Posted in: Letsbuyhealthcare, Eye Care
Stye or Meibomian Cyst? How to Tell the Difference and What to Do About It
Have you ever noticed a mysterious bump on your eyelid that won't go away? It might not be a stye- it could be a Meibomian cyst.
What is a Meibomian cyst?
A Meibomian cyst, also known as a chalazion (Kuh-lay-zee-uhn), is the medical term for a small, usually painless lump that forms on the eyelid when an oil gland, called a Meibomian gland, becomes blocked.
Prevention of a Meibomian cyst
-Clean your eyelids regularly- gently wash in the morning and evening to remove excess oils, debris, and dead skin cells.
- Avoid sharing makeup- to reduce the risk of bacterial transfer
- Check expiry dates - avoid using old or expired cosmetics, as they can harbour harmful bacteria
You might wonder: "How can I tell if the lump on my eye is a stye or a Meibomian cyst?"
A Stye and Meibomian cyst are both common eye conditions that result in the formation of a lump on the eyelid. A Meibomian cyst is generally considered non-infectious and typically lasts longer than a Stye.
According to one method, it is possible to differentiate between them ''by tugging slightly at the eyelid skin. If the pimple or swollen area moves with the skin, it's probably a stye. If the skin slides over the mass, it's most likely a [Meibomian cyst]'' (Anshel, 2011). A Meibomian cyst can persist for weeks to months, and if it grows large enough, it may cause blurred vision by pressing against the eyeball.
When to See a Doctor
While many Meibomian cysts resolve on their own or with home care, you should consult a healthcare professional if:
- The lump becomes increasingly painful or swollen.
- It grows rapidly or does not improve after 2-3 weeks of home treatment.
- You experience changes in your vision, such as blurred vision.
- There is persistent redness, warmth, or discharge, which may indicate an infection.
- You have recurrent cysts or styes, which could signal an underlying medical condition.
Early evaluation and treatment can help prevent complications and provide relief more quickly.
Don't wait- get treated today!
Here's what one of our patients had to say:
"I had a cyst on my eyelid, and my wife googled and found Letsbuyhealthcare. The cyst had really been bothering me and I was looking at a long wait time to get it done. Through Letsbuyhealthcare I saw the doctor in Navan and had it removed. All in two weeks. Great service. It was such a relief."
— Philip K., Dublin
As Philip and his wife recognised, even if you don't experience severe symptoms, it's perfectly okay to seek medical advice for peace of mind or simply to have the cyst removed as a Meibomian cyst can be a persistent, irritating problem.
At Letsbuyhealthcare, we currently have three locations offering you convenient access to registered GPs who are specially trained in carrying out treatment procedures for Meibomian cysts located in Galway, Kerry and Meath. Whether you are located in the east, west, or south of the country, with Letbuyhealthcare you are never too far from expert care. Find out more here.
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Anshel, J. (2011). Smart medicine for your eyes: A guide to safe and effective relief of common eye disorders. Garden City Park, NY: Square One.
8 day ago
