Chalazion (Stye) in Lake Worth, FL

A chalazion or a stye is an infected bump that appears on the edge of your eyelid. Closely resembling a pimple, a stye happens when the small oil glands around the eyelashes become blocked with dead skin cells, oil, skin, or dirt. Stye symptoms may include swelling, discharge, light sensitivity, foreign object sensation, weepiness, tenderness, and crustiness. Unfortunately, styes can grow externally and internally on your eyelid and usually require professional treatment if at-home remedies don’t seem to work or you commonly experience them. To accurately diagnose your condition, please schedule a consultation with our Lake Worth, FL, eye doctors to learn more. We also proudly serve our Delray Beach, FL community for their eye care needs. Our South Florida ophthalmologists at Palm Beach Eye Center can provide a range of stye treatments for your needs.

Chalazion symptoms are very recognizable. These symptoms include:

• A red bump on the eyelid, typically painless and often found on the upper eyelid
• Watery eyes caused by mild irritation
• A large chalazion can cause blurred vision from pressure applied to the eye

A bump on the eyelid is often a sign that a chalazion has developed. A stye typically develops when something blogs an oil gland in the eyelid. These glads are essential in keeping the eye moist, and when clogged, the gland retains oil and swells. Other chalazion causes include:

• Viral infections
• Chronic blepharitis
• Rosacea
• Tuberculosis
• Dry, red, flaky, or itchy skin on the eyelid

A chalazion can be influenced by several risk factors. Individuals with a history of blepharitis or other chronic eyelid conditions are more likely to develop chalazia due to the increased likelihood of oil gland blockage. Other risk factors may include:

• Oily skin
• Conditions like acne rosacea
• Frequent use of eye makeup
• Poor eyelid hygiene
• A history of systemic conditions such as diabetes
• Previous eye trauma

A chalazion is diagnosed through a physical examination conducted by an eye care professional. During the examination, the doctor will carefully inspect the eyelid where the chalazion has formed. This involves looking at the size, shape, and location of the lump on the eyelid to distinguish it from similar conditions, such as a stye. The doctor may also examine the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid to assess any effects on the eye or vision and to rule out any underlying infections or eye conditions. In most cases, the diagnosis of a chalazion is made based on the clinical appearance and patient history. Special diagnostic tests are usually not necessary unless there is concern about an underlying condition or the chalazion does not respond to typical treatments, in which case further investigations may be warranted.

A stye can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. If you begin to experience discomfort and swelling because of a stye, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment with us for chalazion eye treatment in Lake Worth, FL. In some cases, patients can relieve the symptoms with at-home treatments, such as using a warm compress on the eye for 10 – 15 minutes, around five times per day. However, you may still have symptoms that do not completely clear up. A stye can impact your daily life and may even prevent you from using contacts or makeup. At Palm Beach Eye Center, we offer several eye stye treatment options to fit your needs. During a consultation at our Lake Worth, FL, eye care facility, we can assess your condition and prescribe antibiotics to improve the issue.

When should I visit a doctor for my stye?
If your chalazion, otherwise known as a stye, hasn't resolved itself after a few days, it may be time to visit one of our professionals here at Palm Beach Eye Center. Other symptoms that may require you to make an appointment include worsening pain throughout your eye and not just on your eyelid and blurred vision.

How is a stye treated?
Treatment of a stye or chalazion will vary based on the specific location and size. Because a chalazion occurs when a blockage in one of the oil glands near your eyelash, it is important to place a warm compress on the area. Visit our office to get antibiotic ointment when necessary.

How can you prevent a stye? 
Chalazion prevention involves washing your hands before touching your eye, making sure that your contacts are kept clean before insertion, and washing off your eye makeup before bed. Taking care to not rub your eyes often will also help prevent a stye.

How long does it take a chalazion to heal?
As the stye grows, it will become swollen and painful on your eyelid. However, most styes begin to heal in about a week after the bump breaks. If you need assistance in calming your eye and getting relief, visit our office in Delray Beach, FL.

If you have a chalazion that prevents you from living comfortably and have tried home remedies that don’t work, please schedule an appointment at Palm Beach Eye Center. We can provide a treatment plan and help you prevent a future stye from occurring. Located in Lake Worth, FL, and near Delray Beach, FL, our skilled ophthalmologists and friendly team can develop a treatment strategy and discuss insurance or payment plan options.