Chalazion
Although the terms chalazion, stye, and hordeolum are used interchangeably, they refer to two different, yet related, conditions.
A hordeolum, also known as a stye, is a local, acutely inflamed lesion of the eyelid. It occurs near the lid margin or farther up the lid on either the tarsal or skin side of the eyelid.
A chalazion is the chronic form of a hordeolum, and its cellular makeup is composed of chronic inflammatory cells. Both the meibomian and sebaceous oil glands of the lid can be involved in this process, which begins with a blockage of the normal openings of these glands, leading to the swelling. Chalazia are often recurrent.
There may be bacterial contamination and infection, especially in hordeola. These infections are generally caused by Staphylococcus species and may be associated with blepharitis. Pain, tenderness, swelling, and discharge from the lesion may all be noted by the patient.
Hordeola may occur in any population. Chalazia are more common in adults and men.
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.
A stye (hordeolum) is a local, acutely inflamed growth (swelling, lesion) of the eyelid. They can occur at the lid margin or farther up the lid on either the inner (tarsal) side or the outer (skin) side of the lid. A chalazion is the chronic form of a stye, and its cellular makeup is different than that of a stye.
Both the meibomian and sebaceous oil glands of the lid can be involved in this process, which begins with a blockage of the normal openings of these glands, leading to the swelling. Typically, there is bacterial contamination.
Who’s At Risk
Styes and chalazions are extremely common. You are more likely to have this problem if you have:
Dry skin problems
Blepharitis
Acne rosacea
Poor lid hygiene
Incomplete removal of eye makeup
Outdated or infected cosmetics
Increased stress
Hormonal changes
Signs & Symptoms
One should be suspicious of having a stye when there is the rather rapid development of a pus-filled bump (pustule) or swelling on the edge of the eyelid or on the lid itself. Chalazions are more of a rounded lump and are harder in consistency.
Some of the things you may experience include:
Pain
Redness of the eye
Discharge from the swelling
Tenderness to touch
Tearing
Very mild blurring of vision
Burning sensation
Scratchy feeling in the eye
Drooping of the eyelid
Crusting of the eyelid edges
Self-Care Guidelines
Apply frequent (4-6 times daily) very warm compresses until there is no more drainage from the stye or chalazion. The compresses must be hot enough to help drain the growth yet not so hot as to burn the very delicate eyelid skin. It usually takes 7-10 days, at most, for the problem to resolve. Good lid hygiene is also mandatory. Over-the-counter ointments or drops have no treatment value.
Note: Recurring styes or chalazions without other related factors suggest possible serious disease. With the start of very warm compresses, the growth may get larger temporarily before draining.
When to Seek Medical Care
You should seek medical advice if:
The eyelids are swollen shut.
There is no improvement after using frequent very warm compresses for 10-14 days.
There is pus or very thick drainage from the eye.
Pain or tenderness is increasing despite compresses.
The swelling is increasing beyond the first 2-3 days.
The eyelid is hot to the touch.
You develop a fever.
Recurrences are frequent, especially at the same location.
Progressive vision changes are experienced, including double vision.
Treatments
Treatment may involve any or all of the following:
Surgical incision and drainage
Injection of steroid into the growth
Antibiotic ointments
Antibiotic drops
Oral antibiotics (especially if there is possible lid infection suspected)
Treatment for underlying/contributing conditions such as dandruff, acne rosacea, psoriasis, etc.
References
Kanski JJ, Nischal KK, eds. Ophthalmology: Clinical Signs and Differential Diagnosis. pp. 17, 91. Philadelphia: Mosby, 1999.
Patient Information for Hordeolum and chalazion - External and Internal Eye