Sometimes they over-reproduce causing inflammation. Most often improvement can be observed within a day or two and complete healing occurs within a week. A stye that rapidly enlarges or opens and drains puss into the eye requires medical attention. Styes may be treated with antibiotic drops and ointments along with warm compresses. As a result of the imbedded and central lid location, an internal hordeolum is generally more painful than a stye.
Treatment is likewise the same, except antibiotic therapy is more often necessary.
These are stye-like swellings in the lid that are usually not directly caused by infection. Chalazions are most often caused by an accumulation of meibomian gland secretions resulting from a blockage of the duct. Occasionally, if the chalazion becomes large enough, it may press on the cornea causing distortion of the tissue, resulting in astigmatism and blurred vision. Chalazion are more resistant to home treatment than hordeolum. Frequent, warm compresses over a period of weeks are often recommended.