How to Identify a Chalazion and Stye

Small bumps that form on the upper or lower eyelid may indicate one of two conditions: styes or chalazions. The easiest way to distinguish between the two is by level of pain. While styes are usually red and quite painful, most people will not feel a chalazion, even if the bump grows to pea-size.

Styes are an infection of the oil glands on the eyelid and are caused by poor hygiene or inflammation of the glands. They are accompanied by pain, swelling, tearing, or crusting of the eyelid. If you notice these symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor within 48 hours to have the infection properly treated.

Chalazions, on the other hand, occur when the oil glands become clogged. People with the following characteristics are more likely to develop chalazions:

• Chronic inflammation of the eyelid or lash line
• Acne rosacea
• Seborrhea
• Tuberculosis
• Viral Infection

Believing your chalazion will just go away could be a mistake. Thankfully, initial treatment for a chalazion is conservative. You doctor may recommend an in-office procedure to remove the chalazion. This treatment is a common procedure performed by our eye care specialists and will not alter the normal function of the lid.

If you believe you may have a chalazion or stye, schedule an appointment with Georgia Eye Partners to talk with a doctor about which treatment plan is right for you.