A stye, hordeolum, or chalazion

Oh no it's a bump. Perhaps it's itchy, a little painful and tender to the touch?

Differentiating between a style, hordeolum, and chalazion:

The Stye

A stye, or a hordeolum if you want to sound more professional, is caused by an acute bacterial infection, usually by the Staph bacteria. If this happens to an eyelash follicle, it is an external hordeolum. If this happens to a meibomian gland, it is an internal hordeolum

(The meibomian glands sit on the inner side of your eyelid, and produces the oily layer in your tear film).

A stye is usually more painful, with more swelling and tenderness, looking like an angry red pimple sitting on the eyelid margin (if it is an external hordeolum) or a swelling inside of the eyelid (if it is an internal hordeolum). There may also be pus or crusting, as it is an active bacterial infection.

This may resolve in 1-2 weeks, with the help of antibiotics (oral or topical) as well as warm compresses and good lid hygiene.

A bump on the upper eyelid

The Chalazion

A chalazion, or sometimes called a meibomian gland cyst, is caused by a blockage of the meibomian gland. The blocked gland leads to chronic inflammation and the formation of a granuloma.

A chalazion is generally painless with possibly mild tenderness. The bump may feel like a firm lump or mass, and is located on the inner side of the eyelid, i.e. the side that is in contact with your eye ball. There is rarely any pus or discharge, since there isn't an active infection.

This may persist for weeks to months if untreated, and warm compresses may help in the resolution.

Treatment

For both a hordeolum and chalazion, if the issue is persistent and does not resolve or get better, or if it causes issues such as major discomfort, then a procedure called an Incision and Drainage (I&D) may be performed to drain the offending material.

An I&D can be done as an in-clinic procedure.

Prevention

Some common tips include:

• Keep your eyelids clean, remove make up fully

• Do warm compress to prevent gland blockage

• Replace eye make up regularly and don't share

• Avoid touching or rubbing eyes

• Replace contact lenses regularly

• Manage underlying conditions (such as eyelid inflammation or oily skin)

See an eye doctor if:

• The lump bothers you

• Your vision is affected

• The bump does not go away after 2-3 weeks, or is becoming significantly worse

• There is severe swelling, pain, or discharge

Got a bump? Come see us!

Visit The Ophthalmology Practice