A red bump on your eyelid can give you an unpleasant jolt of worry. Even if it doesn’t feel painful, it can cause concern. While many people call any such swelling a stye, it might be a bump called a chalazion. These
bumps can lead to blurry vision and other complications if left untreated, so it’s best to consult your eye health professional if you notice any eye swelling or redness.
What is a Chalazion?
A chalazion is a clogged oil gland in your eyelid. It might begin as the better-known stye (internal hordeolum), or may crop up without any pain at all. Your first sign of a chalazion may be a bump or other swelling of the eyelid.
If left untreated, these bumps may continue to swell. They can cause blurry vision as they press on the eye itself. In rare cases, these bumps can cause your entire eyelid to puff up and turn red.
People who cope with skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, acne rosacea, or blepharitis are more prone to developing this type of swelling. Diabetics may also develop clogged oil glands more often than others. If you have had a stye or chalazion before, you are more likely to develop another one.
Treatment of clogged oil glands can include warm compresses on the eye, antibiotics, or steroids. They rarely require surgery to drain them. You should never attempt to pop or drain a bump on your eye! This can worsen the infection.
The Difference Between Chalazions and Styes
It can be difficult to tell the difference between an internal hordeolum, or stye, and a chalazion. Both should be examined by a vision care specialist.
- A stye often begins at the edge of the eyelid. It is often caused by an infected eyelash root. Styes are generally more painful than a chalazion. A stye can cause swelling of the entire eyelid.
- A chalazion does not often cause as much pain as a stye. It usually begins as a swelling that is farther back on the eyelid than a stye. It does not usually cause swelling of the full eyelid.
Let Valley Eyecare Center Ease Your Vision Health Concerns
If you have developed swelling or redness on your eyelid, or you just want to update your vision prescription, Valley Eyecare Center can help. Contact us online, or call us at (602) 955-2700 for an appointment!
