Chalazion and Styes

What are Chalazion and Styes?

• A Chalazion is a swelling of the lid caused by noninfectious eyelid meibomian gland occlusion.

• A Stye or Hordeolum is an infection of the eyelid meibomian gland seen at the eyelid margin.

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology

What are the Meibomian glands?

The meibomian glands are part of the lubrication system and secrete the oil layer in our tear film.

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology

Symptoms of Stye and Chalazion

• Early on: lid soreness or tenderness

• Later: onset of lid swelling

• If the lid lesion is not treated early, a non-resolving lump may occur requiring surgery.

Who is at risk?

While anyone can get a stye or chalazion, you are more likely to get one if you have:

1. Blepharitis, a disorder causing crusting of the eyelid edges

2. History of previous styes or chalazia

3. Skin conditions, such as rosacea or seborrhea

4. Diabetes or other medical problems

The Latest Treatment of Stye and Chalazion

• IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

IPL is an advanced method that assists meibomian gland drainage, helping many chalazia or styes resolve quicker. It is a brief in-office treatment requiring no injections or incisions. A special computer-modulated light liquefies the trapped secretions, allowing the chalazion or stye to be expressed more easily. IPL is painless and performed in minutes. InVision is one of the few practices in New Jersey offering this technology. Note: Out-of-pocket cost may apply.

Traditional Treatment of Stye and Chalazion

1. Warm compresses – Use a tall warm glass of water wrapped in a tissue, held on the eyelid for 10 minutes several times a day. This stays warm longer than a washcloth.

2. Antibiotics – Antibiotic-steroid combination eye drops or ointments may help. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed for significant infections.

3. Injections – Some doctors inject chalazia with steroids, but there is a rare risk of blindness.

4. Surgery – If a stye or chalazion does not resolve, minor in-office surgery may be needed.

Prevention of Recurrent Stye and Chalazion

1. Lid hygiene if you have blepharitis. This may include treating demodex mites on the eyelid.

2. Oral supplements such as flaxseed oil or high-quality omega-3 fatty acids help thin secretions and prevent blockage.

3. Take care of your skin, particularly treating rosacea with IPL and avoiding irritants.