Swollen Eyelid Guide: Styes, Causes & Treatment
"I woke up with a swollen eyelid..." "My eyelid is red and painful..."
Does this sound familiar? A swollen eyelid can be quite noticeable and concerning. A common cause for this is often referred to as a "stye."
This article explains what a stye is, its different types, causes, and treatments. We'll also cover another condition causing eyelid inflammation called "blepharitis," discuss why swelling might occur after eyelash extensions, and touch upon preventative measures you can take.
What is a "Stye"?
"Stye" is a common term for a condition involving a swollen, often painful lump on the eyelid. (It might be called different names regionally). Medically, it usually refers to two main conditions:
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Hordeolum: An acute, pus-forming inflammation caused by bacterial infection.
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Chalazion: A chronic inflammation caused by a blocked oil gland (Meibomian gland) at the base of the eyelashes.
Separately, there's also Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelid margin or skin.
Types of "Styes": Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
These conditions can occur on either the upper or lower eyelid.
1. Hordeolum (Stye)
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Cause: Primarily caused by bacterial infection, often by Staphylococcus aureus. Bacteria infect the sweat glands, sebaceous glands (at the lash follicle), or Meibomian glands (which produce the oily part of tears).
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External Hordeolum: Infection of a lash follicle or associated gland (Zeis or Moll).
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Internal Hordeolum: Infection of a Meibomian gland.
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Symptoms:
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Initial: Localized redness, swelling, and tenderness on the eyelid.
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Progression: Increased pain, formation of a pus-filled bump (pustule). (External hordeola point outwards; internal hordeola point inwards towards the eye).
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Treatment:
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Medication: Antibiotic eye drops or ointments, sometimes oral antibiotics. Anti-inflammatory medication may also be used. Early treatment can sometimes resolve it before significant pus forms.
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Incision and Drainage: If there's significant pus collection, a doctor may make a small incision to drain it, speeding up recovery. Sometimes it ruptures and drains spontaneously, which also leads to healing.
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2. Chalazion (Meibomian Cyst)
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Cause: Develops when a Meibomian gland opening becomes blocked, causing oil to back up and form a lump. This leads to chronic inflammation and the formation of a granuloma (a small lump of inflammatory tissue). It's typically a non-infectious inflammation.
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Symptoms:
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A firm, usually painless lump or swelling within the eyelid. Foreign body sensation.
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Generally lacks the acute pain and redness of a hordeolum. Feels like a small bead under the skin when touched.
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Acute Chalazion: If it becomes secondarily infected by bacteria, it can become red, swollen, and painful, resembling a hordeolum.
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Treatment:
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Observation: Small chalazia may resolve on their own over weeks or months.
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Surgery/Injection: Larger or persistent chalazia may require surgical removal (incision and curettage) or an injection of corticosteroid medication directly into the lesion.
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Acute Chalazion: Antibiotics are used first to treat the infection. If a lump remains after the inflammation subsides, incision or injection might be considered.
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Note: In elderly individuals, persistent or recurrent chalazion-like lesions should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out rare possibilities like sebaceous gland carcinoma.
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Eyelid Inflammation: What is Blepharitis?
This is a general term for inflammation of the eyelids, typically affecting the edges (margins).
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Types:
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Marginal Blepharitis: Inflammation primarily around the base of the eyelashes.
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Eyelid Dermatitis: Inflammation of the eyelid skin.
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Causes:
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Infectious: Bacterial (often Staphylococcus) infection of the lash follicles, sweat glands, or Meibomian glands. Can also be caused by viruses like Herpes Zoster (shingles).
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Non-infectious: Overproduction of oil from glands (seborrheic blepharitis), allergic reactions (to cosmetics, medications, plants, etc.).
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Symptoms:
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Itching, redness, swelling, burning sensation, crusting along the lash line.
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Severe cases can lead to sores or scabs.
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Chronic marginal blepharitis can sometimes cause misdirected eyelashes (trichiasis) or lash loss.
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Eyelid dermatitis may involve blisters.
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Treatment:
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Infectious: Antibiotic or antiviral medications based on the cause. Keeping the eyelid margins clean (lid hygiene) is crucial for marginal blepharitis.
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Non-infectious (Allergy/Seborrheic): Avoiding the allergen, using steroid ointments, taking oral anti-allergy medications.
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Why Do Styes Become More Likely?
The bacteria (Staphylococcus) that often cause hordeola are commonly found on our skin and hands. While usually harmless, infection becomes more likely under certain conditions:
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Lowered Immunity: Lack of sleep, fatigue, or stress can weaken the body's defenses.
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Poor Hygiene: Blocked sweat or Meibomian glands due to dirt or debris. Rubbing eyes with unclean hands.
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Heavy Eye Makeup: Applying makeup, especially eyeliner, inside the lash line (on the Meibomian gland openings) can block the glands, potentially leading not only to styes but also dry eye.
Maintaining good general health, practicing good eye hygiene, and avoiding heavy makeup right on the gland openings can help prevent these issues.
Eyelash Extensions and Eyelid Swelling
Swollen eyelids after eyelash extension application are a relatively common complaint. This can happen due to irritation from the procedure itself, an allergic reaction to the adhesive or other products used, or the exacerbation of a pre-existing mild inflammation. If you have any signs of eyelid irritation or infection, you should avoid getting eyelash extensions.
Conclusion: Don't Self-Diagnose Swollen Eyelids – See an Eye Doctor!
Eyelid swelling and pain aren't just cosmetic issues; they can be signs affecting your eye health. Don't assume it's "just a stye" and try to treat it yourself. It's important to see an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) promptly for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
This is especially true if you're considering eyelash extensions or if you experience recurrent eyelid problems. Consulting an eye doctor will ensure you get the right care and advice for your specific situation.
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