Styes and Chalazion

Stye

A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a bacterial infection of an oil gland in the eyelid. This results in a red tender bump at the edge of the eyelid. The outside or the inside of the eyelid can be affected.

The cause of a stye is usually a bacterial infection by Staphylococcus aureus. The internal ones are due to infection of the meibomian gland while the external ones are due to an infection of the gland of Zeis.

Chalazion

A chalazion is a blocked oil gland without infection. They are typically in the middle of the eyelid and not painful.

The frequency at which styes occur is unclear. They may happen at any age.

Symptoms of Styes

The first sign of a stye is a small, yellowish spot at the center of the bump that develops as pus and expands in the area.

Other stye symptoms may include:

• A lump on the top or bottom eyelid
• Localized swelling of the eyelid
• Localized pain
• Redness
• Tenderness
• Crusting of the eyelid margins
• Burning in the eye
• Droopiness of the eyelid
• Scratchy sensation on the eyeball (itching)
• Blurred vision
• Mucous discharge in the eye
• Irritation of the eye
• Light sensitivity
• Tearing
• Discomfort during blinking
• Sensation of a foreign body in the eye

Most cases of styes clear up on their own within one to two weeks, without professional care. The primary treatment is application of warm compresses. As a part of self-care at home, people may cleanse the affected eyelid with tap water or with a mild, nonirritating soap or shampoo (such as baby shampoo) to help clean crusted discharge. Cleansing must be done gently and while the eyes are closed to prevent eye injuries.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Roger Weikum, please call (214) 220-2425.