A chalazion and a stye are both lumps in or along the edge of an eyelid. Very often it is difficult to distinguish between a chalazion and stye based on its presentation. This article aims at a comparative discussion between these two closely related conditions. Origin and Presentation A stye often appears as a red, sore lump near the edge of the eyelid, caused by an infected eyelash follicle. When a stye occurs inside or under the eyelid, it is called an internal hordeolum.
A chalazion forms when an oil-producing gland in the eyelid called the meibomian gland becomes enlarged and the gland opening becomes clogged with oil. Chalazia tend to develop farther from the edge of the eyelid than styes. Often larger than stye, a chalazion usually isn't painful. It is not caused by an infection from bacteria, and it is not cancer. Sometimes an untreated non-healing stye may turn into a…
