Which Deficiency Causes Styes? Unraveling the Nutritional Links to Eye Infections

Ever woken up with that surprisingly painful, red bump right on your eyelid? You know the one – a stye. It’s an incredibly common, albeit annoying, affliction. Many of us have experienced it at some point, and the immediate question that pops into our minds is often: “What did I do wrong?” or even, “Which deficiency causes styes?” While a stye isn’t directly caused by a single, definitive nutritional deficiency in the way scurvy is caused by a lack of Vitamin C, there are definitely several nutritional gaps that can significantly increase your susceptibility to developing them. It’s not a simple one-to-one answer, but understanding these connections can empower you to take proactive steps for healthier eyes.

From my own experiences and extensive research, I can tell you that while hygiene plays a crucial role, the underlying health of your body, including its nutrient status, absolutely matters. A weakened immune system, often a consequence of certain deficiencies, can make you a prime target for the bacteria that typically cause styes. So, while you won’t find a medical textbook stating “Vitamin X deficiency causes styes” as the sole reason, the evidence strongly points towards a constellation of nutrient shortfalls that pave the way for these pesky infections. Let’s dive deep into what those might be and how you can address them.

Understanding What a Stye Is

Before we get into the nutritional aspects, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of what a stye actually is. A stye, medically known as a hordeolum, is a bacterial infection that typically affects an oil gland in your eyelid. There are two main types:

External Hordeolum: This is the most common type and occurs when an eyelash follicle becomes infected. It often appears as a red, painful bump on the outer edge of the eyelid.
Internal Hordeolum: This type develops from an infection in one of the meibomian glands, which are larger oil glands located within the eyelid. It typically presents as a red, tender lump on the inner surface of the eyelid.

The culprit behind most styes is usually Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium commonly found on the skin. When this bacteria enters an oil gland or eyelash follicle, it can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to the formation of a stye. Factors like clogged oil glands, poor eyelid hygiene, and a compromised immune system can all contribute to the development of a stye.

The Nutritional Landscape: Which Deficiency Causes Styes?

While no single nutrient deficiency is solely responsible for causing styes, several play significant roles in maintaining robust eye health and a strong immune system, which in turn can prevent them. Think of it as a team effort; if one player is weak, the whole team is more vulnerable. The primary deficiencies that could indirectly contribute to stye formation are related to immune function, skin health, and the general integrity of mucous membranes.

1. Vitamin A: The Guardian of Vision and Skin Integrity

Vitamin A is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to eye health, but its role extends to skin and mucous membrane health, which are your first lines of defense against infections. A deficiency in Vitamin A can compromise the health of the conjunctiva and cornea, making them more susceptible to bacterial invasion. It’s also crucial for the proper functioning of the immune system. When Vitamin A levels are low, your body’s ability to fight off infections, including those that cause styes, is significantly impaired.

Why it matters for styes:

Epithelial Cell Health: Vitamin A is essential for the differentiation and maintenance of epithelial cells, which line your eyelids and form the surface of your eyes. Healthy epithelial cells create a strong barrier against pathogens. A deficiency can lead to dry, scaly skin and mucous membranes, creating an entry point for bacteria.
Immune System Support: Vitamin A plays a vital role in both innate and adaptive immunity. It helps in the development and function of various immune cells, including lymphocytes and phagocytes, which are critical for fighting off bacterial infections.
Sebum Production Regulation: While not fully understood, some research suggests Vitamin A might influence the composition and flow of sebum, the oily substance produced by sebaceous glands. Proper sebum flow is crucial for keeping eyelids lubricated and preventing gland blockages that can lead to styes.

Sources of Vitamin A:

You can obtain Vitamin A from both animal and plant sources. Animal sources provide preformed Vitamin A (retinol), while plant sources offer carotenoids (like beta-carotene) that your body converts into Vitamin A.

Animal Sources: Liver (especially beef and cod liver oil), fish, dairy products (milk, cheese, butter), and eggs.
Plant Sources: Brightly colored fruits and vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, cantaloupe, and apricots.

