Recurrent Styes and Chalazia: Why Do They Keep Coming Back?
Do You Keep Getting Styes or Chalazia?
Most people will experience a stye at some point in their lives. While many resolve on their own, repeatedly developing styes or chalazia is not normal and often indicates an underlying eyelid condition.
If you're experiencing recurring eyelid lumps, it's important to identify and treat the underlying cause rather than simply waiting for the next one to appear.
What's the Difference Between a Stye and a Chalazion?
Although they're often confused, a stye and a chalazion are not the same.
A stye (hordeolum) is usually an acute infection of an eyelid gland. It tends to be painful, red and swollen.
A chalazion develops when a meibomian gland becomes blocked. It is usually less painful and often feels like a firm lump within the eyelid.
A stye can sometimes develop into a chalazion if the blockage persists after the infection settles.
Why Do They Keep Coming Back?
Recurring styes and chalazia are usually caused by an underlying problem affecting the eyelids.
Common causes include:
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
The meibomian glands produce the oil layer of your tears.
When these glands become blocked, oil becomes trapped inside the gland, increasing the risk of chalazia.
MGD is one of the most common reasons people develop recurrent eyelid lumps.
Blepharitis
Inflammation along the eyelid margins can contribute to blocked glands and recurrent styes.
Treating the blepharitis often helps reduce recurrence.
Demodex Mites
Demodex are microscopic mites that naturally live around the eyelashes.
In some people they multiply excessively, causing inflammation and increasing the risk of blepharitis, styes and chalazia.
Ocular Rosacea
Rosacea affecting the eyelids can interfere with meibomian gland function and increase the likelihood of recurrent chalazia.
Symptoms
You may experience:
A lump within the eyelid
Tenderness
Swelling
Redness
Watering
Gritty eyes
Dry eye symptoms
Repeated episodes affecting the same or different eyelids
Some chalazia become large enough to press on the cornea, temporarily causing blurred vision.
How Are Recurrent Chalazia Diagnosed?
At The Dry Eye Suite, we don't simply assess the lump itself.
We investigate why it developed in the first place.
Your assessment may include:
Detailed symptom history
Slit lamp examination
Eyelid assessment
Meibomian gland evaluation
Meibography (imaging of the meibomian glands)
Tear film assessment
Screening for blepharitis and Demodex
Identifying the underlying cause helps reduce the risk of future episodes.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the stage of the stye or chalazion and the health of your eyelids.
Warm Compresses
Warm compresses may help soften thickened oils and encourage blocked glands to drain.
Eyelid Hygiene
Keeping the eyelids clean helps reduce bacteria, debris and inflammation.
ZEST Eyelid Treatment
For patients with significant blepharitis or Demodex, ZEST helps remove biofilm, debris and excess bacteria from the eyelid margins.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
For patients with meibomian gland dysfunction or ocular rosacea, IPL may help reduce inflammation and improve the quality of the oils produced by the meibomian glands.
By improving gland function, IPL may help reduce the likelihood of future chalazia in suitable patients.
Meibomian Gland Expression
Following IPL, gentle expression of the glands may help release blocked oils and improve gland function.
Surgical Removal
Some large or persistent chalazia may require surgical incision and curettage by an ophthalmologist.
If surgical management is required, we can advise you appropriately.
Can Styes and Chalazia Be Prevented?
While not every episode can be prevented, treating the underlying eyelid disease can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.
This may include:
Regular eyelid hygiene
Managing blepharitis
Treating meibomian gland dysfunction
Managing ocular rosacea
Treating Demodex where present
When Should You Seek Help?
Arrange a specialist assessment if:
You keep getting styes or chalazia.
The lump has been present for several weeks.
Your eyelids are frequently inflamed.
You have associated dry eye symptoms.
Your vision is becoming blurred.
The lump is enlarging or not improving.
Persistent or recurrent eyelid lumps should always be assessed. In rare cases, recurrent lesions in the same location may require further investigation to rule out other eyelid conditions.
How We Can Help
At The Dry Eye Suite, we specialise in identifying the underlying causes of recurrent styes and chalazia.
Using advanced diagnostic technology, including meibography, we assess the health of your meibomian glands and eyelids before creating a personalised treatment plan.
Rather than simply treating the lump itself, our goal is to reduce the likelihood of future episodes by managing the underlying cause.
If you're struggling with recurrent styes or chalazia, book a comprehensive dry eye assessment today at The Dry Eye Suite, Harold's Cross, Dublin.