Chalazion and hordeolum: All about sty and chalazion in the eye
Regardless of age and gender, people are affected by conditions such as sty and chalazion. In most cases, these are not dangerous and disappear by themselves after a while – but sometimes they do not. Here you can find out the difference between chalazion and hordeolum, what they actually are, what the causes and symptoms are and which treatment options really help.
What are chalazion and hordeolum?
The “common diseases” chalazion and hordeolum are the most widespread problems of the eyelid. In everyday language, we speak of chalazion and hordeolum. But what are they actually?
A chalazion is a benign, usually painless nodule on the eyelid or a swelling that occurs due to a blockage of the Meibomian glands. The meibomian gland is actually responsible for enriching the tear film with a secretion of lipids or fats. However, if the fluid cannot escape, it collects in the glands and causes swelling and inflammation.
A stye, on the other hand, is a painful and swollen bump that forms on the eyelid when a bacterial infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria occurs. A distinction is made between:
- External sty in the region of the eyelashes
- Internal sty on the inside of the eyelid
Symptoms of sty and chalazion at a glance
Some of the symptoms of styes and chalazion are similar. However, the eye diseases differ in key aspects. In addition, the symptoms vary depending on the severity and individual perception. Clear indications of the presence of an eyelid disease can be:
| Barley grain (Hordeolum) | Hailstone (Chalazion) |
| Pain in the eyelid | Swelling of the eyelid |
| Redness and swelling | Hard lump or bump |
| suppuration | Redness |
| Itching | Painlessness |
| Enlarged eyelashes follicles or sebaceous glands | Feeling of pressure due to swelling |
| Impaired vision | Limited vision |
Probably the most serious and clearest difference between chalazion and sty is that one is painful and the other is painless.
Causes of these eye diseases
A sty is the result of a bacterial infection. When the bacteria penetrate the sebaceous gland or hair follicle of the eyelashes and cause an infection, the sty develops. Risk factors and causes for such an infection are
- Lack of eyelid hygiene
- Frequent rubbing of the eyes
- Increased risk due to skin diseases such as rosacea
- Weakened immune system
- Blocked sebaceous glands
In addition, factors such as wearing contact lenses can increase the risk, as irritation or additional strain on the eyelid skin can occur. Inflammation of the eyelid margin (blepharitis) can also promote the development of a sty.
Transmission through direct contact with other people is extremely rare.
Hailstone, on the other hand, is not due to an infection. It is caused by blockage of the meibomian glands located in the eyelid. Why these glands are blocked varies from case to case:
- External influences such as dust, dirt, make-up obstruct the drain
- Previous conjunctivitis or inflammation at the edge of the eyelid
- Excessive sebum production increases the likelihood of
- Hormonal changes (e.g. puberty)
What should I do with chalazion and sty?
In many cases, the chalazion or sty will disappear by itself after a while. However, you should keep a close eye on its development. If the symptoms become increasingly severe, if it does not improve over a longer period of time (chronic) or if it recurs at regular intervals, it is advisable to consult a doctor you trust. In the case of sty, it is advisable to pay attention to hygiene and not to irritate inflamed areas further.
Diagnosis of chalazion and hordeolum
Don’t worry about a possible visit to the doctor. The diagnosis and differentiation of chalazion and hordeolum is painless for you and is possible without invasive procedures:
- Medical history
- Examination of the affected eye
- Differentiation between chalazion and sty
- Light microscopic examination / slit lamp
The diagnosis is then usually made and the cause of the eyelid problems identified. Only in exceptional cases is an additional laboratory examination necessary.
How to treat eye and eyelid problems: Treatment options
If the sty does not go away on its own, you should never try to express it yourself. In the worst case, this will only intensify the problem. Hordeolum is usually treated by:
- Warm compresses to open the sebaceous glands and promote drainage
- In the case of a severe infection, administer antibiotics
- Opening the sty to drain the pus
- Ointments or drops with antibiotic active ingredients
- Gentle massage of the eyelid
If the infection is so bad or if an abscess (pustule) has already formed, surgical removal may be necessary in rare cases.
Home remedies such as warm compresses and eyelid massages can also help to support the healing process in the case of chalazion. Over-the-counter eye drops are used to treat dry eyes. In persistent cases, you will be given a corticosteroid injection or the chalazion will be opened by an ophthalmologist.
Careful eyelid margin care can help to prevent inflammation and speed up healing. Patients with styes in particular should take care not to irritate the eye, as external factors such as wearing contact lenses can increase the risk of an infection developing or exacerbate existing inflammation.
Tips for preventive measures
There is no complete guarantee that you will not develop a chalazion or stye. However, even small everyday tips can greatly reduce the risk – especially for people who are prone to eyelid problems:
- Regular cleaning of the eyelids (removal of dirt, bacteria and oil)
- Reduce contact between hand or fingers and eyes
- As a contact lens wearer, follow the cleaning and care instructions
- Daily make-up removal before going to bed
- If necessary, apply warm compresses and gently massage the eyelid to promote the drainage of sebum
- A balanced diet and healthy lifestyle strengthens the immune system
- Regular visits to the ophthalmologist for early detection and rapid treatment
- Separate towels and hygiene products (e.g. cotton pads)
