The eyelids are thin folds made up of skin, muscle and fibrous tissue that protect the eyes and limit the amount of light that can enter them. Common cysts and swellings that can form in this part of the body are chalazion, sty and dermoid cysts. Rarely can they be defined as serious problems, however they can cause pain, itching, redness and swelling. It is essential to recognize eye cysts in order to be able to treat them correctly and to know when to see an ophthalmologist.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Symptoms of Different Cysts
Step 1. Observe the symptoms of sty
This swelling is the result of the sebaceous gland infection caused by the staphylococcal bacteria. Most eyelid cysts are actually styes. Here are its features:
- Swelling that usually forms on the outside of the eyelid, although it can sometimes develop internally
- The bulge resembles a pimple or boil
- On the inside of the swelling there may be a round, whitish, raised spot filled with pus;
- Sty can cause profuse lacrimation;
- The entire eyelid is usually swollen and painful.
Step 2. Look for signs of chalazion
It is a type of cyst caused by the obstruction of the sebaceous glands found on the eyelid rim. It typically increases in size from a small, hard-to-see dot to a pea-sized cyst.
- Chalazion can cause soreness and redness at first, but it becomes painless as it grows.
- In most cases it forms on the inside of the upper eyelid, but you may also notice swelling on the outer part or lower eyelid.
- Its presence causes profuse tearing and blurry vision when it presses against the eyeball.
Step 3. Determine if you have a dermoid cyst
This non-cancerous growth can develop anywhere on the body, including the eyelids; In itself it is a benign disorder, but in some cases it leads to loss of vision, lacerations and inflammation. For these reasons, your ophthalmologist will advise you to remove it.
- An orbital dermoid cyst has the appearance of a smooth, firm egg-like mass that is located near the bones of the orbit.
- A posterior epibulbar dermoid cyst is usually found under the upper eyelid, where it contacts the eyeball. It is a soft, yellow mass that follows the shape of the eye. There may be some hairs sticking out of the mass.
- A limbal dermoid cyst is a small spot or mass that does not grow on the eyelid, but on the eye itself, typically on the cornea or the border that separates it from the sclera (the white part of the eye). This type of cyst must always be removed, as it causes vision problems.
Part 2 of 3: Treating an Eyelid Cyst
Step 1. Let the sty run its course
This "pimple" typically goes away on its own within a few days. In most cases, you can treat the symptoms and let the infection resolve on its own.
- Do not try to crush or squeeze the sty as this will make the infection worse.
- Use a mild soap and water to wash the eyelid.
- Do not apply make-up until the sty is gone.
- If possible, do not insert contact lenses until the eye has healed.
- You can place a warm, damp cloth over the affected eye for 5-10 minutes several times a day to clean the sty and relieve some of the discomfort.
- If you don't notice any improvement within 48 hours, call your eye doctor. If the redness, swelling, and pain extend to other parts of your face, go to the emergency room.
Step 2. Take antibiotics if the swelling doesn't go away
If the stye doesn't clear up spontaneously within a week (or if the pain gets worse or extends to the eyeball), call your eye doctor. He will advise you to take antibiotics to treat the infection. Topical medications are generally preferred instead of those taken by mouth; some are free for sale, but others require a prescription.
Take or use antibiotics exactly as prescribed by your doctor and for as long as directed (even if the stye appears to be improving or has disappeared)
Step 3. In rare cases it is necessary to undergo surgery
If the sty does not improve with the other techniques, the ophthalmologist will need to open it to drain the pus. This way the infection heals faster and you can find some relief from the pressure and pain.
Never try to drain a sty yourself, as you may suffer from serious complications
Step 4. Use a compress to treat chalazion
This type of swelling usually goes away on its own. To speed up the healing process, cleanse the area and find some relief from discomfort, apply a warm, damp towel for 5-10 minutes, several times a day.
Gently massage the affected area for a few minutes a day to stimulate the resorption of the swelling
Step 5. Call the eye doctor if the chalazion does not drain and heals on its own within a month
When the swelling does not resolve spontaneously, it must be removed with a small intervention. A small incision is made at the site of the chalazion (usually on the inside of the eyelid) and the inflamed tissue is removed. Finally, the wound is closed with absorbable sutures.
Step 6. Ask your ophthalmologist how to treat the dermoid cyst
Some of these can be completely asymptomatic and do not even interfere with vision; others must be surgically removed. Your doctor will check the growth and advise you on what to do.
Describe your symptoms to your eye doctor in detail, including any pain or vision problems you are suffering from
Part 3 of 3: Understanding the Risk Factors
Step 1. Know that chronic diseases can cause styes
The risk of developing this disorder is greater in patients suffering from underlying conditions such as blepharitis and rosacea. These health problems cause inflammation, which in turn is related to sty.
Step 2. Recognize the risk factors associated with chalazion
Unlike sty, chalazion is not an infection, however it can develop as a result of the formation of a sty. Patients suffering from the following underlying conditions are more likely to experience this disorder:
- Blepharitis;
- Rosacea;
- Seborrheic dermatitis;
- Tuberculosis;
- Viral infections.
Step 3. Maintain good eyelid hygiene
Styes are often the result of a staph infection, the bacteria found on the skin. For this reason, all the situations listed here increase the risk of developing one:
- Touch your eyes without washing your hands first;
- Using dirty contact lenses or inserting them without first washing your hands;
- Do not remove make-up before going to bed;
- Use old cosmetics or share them with someone else (mascara, liquid eyeliner and eyeshadow should be discarded three months after first use).
