Styes and chalazia are common eyelid conditions that can cause discomfort and affect the appearance of the eyes. At AestheticEye in Cincinnati, OH, our board-certified oculoplastic surgeons, Dr. Ginger Henson and Dr. Jonathan Pargament, specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of styes and chalazia, offering advanced solutions to alleviate symptoms and restore eyelid health. Serving Cincinnati, Dayton, our team is dedicated to providing personalized care for optimal results.
Stye vs. Chalazion: Understanding the Difference
What is a Stye?
A stye, or hordeolum, is an acute bacterial infection of the oil glands in the eyelid. It typically appears as a red, swollen, and painful lump near the edge of the eyelid. Styes can be external (on the outer part of the eyelid) or internal (inside the eyelid).
Dr. Ginger Henson was a perfect choice for me! She did an excellent job. I had no pain and healed up better than ever! I’m so happy with the job she did for me!
What is a Chalazion?
A chalazion is a chronic, non-infectious blockage of the oil glands in the eyelid, resulting in a firm, painless lump. Unlike styes, chalazia usually develop further from the edge of the eyelid and are not associated with redness or acute pain.
Symptoms of Styes and Chalazia
Stye Symptoms
Redness and Swelling
A red, swollen bump on the eyelid, often near the lash line.
Pain or Tenderness
Discomfort, especially when touched.
Tearing
Excessive tearing from the affected eye.
Crusting
Crust formation along the eyelid margin.
Pus Discharge
Possible discharge from the stye.
Chalazion Symptoms
Painless Lump
A firm, non-tender lump further from the eyelid edge.
Mild Swelling
Swelling of the entire eyelid or just the affected area.
Blurry Vision
In some cases, pressure on the eyeball may cause temporary vision changes.
Cosmetic Concerns
Visible lump affecting the appearance of the eyelid.
What Causes Styes and Chalazia?
Causes of Styes
Styes are typically caused by bacterial infection, often Staphylococcus aureus, which infects the oil glands in the eyelid. Factors that increase the risk of developing a stye include:
Poor Eyelid Hygiene
Not cleaning the eyelids regularly.
Touching Eyes with Dirty Hands
Introducing bacteria to the eyelids.
Use of Expired or Contaminated Makeup
Bacteria from old makeup products.
Causes of Chalazia
Chalazia result from the blockage of oil glands (meibomian glands) in the eyelid. Contributing factors include:
Chronic Blepharitis
Inflammation of the eyelid margins.
Skin Conditions
Conditions such as rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis.
Previous Styes
Recurring styes can lead to the formation of chalazia.
Treatment Options for Styes and Chalazia in Cincinnati, OH
At AestheticEye, we offer comprehensive treatment options for styes and chalazia, tailored to each patient’s needs.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Warm Compresses
Applying warm compresses to the affected area several times a day to help reduce swelling and promote drainage.
Eyelid Hygiene
Keeping the eyelids clean with gentle cleansing solutions to prevent further infection or blockage.
Antibiotic Ointments or Drops
Prescribed for bacterial infections associated with styes.
Steroid Injections
For larger chalazia, to reduce inflammation and promote resolution.
Eyelid Chalazion Surgery
For persistent or recurrent chalazia that do not respond to non-surgical treatments, surgical intervention may be necessary. Our expert surgeons perform chalazion surgery with precision and care:
Incision and Drainage
A small incision is made on the inner side of the eyelid to drain the contents of the chalazion.
Local Anesthesia
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort.
Quick Recovery
Most patients experience minimal discomfort and a quick recovery, returning to normal activities within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions | Stye and Chalazion Drainage
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Maintaining good eyelid hygiene, avoiding touching your eyes with dirty hands, and using clean makeup products can help prevent styes and chalazia.
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You should see a doctor if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, if the stye or chalazion does not improve with home treatments, or if it affects your vision.
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Chalazion surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so patients do not feel pain during the procedure. Post-operative discomfort is usually minimal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
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Yes, styes and chalazia can recur, especially if underlying risk factors are not addressed. Regular eyelid hygiene and preventive measures can help reduce the risk of recurrence.
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Recovery from chalazion surgery is typically quick, with most patients resuming normal activities within a few days. Swelling and bruising may take a week or two to fully resolve.
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As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, including infection, bleeding, and scarring. These risks are minimized when the surgery is performed by experienced oculoplastic surgeons like Dr. Henson and Dr. Pargament at AestheticEye.
Schedule Your Consultation for Stye or Chalazion Treatment in Cincinnati
If you are experiencing symptoms of a stye or chalazion and are seeking effective treatment options, contact AestheticEye today to schedule a consultation. Our expert surgeons, Dr. Henson and Dr. Pargament, will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Discover the benefits of professional stye and chalazion drainage at AestheticEye, serving Cincinnati, Dayton, OH.
