Sticky eyes: Causes, treatment, and prevention
What Is A Chalazion? Identification And Treatment
A chalazion is a small, slow-growing lump or cyst that develops within the eyelid. A chalazion bump may clear up on its own, and home remedies can help with healing. Medical treatments may be necessary in some cases.
A chalazion can develop when a meibomian gland at the edge of an eyelid becomes blocked or inflamed. These glands produce oil that lubricates the surface of the eye.
In this article, we look at the symptoms of a chalazion and the differences between a chalazion and a stye. We also describe causes, home treatment, when to see a doctor, surgery, and prevention.
In the early stages, a chalazion appears as a small, inflamed area of the eyelid. Within a few days, this inflammation can develop into a painless and slow-growing lump.
A chalazion can appear on the upper or lower eyelid, but they are more common on the upper lid. Although chalazia are generally painless, they can cause the eye to become watery and mildly irritated.
A particularly large chalazion may press on the eyeball, which can lead to blurry vision. This condition usually does not cause pain or swelling of the whole eyelid.
People sometimes confuse a chalazion with a stye due to similarities in appearance. Although people sometimes use the two terms interchangeably, they refer to different types of lesions that appear around the eye.
A chalazion results from a blocked oil gland, whereas a stye, or hodeolum, indicates an infected oil gland or hair follicle.
There are two ways a stye can develop. An external hordeolum occurs at the base of the eyelash. An internal hordeolum develops deeper inside the eyelid.
The most noticeable difference between a chalazion and a stye is that a chalazion tends to be painless. A stye usually hurts and may cause the eye to feel sore and scratchy. Other symptoms of a stye can include:
Most external hordeola increase in size for around 2–4 days before they burst and the pus drains. However, not every stye bursts during healing. They usually take around 1 week to heal, which is faster than some chalazia.
Learn more about styes and their treatment.
Chalazia often occur in people with underlying inflammatory conditions that affect the eyes or skin, such as:
Less commonly, chalazia develop due to viral conjunctivitis or tuberculosis. Rarely, sebaceous cell carcinoma can masquerade as recurring chalazia.
Individuals who have had a stye or chalazion have an increased risk of developing chalazia in the future.
A chalazion usually requires very little medical treatment and tends to clear up on its own within a few weeks. In the meantime, it is important to avoid squeezing or popping the chalazion, as this can increase the risk of an eye infection.
There are several safe ways to promote drainage and speed up the healing process. These include:
Warm compressesApplying a warm compress to the affected eye can help soften any hardened oil blocking the gland ducts. This helps the ducts open and drain more effectively, which can relieve irritation.
To make and use a warm compress:
Use a clean cloth or new cotton pad for each compress — do not reuse them.
Gentle massageGently massaging the eyelids for several minutes each day may help the oil ducts drain more effectively. Before trying this technique, apply a warm compress according to the above instructions. Then, wash the hands thoroughly to ensure they are clean. This reduces the risk of infection.
Gently massage the eyelid with the fingers for several minutes, and repeat daily until the chalazion begins to drain. Once this starts, keep the area clean and avoid touching it.
Over-the-counter treatmentsA number of over-the-counter products can help treat a chalazion or stye. These may reduce irritation or prevent infection while it heals. Some of these products include ointments, solutions, and medicated eye pads. A pharmacist can provide advice.
Things to avoidTo prevent further discomfort or irritation, it is best to avoid wearing eye makeup or contact lenses until the chalazion heals. Avoid touching the eye area with the hands unless it is necessary.
For a person with a severe or persistent chalazion, a doctor may recommend surgery to drain it. This typically takes place in the doctor's office using local anesthesia. They will lance the lump to remove the fluid and allow the eyelid to heal. Do not try to do this at home.
Chalazia can sometimes recur. If this happens often, the doctor may need to take a biopsy of the lump. A biopsy involves removing a small tissue sample, which the doctor will examine for signs of a more serious condition.
Doctors can also provide corticosteroid injections to treat chalazia, which reduces inflammation.
A chalazion can become infected if bacteria get inside the oil gland. This is when a chalazion becomes a stye. If this happens, the lump may become painful and more swollen. A doctor can provide antibiotic ointment, drops, or oral tablets for styes.
If the infection spreads to the surrounding skin or the eye itself, this is an emergency. Eye infections can spread quickly and damage eyesight if left untreated.
