How are they different?
- Stye: develops in 1–2 days, the eyelid turns red and swells, there is pain when touched, a purulent “eye” is often visible at the edge of the eyelid. After a few days it opens on its own
- Chalazion: grows for weeks, a dense rounded nodule in the thickness of the eyelid, the skin over it is not changed, there is no pain or it is insignificant. Rarely goes away on its own
Иногда ячмень, который не вскрылся, превращается в халязион. Поэтому если «ячмень» держится больше 2 недель и перестал болеть, но остался плотный узелок — это уже халязион, и тактика меняется.
Why do they appear?
- Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins, the most common underlying cause.
- Meibomian gland dysfunction, thick secretion
- Demodectic mange is a mite at the base of the eyelashes
- Diabetes mellitus and decreased immunity - with frequent relapses, be sure to check
- Poor hygiene, habit of rubbing eyes
- Low-quality or expired cosmetics, sleeping with makeup
- Wearing contact lenses in violation of the rules
Do's and Don'ts
- Тёплые сухие компрессы 5–10 минут 3–4 раза в день — размягчают содержимое и способствуют оттоку.
- Гигиена век: очищение края века специальными салфетками или мягким средством.
- Лёгкий массаж век после компресса — по направлению к краю века, без давления на глазное яблоко.
- Антибактериальные капли или мазь — по назначению врача.
- Отказ от косметики и линз до выздоровления.
It is strictly forbidden to: squeeze, pierce, apply “folk” remedies, apply cut vegetables and gold objects. The eyelid has an abundant blood supply associated with the cranial cavity, and squeezing out pus threatens phlegmon of the orbit and thrombosis of the cavernous sinus - life-threatening complications.
When is intervention needed?
- Chalazion that did not resolve after 3–4 weeks of conservative treatment
- A large nodule pressing on the cornea and causing astigmatism and blurred vision
- Cosmetically significant formation
- Abscessing stye with the formation of an abscess - requires opening by a doctor
- Recurrence in the same place in an elderly patient - the node is removed with histological examination
Chalazion removal is a short outpatient procedure under local anesthesia: the contents are cleaned out through an incision on the inside of the eyelid, so no marks are left on the outside. Sometimes, instead of surgery, an injection of a glucocorticosteroid into the node is used.
How to prevent relapses
- Daily eyelid hygiene for blepharitis - like brushing your teeth, regularly and constantly
- Warm compresses in courses for thick meibomian gland secretions
- Treatment of demodicosis if confirmed
- Blood Sugar Control
- Remove makeup at night, change mascara every 3 months
- Don't rub your eyes, wash your hands
- Follow wearing time and care rules for contact lenses
