Eye Stye and Chalazion
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What is a Chalazion?
A chalazion is a cyst located in the eyelid. It is not associated to infection and usually large, taking weeks to fully develop. It is caused by the inflammation and blockage of Meibomian glands, usually in the upper eyelid.
Symptoms of a chalazion include:
- An increase in volume
- Redness
- Drooping of the eyelid (ptosis)
- Swelling of the lid
What is a Stye?
A Stye or hordeolum, is an infection of the eyelid glands, usually smaller than a chalazion, but more painful and tender. They are contagious and can turn into a chalazion after several weeks. Symptoms of a stye include:
- A slight increase in volume
- Pain
- Tearing
- Swelling
Who is at Risk for Chalazion and Styes?
These are common risk factors for chalazion and styes:
- Meibomian gland dysfunction
- Chronic inflammation of the eyelids
- Acne rosacea
- Poor hygiene of the eyelids
How are They Treated?
After confirming and distinguishing between chalazion and stye, doctors can proceed to their treatment, which usually includes one of the following options.
Warm Compresses and Antibiotics
This is a suitable home remedy, only consisting of placing warm compresses on the affected area several times a day. This improves the condition by melting thickened oil secretions. Antibiotic can be prescribed to combat infection, too. In most cases, this treatment is all you need to heal.
Steroid Injections and Surgical Removal
A chalazion that continues growing despite treatment after weeks needs to be treated with a steroid injection or surgical removal.
Steroid injections are applied into the cyst, reducing the inflammatory process and triggering rapid regression. Surgical removal involves a puncture or incision and drainage of the bump. The incision is usually performed underneath the eyelid, with a rapid recovery time and minor discomfort symptoms. During recovery time, an eye patch is recommended to apply pressure and promote rapid healing without drainage.
How to Prevent Chalazion or Styes
To prevent chalazion or styes, take the following precautions:
- Wash your hands, especially before manipulating your eyelids
- Practice good hygiene when using your contact lenses
- Keep your skin clean and remove eyelid cosmetics overnight
- Do not use old or shared cosmetics to prevent infection
Common Questions about Styes and Chalazions
How long does a stye last?
Styes are usually short-term infections lasting 1-3 days. After complete drainage, healing of the lesion completes in 7-10 days.
Is a stye contagious?
By itself, the stye does not transfer to another person, but the bacteria can be transferred. Whether or not it causes a stye or any other infection, depends on a series of risk factors.
How long does a chalazion last?
A chalazion typically takes a few weeks to develop, and after treatment, they can heal after several weeks, usually more than one month.
How do you know if a chalazion is healing?
You will see a chalazion is healing because it reduces its size gradually. A persistent chalazion that does not reduce its size after a few weeks isn’t likely to heal rapidly unless treated by a physician.
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