Contact an eye doctor if a chalazion does not drain and heal within 1 month. The doctor will ask about symptoms and examine the area to rule out other conditions.
For some people, a doctor may give a steroid injection to reduce swelling. This will depend on the location, size, and number of chalazia present. Very large chalazia may need lancing. Do not try to do this at home.
If there are signs of a bacterial infection, such as pain or soreness, speak with an eye doctor. They may recommend an antibiotic ointment or a course of oral antibiotics. If any of the following symptoms occur, seek immediate help:
It is not always possible to prevent a chalazion. To reduce the chances, it is best to:
If a person often gets chalazia due to blepharitis, they should also gently cleanse the eye area daily with specialized eyelid cleansers. People can also use premoistened cleansing wipes or special eyelid scrubs.
A chalazion is a painless lump that can develop on the eyelid. Although chalazia can cause irritation and discomfort, they are usually harmless and clear up on their own within a few weeks.
Occasionally, a chalazion may become infected. See an eye doctor, an optometrist, or an ophthalmologist if the eye area becomes particularly swollen or painful or if the chalazion does not respond to home treatment.
What Is Blepharitis (Eyelid Inflammation)?
Medically reviewed by Johnstone M. Kim, MD
If you've ever experienced itchy, red eyes with crusts or flakes around the eyelids, it's possible you were dealing with blepharitis. Blepharitis is a common condition that can affect both children and adults. It is characterized by chronic inflammation of the eyelids, typically affecting the part of the eyelid where your eyelashes grow. Although blepharitis can be uncomfortable, it can generally be treated quickly and is not contagious.
Eye care doctors, such as optometrists or ophthalmologists, can diagnose and treat blepharitis. If you think you might have blepharitis, you can ask your healthcare provider for a referral to an eye care specialist. Through a comprehensive eye exam, they can identify the cause of your symptoms and recommend a course of treatment.
TypesThere are two types of blepharitis, which are defined by the area of the eye that is affected and what caused it. You can have one or both types at the same time. The types are:
Anterior blepharitis affects the portion of your eye where your eyelashes connect to your eyelid. Common causes of this type include a bacterial infection, seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff), and a combination of these two causes.
Posterior blepharitis affects the part of your eyelid that touches your eye. Common causes of this type include rosacea and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which is characterized by poor functioning of the tiny oil glands in your eye called the meibomian glands.
Blepharitis symptoms and their severity can vary from person to person. If you have blepharitis, you may experience any of the following symptoms in or around your eyes:
Stinging or burning
Watering or creating tears
Itchiness
Sensitivity to light
Redness
Swelling
Dryness
Feeling like there's something in your eye
Crustiness or dandruff-like flakes on them, especially when you wake up
Foamy tears (tears with small bubbles)
Over time, if blepharitis is untreated, it can lead to more severe symptoms, including:
Blurry vision
Eyelashes falling out
Eyelashes growing in the wrong direction
Swelling in the eye, such as in the cornea (the outermost layer of your eye)
Related: 4 Causes of Bumps on Your Eyelid
What Causes Blepharitis?We know of a few causes of blepharitis at this time, and researchers are still studying other potential causes. Most cases—particularly anterior blepharitis cases—are caused by having too much bacteria (such as staphylococcus) at the base of your eyelashes. It's normal to have bacteria on your skin, but if it grows too much in this area, it can cause blepharitis.
It's also possible to develop blepharitis if:
Your eyelid oil glands (the meibomian glands) are clogged or irritated
A type of face mite called a Demodex lives in your eyelash follicles
Your eyelids produce less oil than average
You may be more likely to develop blepharitis if you also experience:
Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff), a type of eczema that primarily affects the oil (sebaceous) glands
Rosacea, a chronic skin condition that causes areas of red, inflamed skin
Allergies that affect your eyelashes
People with oily skin may also find that they are more prone to developing blepharitis than those with dryer skin types.
DiagnosisTo determine if your eye condition is blepharitis, it's best to seek care from an eye care specialist. They can perform a comprehensive eye exam in which they use special instruments, such as a light and a magnifying tool, to test your eyes and take a closer look at your eyelids and eyelashes.
Your eye care specialist may also ask about your health history and other medical conditions you have, to determine what might be causing your symptoms. They may also perform tests to identify the quality of your tears. If they determine that blepharitis is the cause of your symptoms, your eye care specialist can use the eye exam to tell you the type of blepharitis you have and recommend appropriate treatment options based on the type and its cause.
