Chalazion vs. Stye: What’s the Difference?

Chalazia and styes can often be mixed up, so understanding what they are can help you tell the difference and manage the different eye conditions appropriately. If you're experiencing symptoms related to either a chalazion or a stye, consult an eye care professional for proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Here, we’ll help you avoid mixing up the conditions by looking at their appearance, symptoms, treatment options and more.

What is a stye?

Styes are small pus-filled lumps that normally form on the outer edge of the eyelid, close to the eyelashes. They can be painful, as there can be redness and swelling of the eyelid and are typically caused by a type of staphylococcal bacteria becoming trapped in eyelash follicles or in the eyelid’s meibomian (oil-producing) gland and causing a blockage. Alongside being painful, symptoms can often include watering and tenderness.

What is a chalazion?

A chalazion is also a small lump that forms on the eyelid, although this normally appears further back on the eyelid and is painless. Chalazia are typically caused by a blocked meibomian gland, which produces an oil that lubricates the eye’s surface and keeps it moist and healthy. Aside from having a small, painless lump, some people may not experience any other symptoms with this condition. Meanwhile, others may feel irritation and discomfort, and for some, there may be some temporary blurring of vision.

What about a hordeolum?

Hordeolum is simply the medical term used for a stye. So, if you come across the term when researching, all you need to remember to save any confusion is that hordeolum and styes are the same things.  

Differences between a chalazion and stye

Below, we’ll take a closer look at some of the features that will make it much easier to tell the two conditions apart.

• Location on the lid: While a stye normally develops closer to the lash line, a chalazion will often appear further back on the eyelid.
• Appearance and texture: The two normally differ in appearance since a stye is often swollen and tender, while chalazia are generally larger and firmer.
• Level of pain: Chalazia are often painless, while styes tend to be more painful.
• Causes: Styes are typically caused by a bacterial infection in the eyelash follicles or in the eyelid’s meibomian glands. In comparison, the usual cause of chalazia is a blocked meibomian gland, and usually occurs following a stye.
• Pus: Chalazia don’t tend to get pus, while styes may contain pus because they are bacterial infections.

Similarities between chalazia and styes

While the conditions share plenty of differences, they also have some similarities that can lead you to mix them up more often. This includes common risk factors like poor eyelid hygiene, frequent eye rubbing, and having pre-existing conditions like blepharitis.

How to tell if it’s a chalazion or a stye

Unsure whether you’re dealing with a stye or a chalazion? Use the differences listed above to cross-reference with the symptoms you’re experiencing. This should help you work out which condition you’re experiencing.  

If you think you could have either of the conditions, we recommend seeing an eye care professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Does treatment differ for a chalazion and stye?