Eyelid bumps can be pesky and worrisome. This page will demystify these common conditions, from painful styes to stubborn chalazia, empowering you to understand, manage, and (often) treat them at home. We’ll also address concerns about cancerous lumps and guide you towards seeking professional help when needed.
What is a stye?
Picture a red, pimple-like bump with a tender surprise: pus.
These bacterial infections usually develop near the lash line and resolve within a week with TLC (warm compresses, gentle eyelid hygiene). But watch for signs of worsening, like increasing pain or vision issues, which warrant a doctor visit.
What are the possible complications of a stye?
If a stye shows no improvement after a few days, lasts more than a week, increases in size, affects your vision, causes bleeding, involves the white part of your eye, or leads to spreading redness and inflammation — seek medical attention.
An unresolved stye can lead to complications such as:
- Infective Conjunctivitis: The infection can spread to the eyelid margin.
- Periorbital or Orbital Cellulitis: Rare but serious, causing eyelid redness, swelling, pain, and possible vision issues.
- Chalazion: A persistent stye may develop into a chalazion if one of your eyelid glands become blocked.
What is a chalazion?
These inner eyelid bumps aren’t as painful as styes, but they can linger for weeks or even months.
Think of them as clogged oil glands, forming a firm, round lump. Most resolve on their own, but stubborn ones might require professional intervention like eyelid massage or injections.
Chalazia can resolve on their own, but if they are large or persistent, may indicate underlying issues like meibomian gland dysfunction or blepharitis.
What are the possible complications of a chalazion?
Left untreated, chalazia can reoccur, grow in size, become infected, cause distorted or blurred vision, persistent discomfort, redness, swelling, or a noticeable scar.
Seeking professional help for timely treatment can prevent these complications and ensure a quicker resolution of the condition.
If your eyelid bump is persistent, painful, or affecting your vision, contact us today.
Chalazion vs stye: How to tell the difference
Typically, styes are painful to touch, while a chalazion is not.
✓ Appearance: A stye shows redness and swelling on the eyelid margin, resembling a white bump. On the other hand, a chalazion often appears as a firm, round lump on the eyelid.
✓ Onset and progression: Styes emerge suddenly, becoming painful quickly, often with visible pus. In contrast, chalazia slowly develop as painless lumps on the eyelid and can persist for weeks or months.
✓ Underlying cause: Styes are usually caused by the staphylococcal bacteria, while a chalazion is often a chronic inflammatory response to a blocked meibomian gland.
Many styes and chalazia are associated with eyelid hygiene and tend to improve with warm compresses and lifestyle adjustments. However, not all of them can be prevented.
If you’re uncertain about your eyelid bump, it’s best to consult with an eye care professional for an accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment.
Lifestyle changes to prevent a chalazion or stye
Tips to prevent reoccurence or complication.
Maintain good eyelid hygiene by gently cleaning the base of your eyelashes. Use a mild, tear-free cleanser or a warm, damp washcloth to remove debris and excess oils from the eyelid margins.
Be mindful of the makeup and skincare products you use around the eyes. Remove eye makeup thoroughly before bedtime, and replace old or contaminated eye cosmetics. If you wear contact lenses, practice good hygiene and follow your optometrist’s recommendations.
Refrain from rubbing or touching your eyes excessively, as this can introduce dirt and bacteria to the eyelid area.
Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals that support overall eye health. This includes foods that are rich in vitamin A, C, E, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. Staying well-hydrated can also help maintain the quality of meibomian gland secretions.
Schedule routine eye exams with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. These professionals can help identify and address potential issues before they lead to chalazia or other eye conditions.
If you notice any signs of a chalazion developing, such as a painless eyelid lump, start warm compresses immediately.
Early treatment can often prevent the chalazion from growing larger and putting you at risk of excess discomfort or complications.
Home and in-clinic treatments for chalazion or stye
Gently press a warm, clean cloth on your eyelid for 5 minutes to help drain the blocked gland. Doing this regularly is usually the first thing to try.
You can do this at the end of a shower when your meibomian glands are warmed up and the thickened oils have softened.
Gently massage your eyelid with clean hands to squeeze out the trapped oil. Your doctor can show you how.
In some cases, your doctor might manually squeeze the meibomian glands to prevent blockages, especially if you have meibomian gland dysfunction that contributes to chalazia.
Sometimes, you might get antibiotic ointments or drops to prevent infection or reduce swelling.
Oral antibiotics may be recommended in cases where a secondary bacterial infection is suspected.
For bigger or stubborn chalazia, your doctor might give you a corticosteroid shot to reduce swelling and help it resolve.
If none of the above works, or if the chalazion gets significantly larger and painful, your doctor might make a small incision and drain it. This is called “chalazion removal” and is done with local anaesthesia.
The treatment your doctor suggests depends on how bad the chalazion is and how long you’ve had it, as well as your individual situation.
Contact our medical team to find out the most appropriate treatment for you.
What to look out for after chalazion or stye treatment
While you’re healing, remember to:
- Keep an eye on how things are getting better and tell your doctor if they’re getting worse or it comes back.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions for any medicines you’re given, especially antibiotics.
- Clean your eyelids with warm compresses or gentle cleanser.
- Don’t rub your eyes, it can introduce dirt and bacteria.
- Eat healthy foods with lots of vitamins and nutrients.
- Refrain from contact lens use if you wear them.
- Avoid using eye make up or mascara.
- Avoid swimming and hot tubs.
What does chalazion removal surgery consist of?
1) Preparation
First, the doctor puts anaesthetic drops in your eye to keep you comfortable. They might also clean your eyelid to minimise risk of infection.
2) Incision
With a specialised tool, the doctor makes a small cut either inside or outside your eyelid. The incision location is based on the chalazion’s size, where it is, and what the doctor thinks is best.
