Why do Stye (Chalazion) Happen?

Dealing with a sore, swollen eyelid is annoying enough once. When the same red, tender bump keeps returning, it’s understandable to wonder why it’s happening and how to prevent it from coming back for good.

Frequent styes often point to an underlying problem, such as blocked oil glands in the eyelids—a condition called meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Recognizing this link is an important step toward long-term relief and healthier, more comfortable eyes.

What Is a Stye and Why Does It Happen?

A stye is a small, painful lump that develops on or inside the eyelid. It forms when one of the tiny oil glands along the eyelid becomes blocked with thickened oil, dead skin cells, or bacteria. This blockage triggers irritation and inflammation, resulting in a stye.

If styes occur repeatedly, an underlying condition like MGD may be the cause. MGD affects the glands that produce the oily layer of your tears. When these glands aren’t working properly, blockages can form more easily, making styes a recurring issue.

Common Symptoms of a Stye

A stye often causes more than just a visible bump. Other symptoms may include:

• A red, tender lump along the eyelid margin

• Eyelid swelling

• A gritty or irritated feeling in the eye

• Excess tearing or crusting

Why Styes Keep Coming Back

Recurring styes can be influenced by several factors, including daily habits and overall eye health. Eyewear hygiene, lifestyle factors, and gland function all play a role.

Blocked Oil Glands & MGD

Your eyelids contain meibomian glands that release oil to keep tears from evaporating too quickly. When this oil becomes thick or stagnant, it can clog the glands, leading to styes and dry eye symptoms.

Bacterial Buildup on the Eyelids

While bacteria naturally live on the skin, an imbalance or overgrowth around the eyelids can contribute to inflammation, clogged glands, and repeated styes. Keeping bacteria under control is key to prevention.

Contact Lens and Glasses Hygiene

Poor hygiene with contact lenses or glasses can introduce bacteria and oils to the eyelids. Touching your eyes with unwashed hands or wearing dirty glasses can increase the risk of gland blockages.

Stress and General Health

Stress can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to manage inflammation and infection. Certain health conditions or skin types may also increase the likelihood of clogged glands.

How to Prevent Frequent Styes

Simple daily habits can significantly reduce your risk of developing another stye. Consistent eyelid hygiene is one of the most effective preventive steps.

Easy Eyelid Care Tips

A regular routine helps keep oil glands clear and functioning properly:

• Apply a warm compress to your eyes daily to encourage healthy oil flow

• Gently clean your eyelids with lid wipes or cleansers made for the eye area

• Use a hypochlorous (HOCL) spray as directed to reduce bacteria and support lid health

• Avoid sharing towels, pillows, or eye makeup

Smart Habits for Contacts and Glasses

Always wash your hands before handling contact lenses. Follow proper lens care instructions and clean your lens case regularly. If you wear glasses, clean the frames and lenses often to remove oil and debris.

When Home Care Isn’t Enough

While warm compresses and lid hygiene can help, they may only provide temporary relief if styes continue to return. Persistent styes often signal that the meibomian glands need more targeted treatment.

At Envision Eye Care, we offer comprehensive dry eye evaluations, including meibography and tear break-up time (TBUT) testing, to uncover the root cause of recurring styes.

Professional Treatments for Long-Term Relief

When styes are linked to MGD, treating the underlying gland dysfunction is essential. Our in-office treatments focus on restoring healthy oil flow and reducing inflammation for lasting comfort.

Meibomian Gland Expression

This in-office treatment involves applying gentle pressure to the eyelids to release thickened oil trapped inside the glands. Clearing these blockages helps restore normal gland function.

Get Relief for Your Eyes

If recurring styes are disrupting your comfort, it may be time to address the underlying cause. A comprehensive eye exam can identify conditions like MGD and help guide the right treatment plan.

At Inspire Vision Care we’ll work with you to explore all available options—from daily lid hygiene and hypochlorous sprays to advanced treatments like meibomian gland expression. 

Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward healthier, more comfortable eyes.