Medically reviewed by Dr. Niranjana Bejan Singh. Written to established clinical-education standards (AAO/Mayo/NHS/NEI) and adapted for this hospital. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.
A stye (hordeolum) is a painful, red lump near the eyelid margin caused by an acute infection of an eyelash follicle or oil gland, while a chalazion is a usually painless lump caused by a blocked and inflamed oil gland (meibomian gland) within the eyelid. Most styes and chalazia settle on their own or with warm compresses and simple measures, but ones that persist, grow large, or affect vision or comfort may need in-clinic drainage or minor surgical removal.
Who typically needs this
- Patients with a chalazion that has not resolved after several weeks of warm compresses and lid hygiene.
- Those with a chalazion large enough to press on the eye, blur vision, or cause a noticeable cosmetic lump.
- People with a stye that has developed into a persistent, walled-off lump rather than resolving with conservative care.
- Patients with recurrent chalazia in the same spot, or several at once, where removal and sometimes a biopsy are recommended.
What to expect
- The eyelid area is examined and, if the diagnosis is straightforward, treatment can be offered directly; unusual or recurrent lumps may be sent for biopsy.
- The area is numbed with a local anaesthetic injection, and the procedure is typically done in the clinic in a matter of minutes.
- A small clamp is often used to stabilise the eyelid, and an incision is made — usually on the inner (conjunctival) surface of the eyelid so no visible skin scar results.
- The contents of the blocked gland are drained and any surrounding scar tissue is gently removed.
Recovery
- Mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness at the site is common for a few days.
- A short course of antibiotic ointment or drops may be prescribed to reduce infection risk.
- Most people resume normal activities the same day or the next, avoiding eye makeup and contact lenses for a short period as advised.
- The area is monitored at a follow-up visit to confirm the lump has resolved and, if biopsied, to review results.
Risks to know about
- As with any minor eyelid procedure, bleeding, infection, or bruising can occur, though these are usually mild.
- Chalazia can occasionally recur at the same site or elsewhere on the eyelid.
- Rarely, incomplete drainage means a residual lump persists and needs a repeat procedure.
- A small scar or change in eyelid contour is uncommon but possible, particularly with larger or recurrent lesions.
Frequently asked questions
Do all styes and chalazia need surgery?
No — most resolve with warm compresses, gentle massage, and lid hygiene within a few weeks; drainage is reserved for ones that persist, grow, or cause symptoms.
Will there be a visible scar?
Usually not — the incision is typically made on the inside of the eyelid, so there is no visible skin scar.
Is the procedure painful?
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic first, so the procedure itself is generally not painful, though some soreness is normal afterward.
Why would a chalazion be sent for biopsy?
Biopsy is recommended for lumps that keep recurring in the same spot or look atypical, mainly to rule out a rarer growth mimicking a chalazion.
Ready to see us?
Call the appointment desk, or book online — we will confirm your time by phone.
Sources consulted: AAO — What Are Chalazia and Styes?, NHS — Stye . General medical information — not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Medically reviewed by Dr. Niranjana Bejan Singh.
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