Restoring Clarity, Improving Lives

Stye & Chalazion

What Are Styes?

A stye, or hordeolum, is a red, painful lump near the edge of the eyelid, usually caused by an infected eyelash follicle.

What Is A Chalazion?

A chalazion, however, is a painless bump on the eyelid resulting from a blocked oil gland of the eyelid. Both conditions are generally harmless and do not typically affect vision, but they can be uncomfortable and unsightly.

Risk Factors

You are at increased risk of a stye if you:
  • Often touch your eyes with unwashed hands
  • Insert your contact lenses without thoroughly disinfecting them or washing your hands first
  • Leave on eye makeup overnight
  • Use old or expired cosmetics
  • Have blepharitis, a chronic inflammation along the edge of the eyelid
  • Have rosacea, a skin condition characterized by facial redness

How Are Styes and Chalazia Treated?

Most styes resolve on their own after a few days. However, if the swelling still persists after 48 hours, you should see an eye specialist . Options to treat stye include:

  • Warm compresses and eyelid massages: Soak a clean washcloth in hot water and hold it to your eyelid for 10–15 minutes at a time, 3–5 times a day. Keep the cloth warm by soaking it in hot water often. For a chalazion, this warm compress helps the clogged oil gland to open and drain. You can help the eyelash follicle or oil gland clear itself by gently massaging around the area with your clean finger.
  • Antibiotics: You may be prescribed antibiotic eyedrops or a topical antibiotic cream to apply to your eyelid. If your eyelid infection persists or spreads beyond your eyelid, you may be prescribed antibiotics in tablet or pill form.
  • Eyelid wash: You may be prescribed eyelid wash, which assists in clearing oily secretions and reducing clogging of the follicle or gland openings.
  • Incision and drainage surgery: If your stye doesn't clear up, a minor surgery to create a tiny incision and drain the content in the stye or chalazion may be required.

Why Choose Us?

DR ERROL CHAN

Specialised Experience in Retinal Care

Dr Chan is a triple-Fellowship trained and experienced Ophthalmologist. He has international clinical experience from McGill University and Moorfields Eye Hospital London, and has been awarded Ophthalmology accreditation from the UK, Canada & Singapore. He specialises in diagnosing, managing and treating vitreoretinal diseases, including complex and second opinion cases.
Book your Consultation
Meet Dr Errol Chan

DR ERROL CHAN

Meticulous Approach

Our meticulous approach means that every detail is considered, from your medical history to your lifestyle needs, as we aim to provide you with the most optimal retinal care.
Book your Consultation
Meet Dr Errol Chan

DR ERROL CHAN

Comprehensive Diagnostic Technologies

A comprehensive detection of retinal tears or detachment necessitates specialised imaging equipment that are available at Ascend Eye Clinic.
Book your Consultation
Meet Dr Errol Chan

DR ERROL CHAN

Individualised Treatment

With the aim to optimally preserve your eye health as far as possible, we create personalised treatment plans that are tailored to your specific needs and vision goals.
Book your Consultation
Meet Dr Errol Chan

Contact us

Request a Consultation

Cataract

Conditions

Services

Contact Us

Opening Hours

  • Mon to Fri:
  • 9.00AM – 5.30PM
  • Sat:
  • 9.00AM – 1.00PM
  • Sun & PH:
  • Closed
Copyright © 2026 Ascend Eye Clinic. All Rights Reserved.