Hordeolum (Stye), medically known as hordeolum, is an acute condition that occurs when the oil glands in the eyelids or the hair follicles at the base of the eyelashes become infected. It appears as a painful, red, swollen lump on the eyelid. It is mostly caused by bacterial infection, particularly Staphylococcus bacteria. Patients usually describe a stye as a pimple-like lesion that suddenly appears on the eyelid. The most common complaints are pain, redness, and tenderness when touched.
A chalazion develops through a different mechanism than a stye. The ducts of the Meibomian glands located in the eyelids become blocked for various reasons, and the gland secretion cannot be discharged. As a result, the secretion accumulates inside the gland and a chronic, painless, round lump forms. A chalazion usually does not cause pain, but when it grows it may lead to cosmetic concerns and even press on the eye, causing blurred vision.
Op. Dr. Diclehan emphasizes that a stye and a chalazion are often confused by the public, although one is an acute infectious condition and the other is a chronic condition resulting from gland blockage.
Causes of Stye
The most important cause of a stye is bacterial infection. When the oil glands in the eyelid become infected by bacteria, inflammation develops and a painful swelling appears within a short time. Poor eyelid hygiene, touching the eyes with dirty hands, weak immune system, and makeup residues that are not cleaned properly increase the risk of developing a stye.
A chalazion is not infection-related. When the ducts of the Meibomian glands become blocked, the secretion cannot be discharged and an oily collection forms inside the gland. This process is painless, but as the lump grows it may press on the eye. Chalazion may also occur in people who frequently develop styes, because recurrent infections damage the gland structure and lead to blockage.
Common Risk Factors
Op. Dr. Diclehan states that people who do not protect eyelid health may experience recurrent styes and chalazia, and therefore both hygiene and control of chronic diseases are extremely important.
Symptoms of Stye
A stye usually begins suddenly and symptoms appear quickly. Redness, swelling, and pain occur on the eyelid. The swelling is firm and tender to the touch. Sometimes yellow pus accumulation becomes visible. Patients may feel pain when opening and closing the eyes, and the eyelid may not fully close due to swelling.
A chalazion develops more slowly and is usually painless. A small, firm, pea-sized lump can be felt on the eyelid. Over time it may grow and create a cosmetic problem. If large enough, it may press on the eye and cause blurred vision or lead to astigmatism.
Op. Dr. Diclehan explains that a stye is a rapidly developing, painful, infection-related condition, whereas a chalazion is a slowly growing, painless but persistent swelling.
Clinical Examination
Diagnosis is usually made by an ophthalmologist through physical examination. In a stye, redness, swelling, and an infectious focus are seen on the eyelid. In a chalazion, a firm, round, painless nodule is typically felt.
In cases where the two conditions are confused, the patient’s history and complaints are important. Pain and redness indicate a stye, while a long-lasting painless lump suggests a chalazion. Rarely, a chalazion may be confused with eyelid tumors, and biopsy may be required.
Op. Dr. Diclehan highlights that correct diagnosis is the most critical step in disease management, because antibiotic treatment is prioritized in styes, whereas surgical intervention may be necessary for chalazion.
Treatment of Stye
A stye usually heals on its own within a few days. However, applying warm compresses several times a day is very important, as it helps the infection mature and drain. Antibiotic eye drops or ointments may also be used. In advanced cases, oral antibiotics may be prescribed. The most important point is not to squeeze the stye and to allow it to drain naturally.
If a chalazion is small and recent, warm compresses may help open the blocked gland duct. However, if it is large and long-standing, it usually does not resolve on its own. In such cases, a minor surgical procedure is performed to drain the contents. This procedure is done under local anesthesia, is short, and does not cause significant discomfort. Steroid injections may also be preferred in large chalazia.
Op. Dr. Diclehan emphasizes the importance of patience in treating styes and not avoiding surgical intervention in chalazion. According to him, the most common problems occur when patients squeeze styes like pimples worsening the condition or ignore chalazia for years, leading to permanent eyelid deformities.
If untreated, a stye may become chronic and eventually turn into a chalazion. It may also cause permanent eyelid deformities. A chalazion, if very large, may cause astigmatism by pressing on the eye. Extremely rarely, a long-standing lump may indicate a tumor.
Op. Dr. Diclehan advises that recurrent styes and chalazia should always be taken seriously, as they may sometimes signal underlying eyelid disease.
Proper eyelid hygiene is the most effective preventive method. Hands should always be washed before touching the eyes. Eye makeup should be thoroughly removed at the end of the day. People with chronic blepharitis should perform regular eyelid cleaning under medical guidance. Controlling chronic diseases such as diabetes also reduces the risk.
Op. Dr. Diclehan states that those who pay attention to eyelid hygiene encounter stye and chalazion problems far less frequently, and especially makeup removal and regular check-ups are key for eye health.
Styes and chalazia are among the most common eyelid disorders. Although they may seem simple, they can significantly affect quality of life. A stye is an acute infection-related condition, whereas a chalazion results from chronic gland blockage. Their treatment methods differ, and correct diagnosis directly affects treatment success. When recognized early, both conditions can usually be treated with simple methods, while advanced cases may require surgery. Paying attention to hygiene, controlling chronic diseases, and having regular eye examinations are the most effective preventive strategies. Op. Dr. Diclehan advises patients to take these conditions seriously, avoid self-intervention, and consult an ophthalmologist early.
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