What Is the Bump on the Eyelid?
A bump on the eyelid is a painful condition. An eyelid bump is characterized by small swelling at the corner of the eye or may be present anywhere on the eyelid. These bumps may be caused due to various conditions such as an infection or a clogged tear duct. These bumps can cause pain and irritation. At times these bumps may become increasingly painful and may require medical attention. But, in most conditions, the bump on the eyelid goes away on its own with certain basic home care. A bump on the eyelid usually occurs in only one eye. Most of the time it may also be associated with other symptoms.
What Are the Various Types of Bumps on the Eyelid?
A bump on the eyelid can be caused due to various factors. However, the bump on the eyelid is most often caused by three conditions. The common causes of the bump on the eyelid include:
1. Stye: Stye is the most common cause of an eyelid bump. A stye is a bacterial infection of the eyelid. It may be most commonly caused due to a blocked or clogged eyelid pore. It can be quite painful. If this condition occurs in the upper eyelid then the swelling may involve the entire eyelid. A stye may appear as a red swelling on the eyelid. At times pus discharge can also be observed. At times more than one stye can develop on the eyelid. In a few patients, this condition may reoccur multiple times. Other symptoms that may be associated with a stye may include:
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Sensitivity to light.
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Eye irritation.
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The pain in the eyes.
2. Chalazion: Chalazion is an infection of the oil-producing gland of the eye. It most commonly occurs in the upper eyelid. It occurs underneath the eyelid or in the mid-way. A chalazion may grow bigger than a stye and it is known to reoccur. A chalazion is usually painless and may resolve with home care. But at times it may obstruct the vision due to its size.
3. Xanthelasma: This is an asymptomatic swelling of the eyelid. This swelling appears yellow in color. Fat buildup in the eyelid is the most common reason for this type of swelling. The occurrence of this condition may be indicative of elevated cholesterol levels. This swelling may be soft in consistency and most commonly occurs towards the nose. It may be found in people between the ages of 35 to 55 years.
What Are the Symptoms of a Bump on the Eyelid?
A bump on the eyelid may be associated with certain symptoms. Some of the symptoms may be common whereas some symptoms may be specific to the particular condition. These symptoms may or may not be present all the time. The most common symptoms that may be associated with an eyelid bump may include:
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Redness of the eye.
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Watery eyes.
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Swelling of the eyelids
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Pain in the eyes.
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Pus discharge.
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The blurring of vision.
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Itching or irritation of the eyes.
When to See a Doctor for a Bump on the Eyelid?
Although most bumps are harmless and mostly resolve on their own, some of them may require medical attention. It would be advisable to consult a doctor when:
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There may be difficulty in seeing or the bump is causing a loss of vision.
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When the bump is associated with excessive discharge from the eyes.
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Pus discharge from the eye.
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The bump does not resolve within a week.
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The bump is constantly increasing in size.
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When there is bleeding from the eyes.
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If there is sensitivity to even low light.
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When there is moderate to severe crusting in the eyes.
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When there is a sudden blurring of vision.
How to Treat a Bump of the Eyelid?
A bump on the eyelid can be treated by knowing the definite cause. The treatment plan varies from case to case. However, most cases of bumps on the eyelid may resolve when given appropriate treatment. The various treatments that may be undertaken to treat a bump may include:
1. At-Home Care: Since bumps on the eyelids rarely come with complications and usually resolve quickly, at-home care can be tried before visiting a medical professional. Conditions like stye and chalazion respond pretty well to warm compression. Warm compression helps to reduce the swelling by helping in its drainage. Warm compresses can be given four to five times a day. It is important to avoid pressing or pinching the bump to avoid spreading the infection.
2. Medical Care: The treatment of the bump depends on its underlying condition. The various treatment options may include:
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Stye: The doctor may prescribe antibiotics and painkillers for the treatment of a stye. Topical antibiotics may also be prescribed depending on the severity of the situation. In case of a large swelling, the doctor may perform drainage in order to drain the pus. The doctor may also suggest eyelid hygiene practices to prevent the reoccurrence of the stye.
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Chalazion: A chalazion may require medications if it does not resolve on its own. The doctor may prescribe steroids as ointments and eye drops to help reduce the swelling. Antibiotics can also prevent infection in clogged pores. If the swelling does not subside, surgery can be performed to remove the bump.
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Xanthelasma: This condition as such does not require treatment as it may not cause any complications. However, surgery can be performed for aesthetic appearance. Cryotherapy (usage of extreme cold to freeze and remove a tissue) or laser therapy can also be indicated.
How to Prevent Bump on the Eyelid?
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To prevent a stye, it is advisable to follow hand and eyelid hygiene. Constant rubbing of the eyes should be prevented.
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To prevent the occurrence of chalazia, rinsing the eyelid with warm water can help to de-clog the pores. A warm compress can help in resolving the bump in the early stages itself.
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Xanthelasma can be prevented if the cholesterol levels are under control. A balanced diet can help prevent many lifestyle disorders.
Conclusion
A bump on the eyelid may be caused due to a stye or chalazia or even xanthelasma. Most of these conditions can be managed at home. However, rarely the condition may persist for longer with unmanageable symptoms. If the symptoms are difficult to manage a medical opinion can be obtained. These conditions resolve quickly when the correct treatment is given.
