Stye and chalazion treatment

A stye is a bacterial infection of one or more sebaceous glands at the base of the eyelashes. A stye appears as a small, red, painful bump on the eyelid. Most often, the bacteria responsible are from the staphylococcus family (staphylococcus aureus).

We strongly advise you against attempting to pop a stye at home. Doing so often leads to secondary infection, which prolongs treatment time and increases the risk of complications. If you’re unable to see a professional right away, keep the area clean and apply warm compresses to relieve discomfort.

Contrary to common belief, no, a stye itself is not contagious—however, the bacteria responsible for the infection can spread. That’s why you should avoid sharing personal care and hygiene items (like towels or makeup), especially while the infection is active. (In fact, it’s generally recommended that you avoid sharing these items at any time.)

A stye typically lasts three to seven days, and often resolves on its own. Treatments such as warm compresses and certain prescribed antibiotic solutions can speed up the healing process. However, in some cases a stye can last much longer and may even require surgical intervention. That’s why it’s important to treat styes as early as possible, using technologies such as LLLT, offered in-clinic.

A chalazion is an inflammation of the meibomian glands, which are sebaceous glands in the eyelid. Unlike a stye, which is caused by a bacterial infection and appears as a red, painful bump, a chalazion often results from a blocked gland, which results in a buildup of sebum (an oily secretion).

This buildup can cause a painless bump on the eyelid that may turn red and swollen if it becomes infected. Chalazia usually develop more slowly than styes and can persist for weeks or even months if not properly treated.

The difference is what causes it: a chalazion is caused not by bacteria but by gland blockage.

A chalazion can last anywhere from several weeks to several months. In some cases, styes can last even longer and may need surgical intervention. This is why early treatment, such as LLLT, is recommended.

If a chalazion is bothering you, it’s a good idea to consult your optometrist. There are highly effective approaches and technologies that can be used to reduce symptoms and even eliminate the chalazion.