritation or even corneal abrasions. This can result in blurred vision or visual disturbances, including double vision.

3. Changes in Tear Film: Styes can affect the normal functioning of the meibomian glands, which produce oils that help stabilize the tear film. If the tear film is disrupted, it can lead to dry eyes, which can cause blurry vision and discomfort.

4. Increased Eye Pressure: You mentioned that your eye pressure was higher during your examination. Elevated intraocular pressure can lead to visual disturbances and may be a sign of conditions such as glaucoma, which can be exacerbated by inflammation or stress on the eye.

5. Refractive Changes: The increase in your prescription from -1.75 to -2.25 in your left eye, along with an increase in astigmatism, suggests that your vision may have changed due to natural progression or possibly due to the stress and inflammation caused by the recurrent styes.

Solutions and Recommendations
1. Consultation with an Eye Specialist: Since you are experiencing persistent symptoms such as double vision and headaches, it is crucial to consult with an ophthalmologist. They can perform a comprehensive eye examination to rule out any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your vision changes.

2. Management of Styes: To prevent further occurrences of styes, maintain good eyelid hygiene. Warm compresses can help alleviate symptoms and promote drainage. If styes recur frequently, your doctor may recommend additional treatments or preventive measures.

3. Corrective Lenses: Since your vision has changed, updating your prescription glasses or contact lenses is essential. However, if you are still experiencing double vision despite wearing the correct prescription, this may indicate a need for further evaluation.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, including when they occur and any associated factors (like fatigue or stress). This information can be helpful for your eye care provider in determining the best course of action.

5. Consider Dry Eye Management: If your symptoms are related to dry eyes, consider using artificial tears or other lubricating eye drops to help stabilize your tear film.

6. Follow-Up: Regular follow-ups with your eye care provider are essential, especially if you notice any changes in your vision or if your symptoms persist. They can monitor your eye health and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

In conclusion, while it is possible for vision to change rapidly due to various factors, including infections like styes, it is essential to address these changes with a healthcare professional. They can help determine the underlying causes and recommend appropriate treatments to improve your vision and overall eye health.

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