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Styes and chalazions are both lumps in or along the edge of the eyelid.
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A stye is a small, visible bump on the edge of the eyelid. They can be caused be an overgrowth of bacteria, a blocked gland, or poor hygiene. It can also be associated with allergies. A stye is an active infection. They can form on the inside or outside of your eyelid, and can make the entire eyelid swell. Sometimes it feels like something is in the eye and can cause irritation.
A stye typically presents as a red, painful bump near the eyelashes. Other accompanying symptoms can include:
A stye usually lasts for two to five days, but can remain for up to ten days. However, the stye will usually go away on its own without the need for medical intervention. Styes lasting for longer durations of time (including months) may require an examination from an eye care specialist.
Chalazions often appear at the edge of the eyelid, farther back on the eyelid than styes. The entire eyelid rarely swells and they are usually not painful. If it is large enough, it can press on the eyeball and cause blurry vision. They are usually caused by a clogged oil gland. Chalazions, however, are not active infections. A chalazion usually manifests itself as a bump on the eyelid.
You are more likely to develop a stye or chalazion if you have blepharitis, certain skin conditions, diabetes, or a history of them.
Usually, a chalazion will disappear without treatment after a few weeks to a month.
If they do not resolve on their own, apply warm compresses to the site four or five times a day. Cleaning the area may also help. An over-the-counter eyelid scrub or foam once a day can clean the area and decrease the amount of bacteria there. Gently massaging the eyelid may also open the gland.
Avoid wearing contact lenses or makeup, and do not apply lotions to your skin.
If they don’t go away on its own or it gets worse, medical treatment may be needed. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic or steroid. In other cases, they may have to make an incision or lance them in order to drain them.
It is not recommended that patients lance them themselves with needles, as that can lead to infection.
*All information courtesy of the American Academy of Ophthalmology