Signs of Vitamin A Deficiency:

Beyond increased susceptibility to infections like styes, Vitamin A deficiency can manifest as:

Night blindness (nyctalopia)
Dry eyes (xerophthalmia)
Dry, scaly skin
Frequent infections
Poor wound healing

2. Vitamin C: The Antioxidant and Immune Booster

Vitamin C is perhaps one of the most well-known nutrients for its role in immune support. It’s a potent antioxidant that protects cells from damage and is absolutely vital for the proper functioning of white blood cells, which are your body’s primary defense against infection. If your Vitamin C levels are insufficient, your immune system might not be as effective at combating the bacteria that cause styes.

Why it matters for styes:

Immune Cell Function: Vitamin C is a crucial cofactor for many enzymatic reactions involved in immune responses. It enhances the production and function of various immune cells, including phagocytes, which engulf and destroy bacteria.
Antioxidant Protection: During an inflammatory response, like that seen in a stye, there’s an increase in oxidative stress. Vitamin C helps neutralize harmful free radicals, protecting delicate eye tissues and supporting the healing process.
Collagen Synthesis: Vitamin C is indispensable for collagen synthesis, a protein that provides structure to skin and connective tissues. Healthy connective tissues in the eyelids can contribute to better gland function and a stronger barrier against infection.

Sources of Vitamin C:

Fortunately, Vitamin C is widely available in many common foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables.

Fruits: Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes), strawberries, kiwi, papaya, cantaloupe, mango.
Vegetables: Bell peppers (especially red and yellow), broccoli, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, leafy greens (kale, spinach).

Signs of Vitamin C Deficiency:

While severe deficiency (scurvy) is rare in developed countries, mild to moderate deficiency can present with:

Fatigue and weakness
Easy bruising
Slow wound healing
Recurrent infections
Dry, rough skin
Swollen gums

3. Zinc: The Immune System’s Workhorse

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in numerous bodily functions, particularly immune system development and function. It’s involved in the development and activation of immune cells and acts as an antioxidant. A zinc deficiency can lead to a weakened immune response, making you more prone to infections, including those that manifest as styes. Zinc also plays a role in skin health and wound healing.

Why it matters for styes:

Immune Cell Activity: Zinc is vital for the proper development and function of T-cells and other immune cells that defend the body against pathogens.
Antioxidant Properties: It acts as an antioxidant and is a component of superoxide dismutase (SOD), a crucial enzyme that protects cells from oxidative damage.
Skin Barrier Function: Zinc is important for maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier and plays a role in wound healing and tissue repair. Healthy eyelid skin is less prone to irritation and infection.
Sebum Regulation: Some studies suggest zinc may help regulate sebum production, potentially reducing the risk of clogged oil glands.

Sources of Zinc:

Zinc is found in a variety of foods, with animal products generally being the richest sources.

Animal Sources: Oysters (the best source), red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products.
Plant Sources: Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas), nuts (cashews, almonds), seeds (pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds), whole grains.

Signs of Zinc Deficiency:

Deficiency can vary in severity but may include:

Impaired immune function and increased infections
Delayed wound healing
Skin rashes or lesions
Hair loss
Loss of appetite
Impaired sense of taste or smell

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: The Anti-Inflammatory Champions

While not a direct deficiency in the same way as vitamins or minerals, an imbalance in dietary fats, particularly a lack of omega-3 fatty acids and an excess of omega-6 fatty acids, can contribute to chronic inflammation throughout the body. Chronic inflammation can weaken the immune system and create an environment where infections are more likely to take hold. Omega-3s are also vital for maintaining the health of the meibomian glands, which are crucial for lubricating the eyes and preventing dryness and irritation that can predispose to styes.

