Doctor's Notes on Chalazion (Lump in Eyelid)
A chalazion is a bump or lump in the upper or lower eyelid that arises due to inflammation of a gland of the lid known as a Meibomian gland. Other names for a chalazion include Meibomian cyst, tarsal cyst, or conjunctival granuloma. The cause of a chalazion is blockage of the thin opening through which a Meibomian gland of the eyelid secretes its material. The blockage can either be related to narrowing of the opening or hardening of the sebaceous fluid near the opening.
Associated symptoms and signs include a small bump on the eyelid that can be soft or firm. A chalazion is usually not painful. There may be fluid inside the lump. If the blocked gland becomes infected with bacteria, it may become tender to the touch. An infected chalazion is known as a hordeolum or sty.
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Sty (Stye)
A stye (sty) is an infection of the eyelid, resulting from a blocked oil gland. Seborrhea, improper eye makeup removal, use of infected cosmetics, poor eyelid hygiene, stress, hormonal changes, and Blepharitis, rosacea, and meibomitis may cause styes. Symptoms include a lump on the eyelid, swelling, pain, redness, tenderness, blurred vision, pus, and a scratchy sensation on the eyeball. Treatment may involve warm compresses, scrubbing the eyelid with a mild soap, and discontinuing wearing contact lenses and eye makeup. -
Stye Treatment and Home Remedies
A sty (stye) is a fluid-filled infection on the eyelid that is typically not serious. A doctor may drain the sty, and rarely systemic antibiotics and over-the-counter pain medications are used. Typically, a sty resolves on its own. Prevent stys by: keeping eye tools clean, discarding old cosmetics, avoiding touching the eyes, and not sharing eye products.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.