Health Topics for Eyes and Vision

Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

Refractive Surgery

Eyelid lesions

Two lesions that affect the eyelids are sties and cysts.

A sty is a bacterial infection that appears as a small bump along the edge of the eyelid. Sties develop when an oil gland gets blocked. It is usually found between the eyelashes on the upper or lower lid. Sties are usually painful, red, and swollen. They eventually fill with pus and form a yellow or white head. Sties are not harmful to vision and can happen at any age.

A sty can usually be cared for at home. Apply warm compresses for 10 to 15 minutes, 4 times a day for 3 or 4 days. It will help to relieve the pain and swelling and promote drainage of the pus. A sty should never be squeezed or rubbed. Squeezing will make the swelling worse and rubbing may spread the infection.

Sties are contagious. A clean cloth should be used each time the compress is put on the eye. The cloths should be washed separately from clothing (or thrown away) to prevent other family members from getting a stye.

A healthcare provider should be consulted if:

• a lump on the eyelid impairs vision
• if redness spread to the entire lid
• 3 to 4 days of home care does not improve symptoms
• the sty becomes more swollen or painful or
• the sty occurs repeatedly

A cyst is also called a chalazion. It is a round swelling in the eyelid that also develops from a blocked oil gland. Symptoms of an infected cyst are pain, redness, swelling, and drainage of pus. It is harmless unless it becomes infected and forms an abscess. Warm compresses can be applied for 15-minute periods, 4 times a day for 4 to 5 days. About half of all cysts improve without antibiotics. If a cyst does not improve by using these measures, it may need to be removed by the provider.

Prevention measures for sties and cysts include:

• wash hands frequently
• avoid rubbing or touching the eyes
• replace eye make-up every 6 months and
• Never share eye makeup with anyone else

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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