Chalazion & Stye Treatment
Relief for swollen or persistent eyelid bumps
A tender, swollen bump on the eyelid may be a stye, clinically known as a hordeolum, while a firm bump that lingers after the tenderness improves may be a chalazion. Although some eyelid bumps resolve with consistent home care, others can remain for weeks or repeatedly return.
At Innovative EyeCare, we evaluate the eyelid, oil glands, and surrounding skin to determine what may be contributing to the blockage and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
What is a stye (hordeolum)?
A stye, also called a hordeolum, is usually a painful, red bump near the eyelashes or eyelid margin. It may develop when an oil gland or eyelash follicle becomes inflamed or infected.
A stye may initially feel tender and look similar to a pimple. In some cases, the tenderness improves but a firm chalazion remains afterward.
What is a chalazion?
A chalazion develops when one of the eyelid’s oil-producing meibomian glands becomes blocked. Oil becomes trapped inside the gland, creating inflammation and a localized bump within the eyelid.
A chalazion may:
Feel firm or swollen
Cause eyelid tenderness or heaviness
Create redness around the eyelid
Temporarily blur vision if it presses against the eye
Remain present for several weeks or longer
Return when the underlying gland dysfunction is not addressed
Unlike a stye, a chalazion is not typically caused by an active bacterial infection.
When should you schedule an evaluation?
Consider scheduling an eyelid evaluation when:
The bump has not improved with warm compresses
The eyelid remains swollen, red, or uncomfortable
The bump repeatedly returns
The area has been present for several weeks
The swelling is affecting your vision
You are unsure whether the bump is a chalazion, stye, or another eyelid condition
New, worsening, or unusual eyelid lesions should be examined before treatment is recommended.
In-Office Treatments
Intense pulsed light (IPL) may be recommended when inflammation, eyelid redness, rosacea, or underlying meibomian gland dysfunction is contributing to the condition. IPL helps address inflammation around the eyelids and may improve the environment surrounding the blocked glands.
1. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
2. Radiofrequency (RF)
Radiofrequency treatment feels like a warm massage for the eyelids. A handheld device is gently moved back and forth across the eyelid for about 10 minutes, delivering controlled heat to the tissues. The warmth helps soften hardened oils within the blocked gland, allowing the chalazion to drain more naturally while also improving the function of the surrounding oil glands.
3. Eyelid Massage & Expression
After the eyelid has been warmed, gentle massage or expression may be performed when clinically appropriate to encourage the blocked material to release.
Treatment is personalized based on the size and location of the eyelid bump, your skin type, the health of the surrounding glands, and how long the condition has been present.
What to expect during your appointment
Your appointment will include an evaluation of the affected eyelid and surrounding oil glands. Photographs or additional eyelid imaging may be performed when appropriate.
Treatment is to the eyelid and includes IPL, RF, and eyelid massage with expression. Most appointments take approximately 45 to 60 minutes, although the exact treatment time may vary.
Some patients notice gradual improvement over the days or weeks following treatment. Chalazia that are large, deeply located, scarred, or present for an extended period may require additional treatment or referral for surgical management.
What does it cost?
$400 for 1 eye
$750 for both eyes
The fee includes the scheduled in-office treatment. Additional visits, repeat treatments, and medications are not included.
Insurance plans do not cover IPL or Radiofrequency (RF) treatments as they are considered advanced office-based procedures rather than standard medical benefits. As a result, treatment is provided on a self-pay basis. HSA and FSA funds may be used.
How much time is involved?
Appointments include an evaluation of the affected eyelid, meibomian gland function, and the underlying blockage, followed by treatment during the same visit.
One eye: Approximately 45 minutes
Both eyes: Approximately 60 minutes
Most patients are able to return to their normal daily activities following their appointment.
Who is a good candidate?
Have a persistent eyelid bump that has not improved with warm compresses.
Have a chalazion or stye that has been present for several weeks.
Experience recurrent chalazia or styes.
Have redness, swelling, or tenderness associated with a blocked eyelid gland
Have underlying meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, rosacea, or dry eye contributing to repeated eyelid bumps.
Want a non-surgical treatment option before considering incision and drainage.
Not every eyelid bump is a chalazion. Your appointment begins with a thorough evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether treatment is appropriate.
Patient Feedback:
“I am OVERJOYED how much the IPL helped, thank you, thank you, thank you!”
“Instead of weeks of worsening inflammation and gruesome rupturing, the stye never got anywhere near as bad as previous ones and was mostly gone in 10 days. I was shocked and delighted! I cannot explain what a relief it was (and is) to know this treatment is available and effective.”
Get In Touch
You do not have to continue waiting for a persistent eyelid bump to resolve on its own. Schedule an evaluation at Innovative EyeCare to determine whether in-office treatment may be appropriate.