Our eyelids are folds of skin, muscle, and a thin network of fibers that protect and limit light entering the eye. Some types of cysts or protrusions on the eyelids are styes, chalazia, and dermoids. This eye disorder is rarely harmful, but can cause pain, itching, swelling, and redness. It is important to identify eye cysts so that they can be treated properly. In addition, you can know when to seek professional help.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing Symptoms of Different Types of Cysts
Step 1. Watch for styes
Styes occur due to infection with Staphylococcus bacteria in the oil glands in the eyelids. Most eyelid cysts are cysts, and the symptoms are:
- It usually forms on the outside of the eyelid, but sometimes on the inside as well.
- Looks like a boil or pimple.
- It may appear as a white, round, raised spot of pus on the inner side of the swelling.
- May cause open wounds.
- It can cause pain and swelling all over the eyelid.
Step 2. Watch for chalazion symptoms
A chalazion (Greek for "haildrop") is a type of cyst that occurs when the oil glands at the edge of the eye become blocked. The size of the chalazion usually grows, which at first is very small and difficult to see, to the size of a pea.
- Chalazion can initially cause redness and sensitivity to pain, but as it grows it will not hurt anymore.
- Usually, a chalazion forms inside the upper eyelid, but you may notice swelling outside the eyelid, or in the lower eyelid.
- Chalazion can also cause splitting or blurring of vision if pressed on the eyeball
- Prolonged or recurrent chalazions should be checked to make sure they are not malignant.
Step 3. Determine if you have a dermoid cyst
-
Noncancerous growths called dermoids can grow anywhere on the body, including the eyelids. Dermoid cysts alone are harmless, but in some cases can cause visual disturbances, or rupture, causing inflammation. Therefore, the doctor may recommend removing the dermoid.
Recognize an Eyelid Cyst Step 3 - The orbital dermoid looks like a smooth egg-shaped lump found near the bone of the eye socket.
- Posterior epibulbar dermoids (also known as dermolipomas) are usually found under the upper eyelid. These dermoids are soft and yellow in color, and can follow the shape of the eye. It is also possible that there are hairs sticking out of these clumps.
- A limbal dermoid is a small spot or mass found on the surface of the eye (not the eyelid), usually on the cornea (around the iris), or at the junction of the cornea and sclera (white of the eye). In many cases, this dermoid must be removed because it can cause visual disturbances.
Part 2 of 3: Treating Eyelid Cysts
Step 1. Leave it alone
Styes usually heal on their own within a few days. In most cases, you can treat the symptoms and let the stye heal on its own.
- Do not try to pop or squeeze the stylus, as this can make the infection worse.
- Use a mild soap and water to clean the eyelids.
- Avoid using eye makeup until the sty has healed.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses until the sty has healed, if possible.
- You can apply a warm, wet washcloth to your eyelids for 5-10 minutes several times to clear the stye and reduce discomfort.
- Call your doctor if your condition doesn't improve within 48 hours, or if redness, swelling, or pain spreads to other parts of your face.
Step 2. Use antibiotics for a stye that doesn't go away
If the sty doesn't go away on its own within a week (or the pain gets worse or spreads to the eye) call your doctor. Your doctor may suggest taking antibiotics to treat it. Usually, over-the-counter antibiotics are preferred over oral antibiotics. Some drugs must be purchased with a doctor's prescription, while others are sold over the counter at pharmacies.
Use antibiotics according to your doctor's prescription and instructions (even if the stye seems to be getting better and better)
Step 3. Carry out the operation, if needed
If the stye doesn't get better after you use the above methods, your doctor can dissect it and remove the pus in it. This will allow the stye to heal faster, and relieve some of the pressure and pain.
Never attempt to drain the stylus alone because serious injury or complications can occur
Step 4. Use a compress to treat the chalazion
Usually, a chalazion heals on its own. You can apply a warm, wet washcloth to your eyelids for 5-10 minutes four times a day to clean them and relieve discomfort from chalazion.
Gently massage the chalazion-affected area for a few minutes every day to help it heal. You may not squeeze or break the chalazion
Step 5. Call your doctor if the chalazion doesn't drain or goes away on its own within a month
Chalazions that don't heal on their own can be removed with minor surgery. A small incision is made at the site of the chalazion (usually on the underside of the eyelid), and the inflamed tissue is removed. This incision is then sutured back with dissolvable sutures.
Step 6. Ask your doctor about how to treat a dermoid
Some dermoids can cause vision problems or problems, while others need to be surgically removed. The doctor will examine the dermoid and suggest the best course of action for you.
Make sure you fully explain your symptoms to your doctor, including any pain or visual disturbances you're experiencing
Part 3 of 3: Understanding Risk Factors
Step 1. Understand that chronic conditions can lead to styes
Patients with underlying conditions such as blepharitis and rosacea are more prone to styes. This condition causes inflammation, which can be associated with the formation of a cyst.
Step 2. Know the risk factors associated with chalazia
Unlike a stye, a chalazion is not an infection. However, chalazion can develop as a post-styling effect. The risk of developing a chalazion is also higher in patients who have underlying conditions, for example:
- Blepharitis
- Rosacea
- Seborrhea
- Tuberculosis
- viral infection
Step 3. Get in the habit of maintaining good eye hygiene
Styes usually occur as a result of infection with the Staphylococcus bacteria, which is commonly found on our skin. Therefore, some of the following behaviors can increase your risk of developing styes:
- Touching eyes with dirty hands
- Using dirty contact lenses or installing them with dirty hands.
- Leaves makeup on overnight without cleaning.
- Using old makeup or sharing makeup with other people. For information, mascara, liquid eyeliner, and eyeshadow should be discarded within three months after first use.
