Bumps on Eyelid (Stye & Chalazion)
Bumps on Eyelid (Stye & Chalazion)
What is a Stye?
A stye, medically known as a hordeolum, is an infection of one of the oil glands along the edge of the eyelid. Styes are caused by bacterial buildup, typically involving Staphylococcus bacteria, which leads to a tender, red bump. Styes can occur internally or externally, depending on the location of the affected gland. Externally, styes appear along the lash line, while internal styes develop on the inside of the eyelid and may take longer to
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What Is the Difference Between a Stye and a Chalazion?
American Academy of Ophthalmology
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heal.
Stye Symptoms
Styes often present with several distinct symptoms. Common signs include:
- Redness and swelling of the affected area
- A painful, tender bump along the lash line or inside the eyelid
- Sensitivity to light
- Excessive tearing
- A small yellowish spot at the center of the bump, indicating pus formation
- While most styes are harmless and will clear up on their own, they can cause considerable discomfort and interfere with daily activities.
Who Gets Styes?
Styes are common and can affect anyone, but certain factors increase the likelihood of developing one. Typically, styes are caused by a bacterial infection, often from Staphylococcus bacteria, in a clogged oil gland or hair follicle. Common risk factors include:
- Blepharitis, a condition that inflames the eyelid edges
- Skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or acne rosacea
- Chronic health issues such as diabetes
- Previous styes, which may lead to recurrence
- Using expired or shared makeup products
- Leaving eye makeup on overnight
- Poor contact lens hygiene, including unwashed hands
- Lifestyle factors like sleep deprivation and
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Stye
Mayo Clinic
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poor nutrition
Good eyelid hygiene and healthy habits may reduce the risk of styes.
Stye Treatment
Treatment for styes often starts with simple at-home remedies. Applying a warm compress to the eyelid several times a day encourages the stye to drain naturally, relieving discomfort. In some cases, styes may require additional medical intervention if they do not improve within a week. An ophthalmologist may prescribe antibiotic ointments or, in rare instances, perform a minor surgical drainage procedure.
What is a Chalazion?
While a stye is caused by an infection, a chalazion (plural: chalazia) is the result of a blocked oil gland, specifically the meibomian gland, located on the inner part of the eyelid. Chalazia are generally painless, slow-growing lumps that can vary in size. Unlike styes, chalazia don’t usually cause redness or swelling, but large ones can press on the eye, potentially affecting
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Chalazion
Cleveland Clinic
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vision.
Chalazion Symptoms
Chalazia generally develop gradually and present fewer symptoms compared to styes. Common characteristics of a chalazion include:
- A small, round, painless bump on the eyelid
- Occasional tenderness or discomfort if the chalazion becomes large
- Mild vision blurriness if the chalazion presses against the eye’s surface
Unlike styes, chalazia are typically painless and tend to resolve more slowly.
What Causes Chalazia?
Chalazia form when a meibomian gland becomes blocked, trapping oil inside. This condition is often linked to other skin or eye conditions, including:
- Rosacea, which can increase the risk of blocked oil glands
- Chronic blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelid edges
- Seborrheic dermatitis or other inflammatory skin conditions
Certain individuals may experience recurrent chalazia, particularly those prone to skin conditions or with a history of chalazia.
Chalazion Treatment
Like styes, small chalazia may resolve on their own with daily warm compresses to encourage drainage. However, if the chalazion persists or grows, it may require medical treatment. An ophthalmologist may inject corticosteroids to reduce swelling or perform a minor surgical drainage procedure if the chalazion impacts vision or
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Chalazia and Stye Treatment
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causes discomfort.
Contact Us
If you’re dealing with a stye, chalazion, or other eye condition, Focus Eye Care is here to help. We proudly serve Queens, Long Island, and NYC, providing experienced care for patients across New York City. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover our full range of eye health services.
FAQs About Styes and Chalazia
Styes are painful, red, infected lumps on the eyelid, typically caused by bacteria affecting oil glands near the lash line. Chalazia, on the other hand, are painless bumps resulting from blocked oil glands within the eyelid. While styes are usually tender, chalazia are firm and often not painful unless they grow
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What Is the Difference Between a Stye and a Chalazion?
American Academy of Ophthalmology
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large.
Most styes resolve within a week, while chalazia may take longer to heal, sometimes persisting for several weeks or months. If symptoms persist, a medical evaluation may be necessary.
Styes are usually caused by bacterial infection and are only mildly contagious. Chalazia are not contagious as they result from blocked glands rather than infection.
It is not recommended to squeeze or pop a stye or chalazion. Attempting to drain them at home can cause infection or worsen inflammation. Applying warm compresses is a safer method to encourage natural drainage.
Many styes and chalazia resolve on their own with at-home care, such as warm compresses. However, if a stye or chalazion is very large, painful, or does not improve with self-care, it may require treatment by an ophthalmologist, such as antibiotic ointment, steroid injection, or drainage.
It’s best to avoid wearing contact lenses while you have an active stye or chalazion, as this may increase irritation and prolong healing time. Wait until symptoms fully resolve before resuming contact lens use to avoid potential infection or discomfort.
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The doctors at Focus Eye Care & Surgery have reviewed and approved this content.
Page Updated:
1 American Academy of Ophthalmology. What Is the Difference Between a Stye and a Chalazion? Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-chalazia-styes. Accessed November 13, 2024.
2 Mayo Clinic. Stye. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sty/symptoms-causes/syc-20378017. Accessed November 13, 2024.
3 Cleveland Clinic. Chalazion. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17657-chalazion. Accessed November 13, 2024.
4 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Chalazia and Stye Treatment. Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/chalazion-stye-treatment?correlationId=c560598b-72d3-40af-973a-2da503ae3f59. Accessed November 14, 2024.
5 American Academy of Ophthalmology. What Is the Difference Between a Stye and a Chalazion? Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-chalazia-styes. Accessed November 13, 2024.