Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a very common, often chronic inflammation of the eyelids.
Read article ↗WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- A hordeolum, commonly called a “stye”, is a small painful infection of an eyelid gland; a chalazion is a usually painless lump caused by a blocked gland.
- Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene resolve most cases.
- A persistent chalazion can be removed with minor surgery under local anaesthesia.
What is the difference?
A hordeolum, commonly called a “stye”, is an acute infection of an eyelid gland. It is external when it affects a gland at the base of the lashes and points towards the skin; it is internal when it affects a meibomian gland inside the eyelid and points towards the inner surface. A chalazion is a chronic, non-infectious inflammation of a blocked meibomian gland; it sometimes follows an internal hordeolum.
THE EYELID IN CROSS-SECTION
Where they form
The meibomian glands lie inside the eyelid, in a firm plate called the tarsus.
1
External hordeolum
Infection of a gland at the base of the lashes; it points towards the skin.
2
Internal hordeolum
Infection of a meibomian gland; it points towards the inner surface of the eyelid.
3
Chalazion
A blocked meibomian gland with chronic inflammation and no infection: a firm, painless lump.
| Feature | Hordeolum (“stye”) | Chalazion |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Infection of a gland near the lashes (external) or of a meibomian gland (internal). | Blockage of a meibomian gland inside the eyelid, without infection. |
| Pain | Painful, with redness and sometimes a point of pus. | Usually painless after the initial phase. |
| Course | Resolves in 1 to 2 weeks. | Can take weeks to months. |
What you can do at home
- Warm compresses on the closed eyelid, 5 to 10 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day, followed by gentle massage.
- Daily cleaning of the base of the lashes.
- Do not squeeze or pierce the lump.
- Avoid make-up and contact lenses while it is inflamed.
When is medical treatment needed?
A hordeolum may need antibiotic ointment. A chalazion that does not go away after a few weeks, is large, bothersome or affects vision can be removed in minor surgery under local anaesthesia, usually from inside the eyelid, with no visible scar. In some cases a corticosteroid injection can be given. In blepharitis and rosacea, chalazia recur easily: daily eyelid hygiene helps prevent them.
Seek assessment if the swelling spreads to the whole eyelid or face, if there is fever, if vision is affected, or if the lump keeps coming back in the same place, bleeds or causes loss of lashes, especially in older adults.
Clinical sources
This information does not replace an individual medical assessment. Follow the advice of the team looking after you.
Clinical responsibility: Dr. Nuno Lopes · Ophthalmology
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