The glands of the eyelids, known as the Meibomian glands, usually produce a fatty substance that contributes to the integrity of our tears. If the pores of these glands clog, chalazion or stye is sometimes caused.

What’s chalazion?

Chalazion is a non-infectious cyst in the eyelid that often takes several weeks to develop. It can be caused either by inflammation of the Meibomian glands or it can start as a stye. Chalazion is initially slightly painful and usually occurs on the upper eyelid. This is likely because the upper eyelids have anatomically more sebaceous glands (approximately 40 versus only 20 of the lower eyelids). Symptoms include mild fall of the eyelid, redness and swelling.

What is a stye?

Stye usually has a more acute course and can be secondary due to bacterial infection of the eye lid glands; it is smaller, more painful and softer to palpation than chalazion; symptoms may include swelling in the eyelid, pain and tearing; if a stye exists for several weeks, it can develop into chalazion.

Who is at risk for chalazion and stye?

Some individuals are more prone to their appearance. Predisposing factors are rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis and chronic blepharitis.

Therapy

Hot patches and antibiotics.

A simple treatment is to place a warm compress in the affected area several times a day. This method can help melt viscous fat expressions and thus free up the affected area, allowing it to function normally again. It is therefore necessary to take antibiotic ointment locally.

Patients with recurrent chalazion or stye may require systemic antibiotic (doxycycline).

Steroid injections and surgical removal

If a chalazion does not subside or if it continues to develop after a few weeks, you may need local steroid injection or surgical removal of this.