Styes and Chalazions

Styes and chalazions are common eyelid conditions that are closely linked to dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). While they are usually not dangerous, they can be uncomfortable, recurrent, and frustrating if the underlying cause is not addressed.

Understanding why they occur is key to effective treatment and prevention.

What Is a Stye?

A stye (also called a hordeolum) is an acute infection of an oil gland or eyelash follicle in the eyelid. It typically appears as a red, tender, swollen lump, often with a visible yellow or white head.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain or tenderness of the eyelid
• Redness and swelling
• A localised bump on the eyelid
• Tearing or irritation
• Sensitivity to light

Styes are usually caused by bacterial infection, most commonly Staphylococcus, which thrives when oil glands become blocked.

What Is a Chalazion?

A chalazion is a chronic, non-infectious blockage of a meibomian (oil) gland in the eyelid. Unlike styes, chalazions are usually not painful, but they can grow slowly and persist for weeks or months.

Common features include:

• A firm, painless lump in the eyelid
• Mild swelling or heaviness
• Blurred vision if the chalazion is large
• Often develops after a stye or repeated gland blockage

Chalazions are especially common in people with dry eye disease, MGD, rosacea, or chronic eyelid inflammation (blepharitis).

What Causes Styes and Chalazions?

The most common underlying cause is blocked or dysfunctional oil glands in the eyelids.

Contributing factors include:

• Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
• Dry eye disease
• Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
• Poor oil quality or thickened secretions
• Frequent eye rubbing
• Contact lens use
• Eye makeup buildup or poor lid hygiene
• Skin conditions such as rosacea
• Stress and immune system changes

When oil glands become blocked, bacteria can multiply (leading to a stye), or the trapped oil can cause chronic inflammation (leading to a chalazion).

Why Do They Keep Coming Back?

Recurrent styes or chalazions are often a sign of an untreated underlying eyelid or dry eye condition. Simply treating the lump without addressing gland health can lead to repeated episodes.

That’s why long-term management focuses on restoring healthy oil flow and reducing inflammation, not just treating individual flare-ups.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity, frequency, and underlying cause.

At-Home Treatment

• Warm compresses to melt thickened oils
• Gentle lid massage to express blocked glands
• Eyelid hygiene using lid cleansers or wipes
• Avoiding eye makeup during active inflammation

These measures are often effective for early or mild cases.

Dry Eye & Lid Treatments

For recurrent or persistent styes and chalazions, advanced dry eye therapies may be recommended:

Meibomian Gland Expression treatments

Help liquefy and clear blocked meibomian glands.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Reduces inflammation, improves oil gland function, and lowers bacterial load.

Blephex Treatment
Removes biofilm and debris that contribute to gland blockage.

Targeted medications
Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory drops or ointments may be prescribed when infection or significant inflammation is present.

Preventing Future Styes and Chalazions

Prevention focuses on maintaining healthy eyelid and tear film function:

• Treat underlying dry eye disease
• Maintain regular lid hygiene
• Use warm compresses consistently if prone to blockage
• Remove eye makeup thoroughly
• Avoid rubbing the eyes
• Attend routine dry eye evaluations

When to Seek Care

You should seek professional evaluation if:

• A lump does not improve after 1–2 weeks
• Styes or chalazions recur frequently
• Swelling worsens or becomes painful
• Vision is affected

Early treatment can prevent complications and reduce recurrence.