What Can Be Mistaken for a Stye?

 

 

So you have a bump on your eye and you think it's a stye. Most often, my patients are correct with their self-diagnosis. It's worth mentioning the few times where patients just get it wrong. Getting it wrong is problematic expecially when home remedies found on social media make the actual eye problem worse.

Here's a list of common eye problems that can be mistaken for a stye, how you can differentiate from a chalazion, and when you should seek medical advice from your optometrist. 

 

 

Common Eye Problems Mistaken for a Stye

 

While a stye is an infection of the oil glands in the eyelid, other conditions may present similar symptoms. Here are some common misdiagnoses:

• Chalazion:
  • Clogged inflammation of an oil gland that forms a lump, often painless compared to a stye. 
• Blepharitis (allergic / anterior / demodex):
  • Inflammation of the eyelid margins that causes redness, itching, and irritation but usually without a distinct, pus-filled bump. 

 

• Contact Dermatitis:
  • Allergic reactions to makeup, skincare products, or environmental factors can lead to eyelid dermatitis – irritation and swelling, mimicking a stye.
• Conjunctivitis:
  • Infection or allergy affecting the conjunctiva may cause redness and discomfort that might be confused with a stye in its early stages.
• Herpes Virus:
  • Herpetic flare up affecting the eyelid that can cause a sore and localized puffiness on the eyelid - easily confuse for a stye.
• Recurrent Corneal Erosion:
  • Waking up in the morning with a swollen, puffy eyelid is often misinterpreted for a stye. 

 

Differentiating Between Stye vs Chalazion

 

To distinguish between an actual stye and other eye problems:

• Location of the Bump: A stye typically appears on the edge of the eyelid, whereas a chalazion is more in the middle of the eyelid.
• Pain Level: Styes often come with the pain because of the infection, while chalazia and blepharitis tend to be uncomfortable.
• Appearance: Look for signs of yellow or greenish pus; styes usually have a visible, tender bump with pus.
• Duration: A stye is generally an acute condition that gets worse fast, whereas chalazia can persist longer without proper treatment.

 

Prevention and When to See Your Optometrist

 

Knowing what can be mistaken for a stye is important, but preventing these conditions is just as crucial. Here are some preventive measures:

• Maintain DAILY Eyelid Hygiene: Regular cleaning of your eyelids for the stye prone is key to prevent future flare ups.
• Avoid Contaminated Eye Makeup: Replace old cosmetics (at least every 90 days) and clean brushes (at least every 30 days) to reduce bacterial exposure.
• Manage Contributing Factors: Keep allergies, meibomian gland dysfunction, dry eyes, contact lens care under control to minimize inflammation and eye irritation.
• Regular Eye Check-ups: How often should you go? If you've had 1 stye in your lifetime, one general eye exam every 365 days. If you're stye prone, at lease 2X a year with increase in frequency if your case is more complicated.

If you're frustrated because you keep getting styes, read this: Why You Keep Getting Styes. If you want to do something about it, see my tutorial for Stye Cleansing System. This comprehensive eye care routine addresses current flare ups and prevents future ones. Explore our system here: Stye Cleansing System.