Stye and Chalazion Treatment

At Sitterle Vision Source & Dry Eye Center in San Antonio, we focus on diagnosing and treating eyelid conditions, including styes, chalazia, and chronic eyelid inflammation.

If you’ve noticed a painful bump or swelling on your eyelid, you may be dealing with a stye or chalazion.

These common eyelid conditions occur when oil glands in the eyelids become blocked or infected, leading to inflammation and swelling.

While many styes improve on their own, recurrent or persistent eyelid bumps may indicate an underlying condition such as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) or blepharitis.

With the right treatment, most patients can experience relief and prevent future flare-ups.

What Is a Stye?

A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a small, painful bump that develops along the edge of the eyelid.

It occurs when a gland near the eyelashes becomes infected with bacteria, leading to swelling, redness, and tenderness.

Styes typically appear near the base of the eyelashes and may resemble a small pimple.

Common symptoms include:

• a painful red bump on the eyelid
• swelling of the eyelid
• tenderness around the eyelash area
• tearing or watery eyes
• light sensitivity

Most styes resolve within one to two weeks, especially with proper eyelid care.

What Is a Chalazion?

A chalazion is a painless or mildly tender bump that forms when an oil gland in the eyelid becomes blocked and inflamed.

Unlike a stye, a chalazion is usually not caused by an active infection but rather by a clogged meibomian gland.

Chalazia tend to:

• develop more gradually
• appear farther from the eyelash margin
• feel firm or rubbery
• persist for several weeks or months

Because chalazia are caused by blocked oil glands, they are often associated with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and chronic dry eye.

Stye vs Chalazion: What’s the Difference?

Although they can look similar, styes and chalazia have different causes.

Stye

• caused by bacterial infection
• usually painful
• occurs near the eyelashes
• develops quickly

Chalazion

• caused by blocked oil glands
• usually painless or mildly tender
• develops more slowly
• may last longer without treatment

In some cases, a stye may evolve into a chalazion if inflammation persists after the infection resolves.

Why Do Some People Get Recurrent Styes?

Occasional styes are common, but recurrent eyelid bumps often indicate an underlying eyelid condition.

The most common causes include:

• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction – Blocked oil glands prevent normal oil secretion and increase the risk of gland inflammation.
• Blepharitis – Chronic eyelid inflammation allows bacteria and debris to accumulate along the eyelid margins.
• Ocular Rosacea – Inflammation associated with rosacea can affect the eyelids and oil glands.
• Poor Eyelid Hygiene – Oil, bacteria, and debris can accumulate along the eyelids over time.

If styes or chalazia occur frequently, treating the underlying gland dysfunction is essential to preventing recurrence.

How Styes and Chalazia Are Diagnosed

Most eyelid bumps can be diagnosed during a comprehensive eye examination.

Your doctor will evaluate:

• eyelid inflammation
• gland blockage
• tear film health
• signs of meibomian gland dysfunction
• bacterial buildup or Demodex mites

Understanding the underlying cause allows us to create a treatment plan designed to prevent future eyelid inflammation.

Treatments for Styes and Chalazia

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and whether infection or gland blockage is present.

At Sitterle Vision Source & Dry Eye Center, we offer several treatment options.

When to See an Eye Doctor

You should seek medical care if:

• a stye lasts longer than two weeks
• a chalazion continues to grow
• eyelid swelling becomes severe
• vision becomes affected
• eyelid bumps occur frequently

Persistent eyelid inflammation may indicate chronic meibomian gland dysfunction or blepharitis, which can be effectively treated with modern therapies.

FAQ About Styes and Chalazia

Are styes contagious?

Styes are caused by bacterial infection but are generally not highly contagious. Good hygiene can reduce the risk of spread.

Can a chalazion go away on its own?

Some chalazia resolve with warm compresses, but persistent bumps may require medical treatment.

Why do I keep getting styes?

Recurrent styes often occur when meibomian gland dysfunction or blepharitis is present.

Should I pop a stye?

No. Attempting to squeeze or pop a stye can worsen inflammation and increase the risk of infection.

Schedule an Eye Examination

If you are experiencing a stye, chalazion, or recurring eyelid bumps, a comprehensive eye examination can help determine the cause and the most effective treatment options.