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October 26, 20255 min ReadLast reviewed November 21, 2025

Stye vs Chalazion: Related Conditions, Dry Eye & More

Blepharitis rarely travels alone. Learn about the common complications like styes, chalazia, trichiasis, and marginal keratitis.

Close-up of an eyelid with a subtle bump suggesting a stye or chalazion.
D
Dr Awais Rauf
Ophthalmologist, CCT (Ophth) UK
Reviewed by Dr Awais Rauf
Medically Reviewed

Chronic inflammation of the eyelid margin can damage nearby structures, leading to a cascade of other eye problems. Recognizing these early can prevent permanent damage.

Stye vs Chalazion

These are the most common lumps associated with blepharitis.

  • Stye (Hordeolum): An acute, painful infection of an eyelash follicle or oil gland. It looks like a red pimple on the eyelid edge. It is usually caused by Staph bacteria.
  • Chalazion: A painless (or less painful), firm lump further back on the eyelid. It is caused by a blocked oil gland where the oil has ruptured into the surrounding tissue, causing a granulomatous reaction. It is sterile inflammation, not an infection.

Management: Both respond to heat, but chalazia can persist for months and may require surgical incision and curettage if they don't resolve.

Lash Problems

Long-term anterior blepharitis damages the hair follicles.

  • Madarosis: The loss of eyelashes.
  • Trichiasis: Lashes growing in the wrong direction (inwards). These misdirected lashes rub against the sensitive cornea, causing pain and potential ulcers.
  • Poliosis: Lashes turning white.

Marginal Keratitis

This is a hypersensitivity reaction. The immune system reacts to Staph toxins on the eyelid margin by creating white blood cell infiltrates on the cornea (the clear window of the eye).

Diagram of a small white corneal infiltrate near the eyelid margin.
Diagram showing a small white ulcer on the cornea near the eyelid margin.

Symptoms: Sudden pain, redness, and light sensitivity. It requires urgent steroid drops to resolve.

Evaporative Dry Eye

This is the inevitable partner of MGD. Without the oil layer, your tears evaporate 10-20 times faster than normal. This leads to a reflex watering of the eyes—patients often complain "my eyes are watering, how can they be dry?" The tears are plentiful but of poor quality (too watery).

Related content

Blepharitis symptoms

Recognize early signs and red flags.

Medical treatments

When blepharitis treatment needs prescriptions.

Daily hygiene routine

Warm compresses, massage, and lid cleansing basics.

Treatment options

In-office procedures for MGD.

FAQs

What is the difference between a stye and a chalazion?

A stye is an acute painful infection at the lid margin, while a chalazion is a deeper, usually painless blockage.

Can blepharitis cause dry eye?

Yes. Meibomian gland dysfunction reduces the oil layer so tears evaporate faster.

What problems can blepharitis cause?

Common complications include styes, chalazia, eyelash misdirection, and inflammation on the cornea.

When is a stye an emergency?

Seek urgent care if you have severe pain, spreading redness, fever, or changes in vision.

Can blepharitis make eyelashes fall out?

Yes. Chronic inflammation can damage follicles and lead to lash loss.

Scientific References

  1. Lindsley K, et al. Interventions for acute internal hordeolum. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017.
  2. Chhadva P, et al. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: The Role of Eyelid Hygiene. Curr Ophthalmol Rep. 2015.