Styes

Chalazions vs. Hordeolum (Styes): What’s the Difference and How to Treat Them

If you’ve ever experienced a red, swollen bump on your eyelid, you might have had a chalazion or hordeolum, commonly known as a stye. While these two conditions can look similar and cause discomfort, they are different in terms of their causes and treatment. Understanding the distinctions between a chalazion and a hordeolum can help you manage the symptoms and seek the appropriate care when necessary.

At Look Eyecare & Eyewear, we provide expert care to patients in Coppell, Irving, and the Dallas-Fort Worth area, helping them maintain healthy, comfortable eyes. In this blog, we’ll explain the differences between chalazions and hordeolum (styes), their symptoms, treatment options, and when it’s time to see your optometrist.
 

What Is a Chalazion?

A chalazion is a non-infectious bump on the eyelid caused by a blockage in one of the small oil-producing glands (meibomian glands) in the eyelid. When these glands become blocked, the trapped oil forms a lump or cyst, leading to a chalazion. Unlike a stye, a chalazion is typically painless and tends to grow more slowly.

Common Symptoms of a Chalazion:
 

• A small, firm bump on the upper or lower eyelid

• Mild tenderness or swelling

• Blurred vision if the chalazion becomes large enough to press against the eye

• Sometimes redness or swelling of the entire eyelid

• A chalazion usually grows over several weeks and may eventually go away on its own.

What Is a Hordeolum (Stye)?

A hordeolum, commonly called a stye, is an infection of the oil glands in the eyelid, usually caused by Staphylococcus bacteria. Styes are often painful and appear as red, swollen bumps on the edge of the eyelid, near the base of the eyelashes. There are two types of hordeolum:
 

• External Hordeolum: This type of stye forms on the outside edge of the eyelid, where the eyelashes grow.

• Internal Hordeolum: This stye occurs when the oil glands inside the eyelid become infected.

Common Symptoms of a Stye (Hordeolum):

• A red, painful bump near the edge of the eyelid

• Swelling of the eyelid

• Tenderness and sensitivity to touch

• Watery eyes

• Crusting around the eyelid

• Pus or discharge from the stye

• Sometimes the sensation of having something in your eye

Styes typically develop quickly, often overnight, and usually heal within a week, either by draining on their own or with treatment.
 

Chalazion vs. Hordeolum: Key Differences

While chalazions and hordeolum may look similar, there are key differences between the two:

Cause:

• A chalazion is caused by a blocked oil gland, leading to a cyst-like bump that is generally painless.

• A hordeolum (stye) is caused by a bacterial infection in the oil glands of the eyelid, resulting in a painful, swollen lump.

Location:

• Chalazions typically occur further back on the eyelid, whereas hordeolum often appears on the eyelid margin, closer to the eyelashes.

Symptoms:

• Chalazions are usually not painful but can grow larger over time.

• Styes are painful, red, and swollen, often with pus or discharge.

Duration:

• A chalazion may take longer to develop and resolve, while a stye typically appears and heals more quickly.

Treatment for Chalazions and Styes

Both chalazions and styes can often be treated at home with warm compresses, but there are differences in how each condition should be managed.

1. Warm Compresses
Applying a warm compress to the affected eyelid several times a day can help soften the blockage in a chalazion or encourage a stye to drain. For a chalazion, the warmth may help reduce the size of the bump over time. For a stye, it can speed up the healing process.

2. Massage
Gently massaging the eyelid can help unblock the oil glands, especially for a chalazion. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyelids.

3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
If the stye is causing significant pain, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce discomfort and inflammation.

4. Antibiotics (For Styes)
In cases of hordeolum, if the infection does not improve with home care or becomes more severe, your optometrist may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment to clear the infection.

5. Steroid Injections (For Chalazions)
If a chalazion does not go away after several weeks, your optometrist may recommend a steroid injection to reduce the inflammation and help the cyst shrink.

6. Surgical Drainage
In rare cases, if a large chalazion or stye does not respond to treatment, your optometrist may recommend minor surgery to drain the bump. This is a quick procedure that can provide relief and restore comfort.
 

Prevention Tips for Chalazions and Styes

While not all cases of chalazions and styes can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
 

• Maintain Good Eyelid Hygiene: Clean your eyelids regularly, especially if you wear makeup or have a history of eyelid issues. Use a gentle cleanser or baby shampoo to clean the eyelid margins.

• Avoid Touching Your Eyes: Try not to rub your eyes, especially if your hands are not clean. Bacteria from your hands can easily transfer to your eyelids and cause infections.

• Remove Makeup Before Bed: Always remove eye makeup before going to sleep to prevent clogging the oil glands in your eyelids.

• Use Warm Compresses Regularly: If you’re prone to chalazions, applying a warm compress to your eyelids daily can help prevent blockages in the oil glands.

• Replace Eye Makeup Regularly: Old makeup can harbor bacteria, increasing the risk of infections like styes. Replace your mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow every three to six months.

When to See Your Optometrist

While most chalazions and styes resolve on their own or with home care, you should see your optometrist if:
 

• The bump does not improve after a week of home treatment

• You experience significant pain or discomfort

• Your vision becomes blurry or impaired

• The swelling spreads to other areas of the face

• You develop multiple styes or chalazions in a short period

Conclusion

Chalazions and hordeolum (styes) are common eyelid conditions that can be uncomfortable but are usually not serious. With the right care and treatment, most people recover quickly. If you’re dealing with persistent or painful bumps on your eyelid, our team at Look Eyecare & Eyewear can help diagnose and treat the problem. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get the expert care you need for healthy eyes.