A chalazion and a stye may look similar, but they have some differences. A chalazion is a red bump on the eyelid that develops when there is a blocked oil gland.
A stye or hordeolum is an infected and inflamed oil gland caused by bacteria at the level of the eyelash and it can be super painful and unpleasant.
SYMPTOMS:
The bump caused by chalazia (the plural of chalazion) or stye may both look red and swollen, but there are some differences.
Symptoms of Stye;
- Crustiness on the eyelid margin
- The feeling of something in your eyes(s).
- Pain in the affected eyelid
- A pimple-like appearance
- A scratchy feeling in the eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Swelling that usually goes away after three days
- Tearing in the affected eye
Symptoms of chalazion;
A chalazion sometimes may not have any symptom aside from a hard bump. If other symptoms develop, they may be:
- Blurry vision that could happen with a larger chalazion.
- Swelling that may affect a larger area around the eye.
Chalazion bumps usually grow more slowly and may develop over a few months before they go away if left untreated. The bump is usually firmer than that from stye.
PICTORIAL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHALAZION AND STYE
TREATMENT
The treatment for a stye and chalazion are similar, but not all treatments work for both.
Treatments include the use of:
- Warm and wet compresses for about 5 to 10 minutes, 3 to 6 times a day. This usually helps the area heal faster. It may also open a blocked pore so it drains faster and starts to heal.
- Over-the-counter treatment; Ointment, solution, or medicated pads (such as ocusoft lid scrub).
- Antibiotics
- Steroid shots: A steroid shot can reduce the swelling
- Biopsy: If your chalazion or stye continues to recur, your doctor may perform a biopsy by removing a piece of tissue from it.6 This can help rule out sebaceous gland carcinoma.
You should also see a doctor if;
- Your home treatments cause pain
- Your eyelid feels hot
- You have vision changes
PREVENTION
- Once you develop a chalazion or stye, you’re more prone to developing them again in the future.
Here are a few things you can do to help prevent a chalazion or a stye:
- Avoid rubbing your eyes. Rubbing your eyes can spread bacteria and lead to irritation.
Always wash your hands before touching your eyes.
- Don’t share towels with someone who has a stye.