Stye/Chalazion
What is a stye?
A stye results from an acute obstruction in the oil glands within the eyelid. Once a gland gets obstructed, the eyelid may become infected and inflamed. The result is a painful eyelid, and you may see a red bump on your eyelid near the eyelashes (similar to a pimple). Possible causes of styes include MGD, blepharitis, rosacea, and other eyelid disorders.
What is a chalazion?
A chalazion is caused by chronic blockage and subsequent inflammation of a meibomian gland within the eyelid. A non-resolving stye may evolve into a chalazion, which is a painless eyelid lump. Chalazion has similar risk factors as styes.
© 2021 American Academy of Ophthalmology
What is the treatment?
Initial treatment involves frequent warm compresses to the affected eyelid. This usually means warm compresses 5-10 times a day, each time for about 5 minutes. Heat will help open up the blocked glands and allow the oily material to flow out the natural gland orifice. The doctor may also prescribe a topical eye drop or ointment to help the infection and inflammation. If styes and chalazion are recurrent, particularly if the patient has rosacea, an oral antibiotic may be prescribed. In some cases, a chalazion may need to be surgically drained in the office.