Treatments for BlepharitisIn treating blepharitis, it's important to manage both the symptoms and the ongoing treatment of any underlying causes. Your eye care specialist can recommend a comprehensive course of treatment, which may include a combination of eye hygiene and prescription medication.
Eye HygieneThe most effective way to reduce instances of blepharitis—and prevent recurrence—is through a daily routine of cleaning your eyelids. This can involve the following:
Make sure to clean your eyelids every day with water and a face cleanser, or baby shampoo.
If the crusts on your eyes are stubborn, warm compresses can help loosen them.
If your oil glands are clogged, you can try to massage your eyelids to help move the oil out.
You may want to avoid wearing eye makeup while seeking treatment, to make it easier to keep your eyes clean.
For certain kinds of blepharitis, prescription medication may be necessary. This may include:
If your eyes are very swollen, red, or irritated, your eye care specialist might prescribe eye drops with steroids. If you don't need steroids, they may recommend you try artificial tears, a common type of eye drop found over the counter.
If your blepharitis is caused by bacteria, your eye care specialist may prescribe antibiotic eye drops, pills, or ointments.
To treat underlying conditions such as rosacea or dandruff, your healthcare provider may prescribe medication or special skincare or hair products.
Although blepharitis is common and can be treated, there's a good chance it will come back. Make sure to keep up with your eye hygiene practice and continue to treat any underlying conditions.
PreventionIt's important to maintain proper eye hygiene to help prevent blepharitis flare-ups.
If you are diagnosed with blepharitis, make sure to speak with your eye care specialist about what causes your blepharitis, and continue to prevent the root cause as needed. For example, if you typically experience blepharitis related to bacterial infections, your provider may prescribe you medication to reduce the flare-ups.
Potential ComplicationsIf blepharitis is left untreated, it can lead to other issues, particularly with your eyes. The following issues may occur:
Styes, or red bumps on the eyelid resulting from clogged oil glands
Chalazions, or lumps on the eyelid from a stye that hasn't gone away
Dry eye
Damage to your cornea due to swelling or eyelashes growing in the wrong direction
Redness in your eyes that lasts for a long time
Related: How To Treat a Stye and Stop One From Ever Happening
A Quick ReviewBlepharitis, a common eye condition that can cause irritation, redness, and itchiness, is often characterized by the flaky crusts it produces on the eyelids. It can be caused by a variety of factors, from bacteria to clogged oil glands to underlying conditions such as rosacea.
Although common, blepharitis can be a difficult condition to manage. It's important to develop a treatment plan with an eye care specialist to reduce your symptoms and prevent future severe occurrences. Maintaining good eye hygiene and addressing underlying causes can help you manage your blepharitis.
Frequently Asked QuestionsIs blepharitis a symptom of autoimmune disease?
No, blepharitis is not a symptom of autoimmune disease, but it can easily be confused as one. Blepharitis is common in people with rosacea, which itself is not an autoimmune disease but can co-occur with autoimmune diseases. Therefore, it's possible for someone who has an autoimmune disease to have a higher chance of blepharitis, but there's not a direct connection.
In addition, blepharitis is often confused with a type of eye rash caused by the autoimmune disease lupus, but having lupus does not increase your risk of blepharitis.
Can stress and anxiety cause blepharitis?
No, research does not suggest that blepharitis is caused by stress or anxiety. However, research does show that people with diagnosed blepharitis have higher stress and anxiety levels than people without; it's suggested that this is tied to the discomfort and stress around managing the condition.
When should I be concerned about blepharitis?
Most of the time, blepharitis can be managed using simple hygiene techniques, per your healthcare provider's recommendations. However, if your symptoms don't improve or become worse after several days of treatment, it's important to reach back out to your healthcare provider.
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What Is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a common infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. Without treatment, the alveolar bone around the teeth will gradually erode.
Periodontitis means inflammation in the supporting structures around the tooth. Bacteria and other microorganisms stick to the surface of the tooth and in the pockets surrounding the tooth. As they multiply, the immune system reacts, leading to inflammation.
Untreated periodontitis will eventually result in tooth loss and may increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other health problems.
Periodontitis is a chronic or long-term inflammatory disease. Good oral hygiene practices can help manage or prevent it.
In this article, find out why periodontitis happens, who is at risk, and how to treat and prevent it.
