Chalazion and Stye: Common Eyelid Lumps
- The Straits Eye Centre
- Sep 19
- 3 min read
Introduction: When Eyelid Lumps Appear
A small, painful lump on your eyelid is often worrying, but most cases are benign conditions like styes or chalazia. These lumps are very common in Singapore and usually result from blocked oil glands in the eyelids.
Although they often look similar, chalazion and stye are two distinct conditions. Understanding the difference is important, as management strategies differ. Most cases improve with conservative treatment, but persistent or recurrent lumps may need medical attention.
What Is a Stye?
A stye (hordeolum) is an acute infection of the eyelid oil glands, usually caused by Staphylococcus bacteria.
Characteristics of a Stye:
Painful, red swelling on the eyelid margin.
Can resemble a pimple with a yellow head.
May cause tearing, crusting, or eyelid tenderness.
Often resolves spontaneously within a week.
What Is a Chalazion?
A chalazion is a chronic, non-infectious blockage of a meibomian gland in the eyelid.
Characteristics of a Chalazion:
Firm, painless lump in the eyelid.
May follow a stye that did not resolve fully.
Can cause local swelling and cosmetic concerns.
Large chalazia may press on the eye, causing blurred vision.
Causes and Risk Factors
Blocked oil glands.
Poor eyelid hygiene.
Blepharitis (chronic eyelid inflammation).
Rosacea (skin condition).
Frequent eye rubbing.
Contact lens use with poor hygiene.
Symptoms and How to Tell Chalazion and Stye Apart
Stye: Painful, tender, red swelling near lash line.
Chalazion: Painless, firm lump away from lash line.
Shared symptoms: Local swelling, eyelid heaviness, cosmetic concern.
Complications if Untreated
Persistent lumps may cause cosmetic concerns.
Recurrent styes may suggest underlying blepharitis.
Large chalazia may press on the cornea and cause astigmatism.
Rarely, infection can spread to surrounding tissue.
Diagnosis in Singapore
An eye specialist can differentiate between styes, chalazia, and more serious eyelid lumps (such as tumours) through:
Clinical examination with slit-lamp.
Eyelid palpation.
Rarely, biopsy if diagnosis is uncertain.
Treatment Options
For Styes
Warm compresses 3–4 times daily.
Lid massage to help drainage.
Antibiotic ointments or drops if infected.
Oral antibiotics for severe cases.
For Chalazia
Warm compresses and lid massage.
If persistent, minor surgery (incision and curettage) under local anaesthesia.
Steroid injection may be used in select cases.
Recovery and Outlook
Most styes resolve in 7–10 days with simple care.
Chalazia may take weeks to months to resolve.
Surgical drainage usually leads to rapid recovery.
Good eyelid hygiene helps prevent recurrence.
Prevention Tips
Regular eyelid cleansing (especially for blepharitis patients).
Avoid rubbing eyes.
Proper contact lens hygiene.
Manage underlying skin conditions like rosacea.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are chalazion and stye the same?
No. A stye is an acute infection, while a chalazion is a chronic blockage without infection.
2. Are they contagious?
Styes are linked to bacteria but are not highly contagious. Chalazia are not contagious.
3. Do they go away on their own?
Yes, many resolve with warm compresses and hygiene. Persistent cases need treatment.
4. When should I see a doctor?
If the lump persists beyond a few weeks, recurs, or causes vision changes.
5. Can children get styes and chalazia?
Yes, especially those with poor eyelid hygiene or frequent rubbing.
6. Is surgery painful?
No. It is usually done under local anaesthesia as a day procedure.
7. Can they come back?
Yes. Recurrence is common in people with chronic blepharitis or poor eyelid hygiene.
8. Can they turn into cancer?
Very rarely. Persistent or unusual lumps should be evaluated by a specialist to rule out malignancy.
Meet Our Specialists
At The Straits Eye Centre, your vision care is in the hands of a dedicated team of experienced ophthalmologists. Each of our doctors brings unique expertise and a shared commitment to delivering thorough, patient-focused care for all ages. Whether you need advanced cataract surgery, paediatric eye management, or treatment for complex eye conditions, our team works together to provide the same attentive care we would want for our own families.
Dr Jason Lee
Senior Consultant & Medical Director
Special interest: Oculoplastics, General Ophthalmology, Myopia, Cataract, Diabetic Retinopathy Dr Jason Lee has extensive training in eyelid, orbital, and tear system surgery, with fellowships completed in Taiwan and China. Previously a Senior Consultant at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, he co-founded The Vision Mission, a non-profit bringing sustainable eye care to communities in Asia.
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