Each of our eyelids contain about 25 sweat glands. These glands drain right behind the eyelashes, and constantly produce a small amount of fatty liquid. The liquid helps to keep tears on the eye so that they don't evaporate too quickly. If one of these glands becomes blocked, the liquid fat can solidify, cause the gland to swell up and turn red. This then turns into a bump on the eyelid, which needs to be drained so that it does not cause infection.
Stye Versus Chalazion
A stye occurs when an oil gland on the eyelid is blocked and becomes infected. A chalazion occurs when there is a build up of material in the eyelid due to a blocked gland. Styes and chalazions both typically heal on their own, however in certain cases medical help may be necessary.
Treatments
Some treatments for styes and chalazions include using a warm compress, anti-inflammatory eye-drops, ointments, and in some cases an injection. Antibiotics can also aid in the healing process if the stye or chalazion is infected. In persistent cases surgical drainage may be required.