3) Drainage
After the cut, the doctor softly pushes to squeeze out the contents of the chalazion meibomian cyst. This includes trapped oil, debris, and anything else that has accumulated in the blocked gland.
4) Closure
The incision is left to heal by itself, and usually, there are no stitches needed. The small cut will close up on its own over time. Sometimes the doctor might seal up the gland’s duct or use heat on the incision to stop more blockages and make sure the gland works properly.
5) Follow-up Care
After your treatment, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled to keep an eye on how you’re doing. Your doctor will check to see if the chalazion has completely gone away and if there are any scars or if it might come back.
Risks of chalazion removal surgery
Chalazion treatment carries the rare risks of: infection at the incision site, recurrence in cases of underlying conditions, and minimal scarring.
Minor bleeding can occur but is typically managed during the procedure. Some patients may experience discomfort or minor changes in eyelid appearance, although these are usually temporary. In extremely rare cases, there is a minimal risk of damage to nearby eye structures. Allergic reactions to medications are also possible but uncommon.
Despite these risks, chalazion treatment is generally considered safe and effective, with healthcare providers taking precautions to minimise complications and providing guidance for a smooth recovery.
What Can You Do To Make Chalazion Surgery Successful?
To ensure a successful chalazion surgery, it’s crucial to adhere to pre- and post-operative instructions.
Adhere to guidance and prescribed medications or treatments, like warm compresses and eyelid hygiene. This is crucial for healing and avoiding infection.
Rest, and avoid strenuous activities, and ensure you attend your follow-up appointments so that the doctor can see how you’re doing.
Healing takes time, so watch the area closely and tell your doctor if you’re worried about anything.
Is chalazion removal surgery the best option for you?
Chalazion surgery is a good way to treat persistent chalazia, but it’s important to check if it’s right for you.
This chalazion self-assessment can help you figure out if chalazion surgery is a good choice for you. Just select the options that fit your situation:
Do you keep getting chalazia often?
Is your chalazion very big, making you uncomfortable, putting pressure on your eye, or messing with your vision?
Is your chalazion making it hard to do your daily activities?
Does your chalazion keep coming back?
Did the basic treatments like warm compresses, cleaning, and medicine not work to make your chalazion better?
Are you worried about how the chalazion is making you or your eyelid look?
Do you understand the risks of chalazion surgery and are you prepared to follow post-operative care instructions?
If you said “yes” to a lot of these questions, chalazion surgery might work for you. But it’s crucial to talk to a doctor to get checked and get advice that’s specifically for you before deciding on your chalazion treatment.
Can an eyelid lump indicate cancer?
Spotting the alarm bells.
While most eyelid bumps are harmless, some require prompt medical attention. Watch out for:
- Numbness
- Swellings in the neck
- Bleeding or ulceration
- Vision changes
- Eyelid distortion
- Loss of eyelashes (madarosis)
- Proptosis (protrusion of the eye)
- Painful lumps unresponsive to home care
- Whitening of eyelashes (poliosis) over the bump
- Increased pigmentation or appearance of new dark spots
These could indicate a more serious condition, including precancerous or cancerous growths. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for optimal outcomes.
Other benign lumps, bumps and cysts
Here’s a breakdown of some common benign eyelid conditions:
Xanthelasma: Harmless yellow patches; could be an indication of more serious condition.
Milia: Tiny, white cysts; often clear spontaneously.
Conjunctival Papilloma: Growths on the clear eye membrane; removal for comfort or aesthetics.
Neurofibroma: Generally benign; may not require removal.
Dermoid Cyst: Present from birth; removal possible if causing discomfort.
Squamous Papilloma: Raised, wart-like growths; removal as needed.
Sebaceous Cyst: Small, firm bumps; may need removal.
Lipoma: Soft, movable lumps; removal for cosmetic reasons.
Hemangioma: Red, raised nodules; may resolve without intervention.
Neoplasm: Varied presentations; professional assessment needed.
Treatment at AccuVision
Whether you need surgical removal, medical management, or more conservative therapies, our experts are here to guide you.
We create a bespoke treatment plan for every patient and take you through every step – from the initial consultation to post-treatment care.
Eyelid bumps can be bothersome, but with AccuVision, you have a trusted partner in your journey to clear and healthy eyes. If you’re considering treatment, we invite you to consult with our seasoned specialists.
Your vision, your comfort, and your health are our priorities — we take pride in our commitment to providing the highest quality care.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it’s not advisable to remove a chalazion yourself, you can take measures to facilitate its natural drainage. Warm compresses and good eyelid hygiene can help. However, surgical removal should be performed by a healthcare professional.
Chalazion removal is typically performed under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some discomfort may be experienced afterward, but it’s generally manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Chalazion removal is recommended when conservative treatments, such as warm compresses and lid hygiene, fail to resolve the chalazion, or if it becomes large, painful, or obstructs vision. Consult a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.
A chalazion can sometimes drain naturally, especially with warm compresses and eyelid hygiene. However, surgical drainage may be necessary in some cases to ensure complete resolution.
A hardened chalazion can resolve with appropriate treatment, including warm compresses, medications, or surgical drainage, but it may take longer than softer chalazia.
Chalazia may recur due to underlying issues, such as meibomian gland dysfunction or chronic eyelid inflammation. Addressing these root causes is essential to prevent recurrence.
Preventing chalazion recurrence involves maintaining good eyelid hygiene, using warm compresses regularly, and addressing any underlying conditions contributing to chalazia development. Consult a healthcare provider for guidance.
Chalazia are typically not permanent. They can be effectively treated with conservative measures or surgical removal. However, if left untreated, they can persist for an extended period or become more bothersome. Consult a healthcare provider for appropriate management.
