Eyelids serve a pivotal function in protecting eyes from irritants. Sometimes, eyelids suffer from complications like lumps, causing pain and irritation. The condition sometimes causes lesions, triggering an eyelid bump. Lumps on the eyelids often disappear on their own, but some severe conditions might necessitate eyelid surgery.
Are you wondering when lumps on the eyelids are a serious concern? An eyelid bump is often nothing to worry about, but you should see an ophthalmologist if the problem does not heal. Situations that warrant seeing a specialist include when the lump ulcerates, bleeds, or grows out of proportion. The experts can help deal with the eyelid bump problem once and for all.
Table of Contents
Causes Of Eyelid Bumps
There are various causes of lumps in the eyelid, the most common being an infection on the eyelash follicle or oil gland.
Lumps in the eyelid cause various symptoms, including:
- Swelling
- Irritation
- Tenderness
- Blurry or unclear vision
- Redness
Types Of Eyelid Bumps
Lumps in the eyelid manifest themselves in several ways since they are all different. Here are some of the eyelid bump types:
Styes
These look like pimples – often characterized by its redness and immense pain if touched. The abscess occurs mainly along the eyelid’s outer rim, near the eyelashes. Styes are less complicated to deal with and are the least severe type of eyelid bump. The leading cause of styes is bacterial infections.
Chalazia
Chalazia look like a stye but have the potential to grow larger – often to pea-size. These lumps usually occur on or under the upper eyelid.
Chalazia are more stubborn to deal with since they have a high potential of coming back. A big chalazion can also act as an impediment to vision, worsening the problem even further.
Xanthelasma
This problem occurs when fats accumulate under the skin’s surface, commonly forming on the eyelids. Xanthelasma often involves several lumps that can, in some instances, come together to form clusters. They are easily identifiable through the orange or yellow bump featuring defined borders. The condition is primarily an indicator of other underlying medical conditions, so you should seek expert help immediately.
Blepharitis
It is a skin condition where a person experiences swelling around the eyelashes and eyelids resulting from a bacterial infection. Blepharitis is a manageable condition but could worsen, so it is vital to involve a professional.
When to Visit an Ophthalmologist
If you are unsure if the bump on your eyelid warrants a visit to an eye professional, look out for worsening conditions. For example, if you are having trouble seeing, your eyes are watering excessively, or the white part of your eyes changes color, schedule an appointment with an eyelid surgeon right away.
A specialist will perform an eye exam on you and determine what type of eyelid bump you have. They will then decide if you need more tests or what the best course of treatment is.
How To Treat Eyelid Bumps
Some eyelid bumps usually clear out on their own after some time. Treatment can help speed up the healing process and ensure better results. Below is an outline of the home remedies to help the lump on the eyelid subside.
- Avoid poking or squeezing the lump when trying to pop it. Popping the eyelid bump can worsen the situation by allowing the bacteria to access other areas of the eye.
- One should also place a damp and warm cloth over the eye daily. If possible, they should also massage the swelling on the eyelid gently until the lump voluntarily drains. Keep the area clean after draining to prevent bacterial spread, which can cause complications.
- The patient also must avoid using contact lenses during the period they have the lump until it is healed. Contacts often hoard dangerous bacteria that cause infections, which can cause the issue to reoccur.
An ophthalmologist can also offer medical care. Here are some things an eye specialist may do if they decide your eyelid bump needs medical treatment:
- For sties, the specialist will puncture the bump to drain the infected fluid. They may also prescribe an antibiotic cream.
- For chalazion, you may need surgery, in which case you would put antibiotic eye drops in your eyes before and after surgery.
- For xanthelasma, an ophthalmologist will remove it if the appearance bothers you. Otherwise, there is no medical care needed.
Work With an Expert for Successful Eyelid Surgery
The eyes are a critical part of the body since they help with sight. Lumps in the eyelids are a common concern, but they often heal by themselves. Seeking treatment from an ophthalmologist can help hasten the healing process.
In some cases, the lumps can grow and develop into more severe complications, warranting eyelid surgery. It is best to work with the experts to ensure they deal with the problem permanently. Eye surgeon specialists inspect the problem and formulate the best solution to help restore proper eyesight to the patient.