Why it matters for styes:

Reduced Inflammation: Omega-3 fatty acids have potent anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing systemic inflammation, they can help create a more balanced internal environment, supporting a more effective immune response.
Meibomian Gland Function: These glands produce the oily layer of the tear film, which prevents rapid evaporation of tears and keeps the eyes lubricated. Omega-3s are essential for the production of healthy meibum (the oil secreted by these glands). Insufficient omega-3s can lead to thicker, less fluid meibum, contributing to gland blockages and dry eye disease, which is often linked to stye formation.
Immune Modulation: Omega-3s help modulate the immune system, ensuring it responds appropriately to threats without overreacting and causing excessive inflammation.

Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

There are three main types of omega-3s: ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Your body can convert ALA into EPA and DHA, but the conversion rate is often inefficient.

Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, anchovies, and tuna are excellent sources of EPA and DHA.
Plant Sources (ALA): Flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, soybeans, and canola oil.
Supplements: Fish oil or algal oil supplements are also readily available.

Signs of Omega-3 Deficiency (or Imbalance):

A lack of omega-3s often goes hand-in-hand with an excess of omega-6s, leading to a pro-inflammatory state. Symptoms can be vague but may include:

Dry skin and eyes
Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Joint pain
Mood swings
Increased inflammation and susceptibility to infections

5. Biotin (Vitamin B7): For Healthy Skin and Hair

Biotin, a B vitamin, is well-known for its role in maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails. While it might seem less directly linked to styes than other nutrients, healthy skin is a critical barrier against infection. Biotin helps in the production of fatty acids and glucose, which are essential for cellular health and energy production. A deficiency, though rare, can lead to skin issues that might indirectly increase susceptibility to bacterial infections.

Why it matters for styes:

Skin Health: Biotin is crucial for maintaining the integrity and health of the skin. It helps in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, which are vital for skin cell turnover and repair.
Sebum Production: Some evidence suggests biotin plays a role in regulating sebum production, which can help keep eyelids lubricated and prevent blockages.

Sources of Biotin:

Biotin is found in a variety of foods, and it’s also synthesized by gut bacteria.

Rich Sources: Eggs (especially yolks), nuts (almonds, peanuts), seeds, salmon, avocado, sweet potatoes, cauliflower.
Other Sources: Dairy products, organ meats, legumes.

Signs of Biotin Deficiency:

Biotin deficiency is quite uncommon, but it can occur due to genetic disorders, prolonged antibiotic use, or excessive consumption of raw egg whites (which contain avidin, a protein that binds biotin). Symptoms include:

Thinning hair or hair loss
Brittle nails
Skin rashes (often around the eyes, nose, and mouth)
Neurological symptoms like depression or lethargy

Beyond Deficiencies: Other Nutritional Factors

While specific deficiencies can increase your risk, it’s also important to consider your overall dietary pattern. A diet rich in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats can promote inflammation and weaken the immune system, regardless of whether you have a specific vitamin or mineral deficiency. Conversely, a balanced diet emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods, providing a broad spectrum of nutrients that work synergistically to support your health.

The Gut-Eye Connection:

Emerging research highlights the importance of gut health for overall immunity and inflammation. A healthy gut microbiome can positively influence immune responses. Diets lacking in fiber and rich in processed foods can negatively impact gut bacteria, potentially leading to a less robust immune system and increased inflammation, which could indirectly contribute to conditions like styes.

Hydration:

Proper hydration is also crucial. When you’re dehydrated, your body’s natural defense mechanisms can be compromised. Adequate water intake helps maintain the health of mucous membranes, including those in your eyes, and supports the overall function of your immune system.

When to See a Doctor and How to Manage Styes

Even with a nutrient-rich diet, styes can still occur. They are, after all, common bacterial infections. However, by addressing potential nutritional deficiencies and practicing good hygiene, you can significantly reduce your risk and speed up recovery.

