Removal of styes and chalazia

What is a stye?

A stye (hordeolum) is a localised inflammation in one of the small glands in the eyelid. It appears as a round swelling that is red and tender at first. Vision is usually unaffected. You can have several at once, and they often come back.

Treatment at home

Styes are harmless and often go away by themselves. It is quicker if you put a warm compress on the edge of the eyelid and gently massage the stye straight afterwards. Some people need antibiotic eye drops.

Surgery for a chalazion

If the stye does not go away, a firm lump called a chalazion can form, which is removed with a minor procedure.

1. AnaesthesiaNumbing drops and a local anaesthetic in the eyelid.
2. DrainingThe gland is opened from the inside or from the skin side, and the contents are drained. The wound heals by itself.
3. DressingA soft dressing, which may be removed after about an hour.

Swelling and bruising subside during the first week. The lump may still be felt for a few weeks but disappears over the following months. Some people are prescribed drops or ointment with antibiotic and corticosteroid 3 times a day for 5 days.