Chalazion: When a Stye Becomes a Hard Lump - Ophthalmology

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Stye with persistent granulation tissue?


Hello, doctor.
Two months ago, I developed a stye and went to see an ophthalmologist.
I took antibiotics and have been using some medication continuously.
Now it has turned into a small, hard lump.
When I visited the ophthalmologist, they said it has become a granuloma and that the small one might not require surgery, suggesting I wait to see if it resolves on its own.
However, despite daily warm compresses, there hasn't been any noticeable reduction.
I would like to ask if, given that it is currently hard but not painful or itchy, I can wear contact lenses or apply eye makeup? Is this a granuloma that hasn't fully resolved from the stye, or is it a chalazion? Thank you, doctor, for your assistance.

Zhang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/05/16

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology


Hello: Can I wear contact lenses or apply eye makeup? It does not affect.
Granuloma or chalazion? They can represent the same thing.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Tsai Wen-Yuan, Director of Ophthalmology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2017/05/16

More Info


A chalazion, often mistaken for a stye, is a common eyelid condition that arises when a meibomian gland (which produces oil for the tear film) becomes blocked. Initially, a chalazion may develop following a stye, which is an infection of the eyelid gland that causes redness, swelling, and pain. However, if the blockage persists, the gland can become inflamed and form a hard lump, known as a chalazion.

From your description, it seems that you initially had a stye, which was treated with antibiotics. However, it appears that the stye did not resolve completely, leading to the formation of a chalazion. The fact that you now have a small, hard lump that is not painful or itchy suggests that it is indeed a chalazion or a residual lump from the original stye. The term "肉芽" (granulation tissue) indicates that there may be some healing tissue present, which can occur as the body attempts to resolve the blockage.

In terms of treatment, warm compresses are often recommended to help soften the hardened oil and promote drainage. However, if you have been applying warm compresses consistently for a couple of months without improvement, it may be time to consider other options. While many chalazia can resolve on their own, some may require medical intervention, such as corticosteroid injections or surgical drainage, especially if they persist or cause cosmetic concerns.

Regarding your question about wearing contact lenses or applying makeup, it is generally advisable to avoid these activities until the chalazion has resolved. Wearing contact lenses can irritate the eyelid and potentially exacerbate the condition, while makeup can introduce bacteria and lead to further complications. If you feel that the chalazion is not improving and you wish to resume wearing contact lenses or makeup, it would be best to consult your eye care professional for personalized advice.

In summary, it sounds like you are dealing with a chalazion that developed after a stye. While warm compresses are a good first step, if there is no improvement, you should follow up with your eye doctor to discuss further treatment options. Avoid wearing contact lenses and applying makeup until the condition has resolved to prevent any potential irritation or infection. If you have any concerns about the lump or if it changes in size or appearance, do not hesitate to seek medical advice.

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