Treatment aims to clean out bacteria from the pockets around the teeth and prevent further destruction of bone and tissue.
Good oral hygieneGood oral hygiene can help reduce the risk of periodontitis.
Tips include:
How can people stop bleeding gums at home?
Scaling and cleaningRemoving plaque and calculus can help restore periodontal health.
This involves:
How often a person needs treatment will depend on how much plaque and tartar accumulate.
MedicationsA number of medicated mouthwashes and other treatments are available.
They include:
If other treatments do not help, a dentist may recommend periodontal surgery.
Surgery can:
A dentist may carry out one or all of these procedures under local anesthetic. They will close the gums with stitches after the procedure.
Home treatment is essential for managing plaque buildup and reducing the risk of gum disease.
The American Dental Association (ADA) gives the following advice:
Which toothpaste is best to use?
People should not share brushes, as bacteria can pass between individuals in this way.
A dentist can also advise on:
What are the best practices for healthy teeth and gums?
Other prevention tips include:
How can people remove plaque and tartar at home?
Gingivitis occurs before periodontitis. It usually refers to gum inflammation, while periodontitis refers to gum disease and the destruction of tissue, bone, or both.
GingivitisAround 90% of adults have gingivitis, where bacterial plaque accumulates on the surface of the tooth.
With gingivitis:
Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis.
PeriodontitisWith periodontitis:
The immune system attacks bacteria as the plaque spreads below the gum line into the pockets. This leads to an immune reaction, which involves the release of toxins and inflammation.
Bone and connective tissues that hold the tooth start to break down. Teeth can become loose and fall out. The changes may be irreversible.
A person should see a doctor or dentist if they have:
These symptoms may indicate a need for urgent treatment or further investigation to rule out other causes, such as mouth cancer or an abscess.
To diagnose periodontitis, a dentist will likely:
Complications and consequences of periodontitis include:
One study of people with chronic coronary artery disease, lasting 3.7 years, found that for every five teeth lost, there was a 17% higher risk of cardiovascular death, a 16% higher risk of all-cause death, and a 14% higher risk of stroke.
It is unclear why this happens, but it may be that bacteria from periodontitis infect the coronary arteries, triggering a wider immune response.
One study found that females who develop periodontal disease after menopause may be more likely to develop breast cancer, particularly if they have a history of smoking.
Bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless membrane that develops over the surface of teeth, is the most common cause of periodontal disease.
Brushing teeth removes plaque, but it will build up again after a day or so.
Plaque that remains will harden into tartar, also known as calculus. Tartar is harder to remove than plaque. A person cannot remove tartar at home. It needs professional treatment.
Plaque and tartar can progressively damage teeth and surrounding tissue.
At first, gingivitis may develop. This is a reversible inflammation of the gums around the base of the teeth.
If gingivitis persists, pockets can develop between the teeth and gums. These pockets fill up with bacteria.
As the immune system responds to the buildup of tartar, bacterial toxins start destroying the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. Eventually, the teeth start becoming loose, and they may fall out.
Below is an interactive 3-D model of periodontal disease.
Explore the model using your mouse pad or touchscreen to understand more about periodontal disease.
Factors that increase the risk include:
Here are the answers to some questions people often ask about periodontal disease.
Can you fix periodontal disease?In the early stages, called gingivitis, good oral hygiene can reverse some changes and prevent further deterioration. As the disease progresses, however, irreversible damage may occur. Often, symptoms of periodontitis do not appear until a later stage. For this reason, it is better to prevent it by practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding smoking.
What is the main cause of periodontal disease?Inadequate oral hygiene is the main cause, but smoking can also play a key role. Other individual risk factors include genetic features, a weakened immune system, and other health conditions.
What are the consequences of untreated periodontal disease?It can lead to discomfort, tooth loss, and bad breath. Scientists have also found links with other diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy complications.
Periodontitis is a type of gum disease.
It can happen if a person does not follow regular hygiene practices such as daily brushing and flossing. In the early stages, it is reversible. As it progresses, however, irreversible damage may occur. Often, a person does not realize this damage is present until it is too late to fix completely.
Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, gum discomfort, and bad breath but may also increase the risk of heart disease and other complications.
To avoid periodontitis, people should brush their teeth twice a day, floss daily, and see a dentist at least once a year. A diet that favors whole foods and fresh fruits and vegetables over processed carbs can also help.
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