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Many people visit an eye doctor when they notice a bump forming on the skin of their eyelids. These abnormalities may indicate a stye or a chalazion. While there are similarities between these lumps, there are key differences that are important to know. Here’s a closer look at these conditions.

Causes

Styes are bacterial infections along the edge of the eyelid that create swollen, red lumps. They can also occur if the eyelash follicle is swollen or if the meibomian gland is blocked and can’t lubricate the eye.

Chalazions look like styes, but they occur when the oil ducts in the eyelid are blocked. These lumps may be located further toward the interior part of the lid.

Symptoms

eye doctorStyes often look like pimples on the edge of the eyelid but may ache or hurt when pressed. Styes tend to burst and drain on their own within a few days, and the skin over the area will completely heal in around a week. 

Chalazions may also look like pimples as they begin to grow, but they’re usually not painful. These skin abnormalities can extend past the center bump and cause redness or swelling around the eyes. Aside from being unpleasant to see in the mirror, they may slowly grow until they’re large enough to interrupt your sight. They usually heal within several months, but severe cases may require surgery to remove the lump and open up the oil gland.

Treatment

Eye doctors suggest applying warm compresses to styes and chalazions several times a day to encourage the pores to drain and reduce swelling. Never try to pop these lumps, as you may worsen them by adding more bacteria to the area. 

If the stye doesn’t heal within a week, contact an eye doctor. They may recommend taking antibiotic pills or eye drops and can pierce the area to encourage drainage if it continues to grow or be irritated.

Chalazions that don’t heal within a few months often require steroid injections or surgical removal. If you’re unsure which of the two conditions you have, talk with your eye doctor to learn how long to wait for the issue to heal itself before setting up an appointment.

 

Individuals concerned about styes or chalazions should schedule an appointment with Midwest Eye Center: A Division of TriState Centers for Sight in the greater Cincinnati, OH, and northern Kentucky area. The team has decades of experience addressing optical conditions and diseases. Call the Crestview Hills practice at (859) 525-6215 or visit the website for information on their cataract and laser vision surgeries, plus treatments for retinopathy and macular degeneration. 

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