Beloved television personality Valerie Bertinelli has shared a candid health update with her millions of followers, revealing she is battling a painful and severe stye that has left her eye dangerously swollen.
A Painful and Persistent Problem
The 65-year-old actress and food expert took to Instagram to explain the situation. She disclosed that a stye had been developing underneath her eyelid for approximately a week and had significantly worsened overnight. By Wednesday morning, the swelling was so pronounced that her eye was "about to close shut." Despite applying warm compresses, the infection continued to progress, leading Bertinelli to humourously caption her post, "Well, this is going to be interesting."
Professional Dedication Trumps Discomfort
However, the Delaware-born star, a two-time Daytime Emmy winner, was adamant that the infection would not prevent her from working. Drawing on over five decades in the entertainment industry, she expressed a steadfast professional ethos. "If there's one thing I've learned about this business... is it doesn't matter how sick you are (as long as you're not contagious)," she wrote. Bertinelli emphasised her gratitude for her career and colleagues, stating, "You show up for work and you do your job because you're lucky to have it."
Her resolve was further strengthened by thinking of her son, musician Wolfgang Van Halen. She recalled his bravery in late November when he performed for nearly two hours to sold-out audiences while suffering from a kidney stone. Inspired by his fortitude, Bertinelli concluded, "I can go to work with a ridiculous puffy eye." She invited fans to join her on the TalkShopLive platform to discuss the ordeal.
Background and Medical Context
Bertinelli, who boasts 4.2 million social media followers, is widely known for her role on One Day at a Time and later as a lifestyle expert on The Drew Barrymore Show, where she has appeared in 72 episodes across four seasons. She welcomed her son Wolfgang during her 20-year marriage to legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen; the marriage ended in 2007, thirteen years before his death from a stroke.
According to medical sources like the Mayo Clinic, a stye is a painful lump caused by a bacterial infection, often stemming from unsanitary conditions or expired cosmetics. While applying a warm washcloth can offer relief, patients are advised to see a doctor if the condition does not improve within 48 hours.
On the personal front, the Hot in Cleveland alum has been single since ending a relationship with blogger Mike Goodnough a year ago. Previously, she finalised a $2.2 million divorce settlement with her second ex-husband, Tom Vitale, in 2022. Professionally, Bertinelli continues to be busy; her ninth book, Getting Naked: The Quiet Work of Becoming Perfectly Imperfect, a 240-page memoir, is scheduled for publication by Harper Wave on March 10.
