From the Guidelines
A stye and a chalazion are distinct eyelid conditions that differ in their etiology, symptoms, and treatment, with styes being acute, painful, and typically located at the eyelid margin, while chalazia are painless, slow-growing, and often found away from the edge. The key differences between these two conditions lie in their causes and presentations. A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is an acute, painful, red bump that develops at the edge of the eyelid or inside it, caused by a bacterial infection (usually Staphylococcus) of an eyelash follicle or oil gland 1. It typically appears suddenly, is tender to touch, and may cause tearing, light sensitivity, and a feeling that something is in the eye. In contrast, a chalazion is a painless, slow-growing bump that forms when an oil gland in the eyelid becomes blocked and inflamed. It's usually located away from the eyelid edge, is not typically infected, and while it may start with mild irritation, it generally becomes a firm, painless lump that can persist for weeks or months.
Key Differences and Treatment Approaches
- Location and Pain: Styes are typically found at the eyelid margin and are painful, whereas chalazia are usually painless and located away from the edge.
- Cause: Styes are caused by bacterial infections, while chalazia result from blocked oil glands.
- Treatment: Treatment for a stye typically involves warm compresses for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times daily to help it drain naturally, gentle cleansing of the eyelids, and avoiding eye makeup and contact lenses until healed. Antibiotic ointments like erythromycin or bacitracin may be prescribed if the infection is severe 1. A chalazion often responds to the same warm compress treatment but may require steroid injection or surgical removal if it persists beyond several weeks or affects vision.
Clinical Considerations
Given the differences in their pathophysiology and clinical presentation, distinguishing between a stye and a chalazion is crucial for appropriate management. A history of styes and/or chalazia is common in patients with blepharitis, suggesting a possible underlying condition that may need to be addressed 1. The medical history, including information about dermatologic diseases such as rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and herpes zoster ophthalmicus, can also provide valuable insights into the patient's condition and guide treatment decisions.
From the Research
Definition and Differences
- A stye (hordeolum) is an acute, localized infection or inflammation of the eyelid margin involving hair follicles of the eyelashes or meibomian glands 2.
- A chalazion is a small bump in the eyelid caused by a blockage of a tiny oil gland, which can become inflamed and swollen.
Causes and Symptoms
- Styes are usually caused by a bacterial infection, typically Staphylococcus aureus, and can be painful, red, and swollen 2.
- Chalazia are typically caused by a blocked meibomian gland and can be painful, but are often less painful than styes.
Treatment
- Treatment for styes and chalazia often involves applying warm compresses to the affected area and gently massaging the eyelid to help unblock the gland 2.
- Antibiotics may be prescribed for styes, but research suggests that they may not be effective in improving treatment outcomes for chalazia or hordeolum 2.