Chalazion vs Stye : What's the difference?


Summary :


â—‰ Chalazion vs Stye

When it comes to eye health, there are a few common issues that people often face. Two such problems are chalazion and stye, they are two common eyelid conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Understanding the difference between these two conditions, which can be quite unpleasant, can help you better identify what's going on with your eyes and seek appropriate treatment.

1- Definition

A chalazion is a painless, non-infectious lump in the eyelid caused by blockage of the sebaceous gland. On the other hand, a stye is a painful and infectious bump caused by a bacterial infection in the hair follicles of the eyelid.

2- Causes

A chalazion is caused by a blockage of the sebaceous gland in the eyelid, which leads to an accumulation of oil and the formation of a lump or cystic form. A stye, on the other hand, is caused by a combination of infection and blockage of the sebaceous or sweat glands in the eyelid.

3- Symptoms

A Chalazion often appears as a firm, painless bump on the eyelid that can get bigger over time. It could cause blurred vision if it gets too big and presses against the eye. A stye, on the other hand, is tender to the touch, appears red and swollen, and can cause pain and discomfort.

4- Appearance

The chalazion usually appears as a firm, non-tender, round or oval lump or lump on the eyelid, while the stye appears as a tender bump, red and inflamed which may have a center filled with white or yellow pus.

5- Size

The chalazion can range in size from a small pea to a large bead (2-8 mm in diameter), while the stye is usually smaller .

6- Pain

A chalazion is usually painless, while a stye can be quite painful due to inflammation and infection.

7- Progress

A chalazion usually grows larger over time and can take weeks to months to resolve on its own, while a stye usually grows quickly and can disappear within a few days with appropriate treatment.

8- Processing time

Chalazion can take several weeks to months to resolve on its own, while stye usually clears up within a few days to a week with proper treatment.

9- Contagion

The chalazion is not contagious. The stye itself is not contagious; however, the bacteria that caused the stye can be transferred to others where it may or may not cause an infection.

10 Age

Chalazion develop in adults between the ages of 30 and 50. They are not common in children, but can happen, while styes are more common in children and young adults.


Reference

  1. Dr Colin Tidy - Chalazion Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
  2. Chalazion and Stye
  3. clevelandclinic - Chalazion
  4. milaneyecenter - Eye Stye and Chalazion
  5. Chalazion/Orgelet
  6. Chalazion/Orgelet