Vision Care Services

Styes, Chalazion & Eyelid Problems

Styes & Eyelid Problems

Bumps, swelling and sore eyelids, treated at the source.

A stye is a painful, infected oil gland at the edge of the eyelid. A chalazion is a firm, usually painless lump from a blocked oil gland deeper in the lid. Both are related to the eyelid oil glands, which also cause many cases of dry eye and blepharitis.

We treat the bump and the cause, so it is less likely to come back.

Call the same day if eyelid swelling is spreading, the eyelid is hot and red, or you have a fever.

In-office gland expressionClearing blocked oil glands in the eyelids to relieve pressure and restore healthy oil flow.

TearCare by Sight SciencesA thermal treatment that warms the eyelid glands so they can be cleared in the office.

Prescription medicationAntibiotic drops and ointments, and oral medication such as doxycycline for recurring or inflamed glands.

Eyelid problems we treat

Styes (hordeolum): a red, tender bump on the eyelid edge.
Chalazion: a firm lump inside the eyelid.
Blepharitis: red, itchy, crusty eyelid margins.
Meibomian gland dysfunction: blocked eyelid oil glands, a common cause of dry eye. Dry eye treatment.
Eyelid infections, including spreading eyelid cellulitis, which needs prompt antibiotics.

At home

Warm compresses for 10 minutes, two to four times a day, help many styes drain on their own.
Do not squeeze or pop a stye.
Gently clean the eyelid margins, and avoid eye makeup until it heals.
Call us if it is not improving within a few days, keeps coming back, or affects your vision.

If a chalazion does not go away

Most chalazia shrink with warm compresses, gland expression and medication. If one persists and needs a minor procedure, we coordinate it with a trusted eyelid surgeon.

Common questions

How long does a stye last?

Many styes drain and heal within one to two weeks with warm compresses. Call us if it is getting worse, spreading, or not improving after a few days.

What is the difference between a stye and a chalazion?

A stye is an infected gland at the eyelid edge and is usually red and painful. A chalazion is a blocked gland deeper in the eyelid and is usually a firm, painless lump.

Why do I keep getting styes?

Repeat styes usually mean the eyelid oil glands are blocked or inflamed. In-office gland expression, TearCare and, for some patients, oral doxycycline treat the underlying problem.

What is TearCare?

TearCare by Sight Sciences is an in-office treatment that applies gentle, controlled heat to the eyelids so blocked oil glands can be cleared. It is used for meibomian gland dysfunction, dry eye and recurring styes.