Home Care for Styes:

For most styes, home care is usually sufficient:

Warm Compresses: This is the cornerstone of stye treatment. Apply a clean, warm, damp washcloth to the affected eyelid for 10-15 minutes, several times a day. The warmth helps to soften the blockage, encourage drainage, and reduce pain and swelling.
Cleanliness: Keep the area clean. Gently wash your eyelids with a mild soap or a specific eyelid cleanser. Avoid touching or rubbing the stye.
Do Not Squeeze: It might be tempting, but never try to pop or squeeze a stye. This can spread the infection and worsen the condition.
Contact Lens Caution: If you wear contact lenses, switch to glasses until the stye has completely healed to prevent spreading the infection to your lens or eye. Disinfect your lenses thoroughly.
Makeup Avoidance: Avoid wearing eye makeup until the stye is gone, as it can introduce more bacteria to the area and delay healing. Discard any eye makeup you used while the stye was present.

When to Seek Medical Attention:

While most styes resolve on their own within a week or two, you should consult a doctor if:

The stye is extremely painful or causes significant vision changes.
The redness and swelling spread to your entire eyelid or cheek.
The stye doesn’t improve after a week of home treatment.
You experience recurrent styes.
You have a fever.

A doctor might prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments if the infection is severe or spreading. In some cases, a small incision might be needed to drain a persistent stye.

Practical Steps for a Nutrient-Rich Diet to Prevent Styes

Given the strong links between nutrition and susceptibility to styes, focusing on a balanced, nutrient-dense diet is a proactive approach. Here’s a practical guide:

Step 1: Assess Your Current Diet

Honestly evaluate what you’re currently eating. Are you relying heavily on processed foods, fast food, or sugary drinks? Are you consuming a wide variety of fruits and vegetables? Keeping a food diary for a few days can provide valuable insights.

Step 2: Prioritize Whole Foods

Build your meals around whole, unprocessed foods. This means opting for lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.

Step 3: Load Up on Vitamin A Sources

Incorporate colorful fruits and vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and kale into your daily meals. Include sources of preformed Vitamin A like eggs and dairy if you consume them. Cod liver oil is an excellent concentrated source.

Step 4: Boost Your Vitamin C Intake

Make sure to have at least one or two servings of Vitamin C-rich foods with each meal. Think citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers, and broccoli. Eating them raw or lightly cooked helps preserve their Vitamin C content.

Step 5: Ensure Adequate Zinc Consumption

Include sources of zinc like lean meats, poultry, fish, legumes, nuts, and seeds in your diet. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, pay extra attention to plant-based sources and consider potential absorption enhancers like Vitamin C.

Step 6: Incorporate Omega-3s

Aim to eat fatty fish (like salmon or mackerel) at least twice a week. If you don’t eat fish, include flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts in your diet regularly. Consider an algal oil supplement if needed.

Step 7: Don’t Forget Biotin

Include foods like eggs, nuts, seeds, and avocados in your diet to ensure adequate biotin intake.

Step 8: Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for at least 8 glasses (64 ounces), or more if you are active or in a hot climate.

Step 9: Consider Gut Health

Include probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, as well as prebiotic-rich foods like onions, garlic, and bananas, to support a healthy gut microbiome.

Step 10: Be Mindful of Sugar and Processed Foods

Limit your intake of refined sugars, white flour products, and heavily processed foods, as these can contribute to inflammation and weaken your immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions About Styes and Nutrition

Q1: Is it possible that a specific vitamin deficiency directly causes styes?

It’s highly unlikely that a single vitamin deficiency directly “causes” a stye in the same way that Vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy. Styes are primarily bacterial infections. However, certain nutritional deficiencies can significantly weaken your immune system and compromise the health of your skin and mucous membranes, making you far more susceptible to these bacterial infections. So, while a deficiency doesn’t directly plant the bacteria, it creates an environment where the bacteria can thrive and cause an infection more easily. Think of it as leaving the door unlocked for an intruder; the deficiency weakens your body’s defenses, making it easier for the bacteria to cause trouble.

For instance, a deficiency in Vitamin A can impair the integrity of the epithelial cells that line your eyelids and ocular surface. These cells act as a crucial physical barrier against bacteria. If this barrier is compromised due to a lack of Vitamin A, bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus can gain entry more readily. Similarly, a weakened immune response due to insufficient Vitamin C or Zinc means your body’s natural defense forces are not as well-equipped to identify and eliminate invading bacteria before they can establish an infection and form a stye.

