Eyelid Conditions Near San Fernando Valley, CA

At Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley in San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, CA, our board-certified ophthalmologists are dedicated to caring for your eye health. They have many years of experience helping diagnose, treat, and manage eyelid bumps and lumps with minor procedures. Some of the most common eyelid sores include styes and chalazion. Typically, these lesions are not associated with another serious illness; however, they may start to become uncomfortable or grow larger, which might hinder your vision.

If you have tried to heal a lump or bump using at-home treatment plans, but it doesn’t seem to work, please schedule an appointment at our West Hills or Encino office. We’ll create the best treatment and provide the next best steps for your condition.

At Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley, we diagnose and treat many types of common and rare eyelid problems. Some of the most common conditions that we diagnose and treat are chalazions and styes. Because these conditions look similar, patients may have a difficult time identifying and treating them correctly.

Chalazion – Chalazions are clogged or inflamed eyelid oil glands. Normally, these bumps do not occur directly on the lash line. They grow slowly but may become the size of a pea or larger. If big enough, they can start to obscure the vision and cause uncomfortable symptoms. This condition is not painful or contagious.

Styes – Styes happen when bacteria enter the eyelash pore. Common symptoms associated with styes generally include swollen, red bumps that appear directly on the lash line and sometimes within the eyelid. Styes are not indicative of other serious issues, but they can create painful and uncomfortable symptoms.

The removal of an eyelid lesion, like a stye or chalazion, is generally restricted to those patients whose vision is significantly obscured by the lesion or who have not had any relief from other methods. Like with any surgery, there are possible complications so we will only perform surgical removal if we determine that it is necessary.

During your first appointment, our ophthalmologists will discuss your medical history and assess the condition of your eyelid. We will review the location, size, type, and how long you’ve had the stye or chalazion. These things will help us determine the best treatment plan for you.

Eyelid conditions often stem from infections, inflammation, or blockages in the delicate structures of the eyelids. These issues can cause redness, swelling, discomfort, and sometimes affect vision if the condition worsens. Poor hygiene, touching or rubbing the eyes, and underlying skin conditions can contribute to the development of eyelid problems. At OAV, our board-certified ophthalmologists are experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide range of eyelid conditions to help maintain your eye health.

Styes and chalazions, common eyelid conditions, develop due to several risk factors. One of the primary risk factors is poor eyelid hygiene, which can lead to the buildup of oils, debris, and bacteria along the eyelid margin, increasing the likelihood of blocked glands and subsequent infections. Individuals with a history of chronic blepharitis or other inflammatory eyelid conditions are more prone to developing styes or chalazions due to the persistent inflammation and irritation of the eyelid. Additionally, those with oily skin or conditions like rosacea may experience more frequent occurrences of these issues because their sebaceous glands are more likely to become clogged. Contact lens wearers who do not adhere to proper cleaning protocols may also face an increased risk, as bacteria can easily transfer to the eyelid area. Lastly, stress and lack of sleep have been associated with a weakened immune response, which can exacerbate the risk of developing styes or chalazions by making the eyelid area more susceptible to infections.

Occasionally, a chalazion or stye may go away with at-home treatments, such as applying hot compresses or using over-the-counter medicine. However, if these methods do not work, both a stye and a chalazion can increase in size and impact your vision. You may also start to experience painful symptoms at this stage. If it gets to this point, we recommend scheduling an appointment with one of our expert ophthalmologists to determine if minimally invasive surgery is the best treatment option for you.

At Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley in San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, CA, our ophthalmologists may suggest draining or removing the lump based on the position, size, and type. Generally, a big, inflamed stye that won’t go away requires draining. For an infected, stubborn chalazion, we may excise it. Before either procedure, we will numb your eye and the incision is typically very small so it doesn’t require stitches.

Following the appointment, patients can get back to their daily routine without any issue because drainage and excision of a stye or chalazion is a minor treatment. During the first week after your procedure, our ophthalmologists may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or medicated cream to prevent infection. To help the area continue to heal, you should avoid rubbing or touching your eyes, swimming, getting your eyes wet in the shower, and wearing makeup for the first couple of weeks. If you follow proper aftercare directions, your eyelid should heal in about 1 – 2 weeks.

When should I see an ophthalmologist for an eyelid condition?

Eyelid sores like styes and chalazion can cause problems like swelling and pain. While some minor sores could go away on their own or with home care, this does not always happen. Patients should call an ophthalmologist if the sores continue to grow or impede their vision. Our team will provide the appropriate treatment for your condition.

How can I prevent styes and chalazion?

It is not always possible to prevent eye conditions like styes and chalazion, but there are some ways to lower your risk in Los Angeles, CA. These include keeping your eyelids clean, avoiding touching or rubbing your eyes, and not sharing personal items like towels or makeup. Our team can provide more tips during an initial assessment.

Why choose us for treatment?

OAV offers a wide variety of solutions for eyelid conditions, which will be determined based on the individual’s condition and wellness goals. We have a team of trained and experienced ophthalmologists, so patients can trust they are receiving the best care possible. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you experience any problems with your vision.

Usually, at some point in their lives, men and women experience uncomfortable symptoms associated with a stye or chalazion. Most of the time, these conditions respond to at-home remedies, such as hot compresses. However, if you have an issue with healing, please schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley in San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, CA. At either of our locations in Encino or West Hills, our ophthalmologists can help create a treatment plan that works best for your eye care needs.