Stye or Chalazion (Hordeolum)

A Stye, Chalazion or Hordeolum is a painful red bump usually along your eyelid margin at the base of your eyelashes. Most styes are due to a bacterial infection and may look like a pimple. Others may appear inside your eyelid and are due to a clogged meibomian gland (oil glands) in your eyelid.

A Chalazion is a swollen bump on the eyelid associated with clogged meibomian glands and usually does not hurt – unless starting as a stye.  As a chalazion progresses, the eyelid may become tender to the touch, red and increase in size.

Everyone is capable of getting a stye or chalazion however, other conditions like blepharitis, acne rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis or diabetes may increase the likelihood to get one.

Applying a moist heat compress 2-4 times per day for a minimum of 15 minutes helps the clogged oil glands to open. The key to success with a warm compress is to maintain the ideal temperature for the optimal duration. This is best achieved with a professional grade at-home device such as the products available on our online store.

For more advanced care Dr. Ali may prescribe an antibiotic for an infected stye, a steroid shot or anti-inflammatory medication. A minor surgical procedure may be indicated to drain the area.