Furthermore, issues with oil gland function can contribute. Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for producing healthy meibum, the oil that lubricates your eyes and prevents blockages in the meibomian glands. A deficiency or imbalance (too many omega-6s, not enough omega-3s) can lead to thicker, stickier meibum, increasing the likelihood of gland blockage and subsequent inflammation, which can then become infected, resulting in an internal stye.

In summary, it’s not a direct cause-and-effect relationship but rather an indirect one where nutritional deficiencies compromise your body’s overall resilience, making it more vulnerable to the bacterial culprits behind styes.

Q2: How can I tell if I might have a deficiency that’s contributing to my styes?

Recognizing a potential nutrient deficiency requires paying attention to your body’s signals. Often, the symptoms of mild to moderate deficiencies can be subtle and may overlap with other common health issues, which can make self-diagnosis tricky. However, a pattern of recurring infections, including styes, can be a significant indicator that your immune system might not be functioning optimally due to nutritional gaps.

Beyond recurrent styes, look for other signs associated with specific nutrient shortfalls. For example, if you’re experiencing significant dryness of the skin or eyes, brittle hair or nails, frequent colds, slow wound healing, or fatigue that isn’t explained by lack of sleep, these could point towards deficiencies in vitamins A, C, zinc, or biotin. Night blindness is a classic, though often later, sign of Vitamin A deficiency. Easy bruising and bleeding gums might suggest low Vitamin C. Skin rashes or hair loss could be linked to zinc or biotin issues.

If you suspect a deficiency, the most reliable way to confirm it is to consult with a healthcare professional, such as your primary care physician or a registered dietitian. They can assess your diet, discuss your symptoms, and, if necessary, order blood tests to measure your levels of specific vitamins and minerals. This objective data is crucial for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations. Relying solely on symptoms can be misleading, as many conditions share similar signs.

Q3: If I get styes frequently, should I immediately start taking supplements?

Jumping straight to supplements without understanding the root cause might not be the most effective or safest approach. While supplements can be beneficial, they are best used to correct identified deficiencies or support specific health goals under professional guidance. If you’re experiencing frequent styes, the first and most crucial step is to focus on optimizing your diet with whole, nutrient-dense foods.

A balanced diet provides a complex array of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber that work synergistically. Supplements, while helpful, often deliver nutrients in isolated forms and may not offer the same benefits as a whole-foods approach. Furthermore, taking high doses of certain supplements without a diagnosed deficiency can sometimes be harmful or interact with medications you might be taking. For example, excessive Vitamin A can be toxic, and high doses of zinc can interfere with copper absorption.

Therefore, if frequent styes are a concern, I’d strongly recommend a two-pronged strategy: first, improve your diet by emphasizing the nutrient-rich foods discussed earlier. This is the foundation of good health. Second, consult with a healthcare provider. They can help you determine if there’s an underlying issue, such as a specific deficiency, or other medical conditions contributing to your recurrent styes. If a deficiency is identified, they can recommend the appropriate supplement, dosage, and duration of treatment. They can also rule out other potential causes for recurring eyelid infections, such as blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction, which may require different management strategies.

Q4: Are there any specific foods that are particularly good for preventing styes?

Absolutely! Focusing on a diet rich in certain key nutrients can significantly bolster your body’s defenses against styes. Think of these as your “eye-friendly” powerhouses:

Vitamin A Powerhouses: Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, liver (in moderation), eggs, and dairy products. These foods help maintain the health and integrity of your eyelid skin and the surface of your eyes, acting as a strong first line of defense.

Vitamin C Champions: Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits), strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers (especially red and yellow), broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. These are fantastic for boosting your immune system’s ability to fight off infections and also act as antioxidants to protect delicate tissues.

