Chalazion vs. Stye: What’s the Difference?
A chalazion is a blocked oil gland that appears on the inside of the eyelid, usually surfacing as a bump. An eye stye (or hordeolum) is a smaller pimple-like bump that appears on the upper or lower eyelid due to a blocked oil gland. It is typically near the eyelash and lives on the outside of the eyelid.
The eyelid glands, known as meibomian glands, normally produce an oily substance that contributes to the natural tears on our eyes. If these glands become blocked, they could develop into a chalazion or a stye (i.e. hordeolum).
What is a Chalazion?
A chalazion is a large, non-infectious cyst in the eyelid that often takes several weeks to develop. It can be caused by either inflammation of the meibomian glands or it can start as a hordeolum. A chalazion is not painful and usually occurs on the upper eyelid. This is likely because the upper eyelids anatomically have more glands (about 50 versus only 25 glands in the lower lid). Symptoms may include eyelid drooping (ptosis), redness, and on rare occasion lid swelling.
What is a Stye?
A hordeolum, also known as a stye, is often more acute and can be secondary to a bacterial infection of the eyelid glands. Styes are contagious but tend to be smaller, more painful, and more tender to the touch than a chalazion. Symptoms can include eyelid swelling, pain, and tearing. If a stye is present for several weeks, it may develop into a chalazion.
Who is at Risk for Chalazia and Styes?
Some individuals are more prone to developing a hordeolum or chalazion than others. Common risk factors include acne rosacea, chronic inflammation of the eyelids, poor eyelid hygiene, and meibomian gland dysfunction.
How are They Treated?
Warm Compresses and Antibiotics
A common home remedy is to place a warm compress over the affected area multiple times a day. This method can help melt the thickened oil gland secretions and can free the affected area, allowing it to function normally again. Oftentimes, this conservative treatment method alone will allow the eyelid to heal, and no further treatment will be required.
Steroid Injections and Surgical Removal
If a chalazion does not recede or if it continues to grow after a few weeks, either a steroid injection or chalazion surgical removal may be an option.Steroid injections can be placed into chalazia, thereby decreasing the inflammation and leading to likely regression of the bump.
Depending on the size and location of the lesion, another option to treat a chalazion would be to perform an incision and drainage procedure. If the affected area of the eye consists mostly of fluid, the bump can be punctured and then removed with pressure on the surrounding area. If the affected area is more solid, an eyelid incision will be required and the sebaceous debris can be removed through the small incision. The surgery normally requires an incision from underneath the eyelid.
Recovery time from a stye or chalazion surgery is quick for most people. Some patients report minor discomfort or pain around the eyelid margin after the procedure, but this is typically remedied easily with medication.
How to Prevent Chalazion or Styes
To prevent recurrent styes or chalazion, make sure to wash your hands frequently, take control of your contact lenses by practicing good hygiene, clean your skin and take care of your cosmetics. Make sure to throw anything away that is old to prevent any chance of infection and never share cosmetics with others.
Contact Coastal Vision Center today to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Alana Jasper-Trotter!