Zinc-Rich Foods: Oysters are the absolute king of zinc, but if they’re not your thing, lean red meat, poultry, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, and cashews are also excellent sources. Zinc is vital for immune cell function and skin repair.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Sources: Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are superb for their EPA and DHA content, which helps reduce inflammation and keeps your meibomian glands healthy. For plant-based options, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts provide ALA, which your body can convert (though less efficiently) into the more potent forms.

Antioxidant-Rich Foods in General: Beyond specific vitamins, a diet brimming with a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables provides a broad spectrum of antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and support overall cellular health, including that of your eyes and immune system. Berries, dark leafy greens, and vibrant vegetables are excellent choices.

Incorporating these foods regularly into your meals and snacks will create a more nutrient-dense dietary pattern, supporting a robust immune system and healthier eyes, thereby reducing your susceptibility to bothersome styes.

Q5: Can diet alone prevent styes, or is hygiene still the most important factor?

This is a fantastic question that gets to the heart of managing styes effectively. It’s crucial to understand that both diet and hygiene play vital, interconnected roles, and neither can completely replace the other. Think of them as two pillars supporting your defense against styes.

Hygiene: The Immediate Barrier

Good eyelid hygiene is paramount for preventing the direct invasion of bacteria that cause styes. This includes:

Hand Washing: Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or face. This is the single most effective way to prevent transferring bacteria.
Avoiding Eye Touching: Resist the urge to rub or touch your eyes, especially if your hands aren’t clean.
Proper Makeup Practices: Never share eye makeup, replace mascara and eyeliner regularly (every 3-6 months), and always remove makeup before sleeping.
Contact Lens Care: Strict adherence to cleaning and replacing contact lenses according to your eye doctor’s instructions is critical.

Without good hygiene, even the most robust immune system, bolstered by an excellent diet, can be overwhelmed by a direct bacterial assault.

Diet: The Underlying Strength

As we’ve discussed extensively, your diet builds your internal resilience. A nutrient-rich diet strengthens your immune system, keeps your skin and mucous membranes healthy, and ensures proper gland function. When your body is well-nourished:

Your immune cells are better equipped to fight off any bacteria that might breach your defenses.
Your eyelid skin and the glands within it are healthier, less prone to blockages and irritation.
Inflammation is kept in check, creating a less hospitable environment for infection.

So, while good hygiene prevents the initial entry of bacteria, a good diet ensures that if any bacteria do get in, your body is in the best possible shape to fight them off before they can cause a full-blown stye. It’s a synergistic relationship. Neglecting either pillar significantly increases your risk.

In conclusion, to effectively prevent styes, you must embrace both impeccable hygiene practices and a consistently nutrient-dense diet. They work hand-in-hand to provide comprehensive protection.

Concluding Thoughts on Nutritional Support for Eye Health

The question “Which deficiency causes styes?” leads us down a fascinating path of understanding how our internal environment, heavily influenced by nutrition, impacts our susceptibility to external threats like bacterial infections. While no single deficiency is the sole culprit, a well-nourished body is undeniably better equipped to ward off the bacteria that commonly lead to styes. Vitamins A, C, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and biotin all play critical roles in maintaining healthy skin, robust immune function, and optimal gland health in the eyelids.

My perspective, grounded in both personal experience and the wealth of scientific information, is that prioritizing a whole-foods, nutrient-rich diet is one of the most powerful, proactive steps you can take for your eye health and overall well-being. It’s not about quick fixes or chasing single nutrients, but about building a strong, resilient system from the inside out. Coupled with diligent hygiene practices, a balanced approach to nutrition can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of styes, allowing you to keep your eyes clear, comfortable, and healthy.

Remember, your body is a complex, interconnected system. What you feed it matters, not just for your energy levels or skin complexion, but for every facet of your health, including the delicate structures around your eyes. If you find yourself battling recurrent styes, take a moment to assess your diet and consider making those nutrient-rich choices. It might just be the key to keeping those unwelcome bumps at bay.

Which Deficiency Causes Styes? Unraveling the Nutritional Links to Eye Infections