There is generally a tense swelling with redness and pain, until the abscess escapes. Internal stye, tarsal cyst or chalazion is a chronic granuloma of the Meibomain gland of the eyelid. This manifests as a small hard spherical lump within the eyelid, often easily felt but not seen. The eyelid margins are red-rimmed with flakes and scales among the eyelashes. Burning discomfort and itching comes and goes.
Treatment involves cleansing of the eyelid margin, using sterile wipes or eye ointments.
Incidence of the condition is approximately 1 in 5,000. The condition manifests as a thinning of the corneal apex, or central area of the cornea. With the weakening of the tissue there is a bulging of the tissue which increases the myopia of the affected eye. Initial correction is via spectacles whereby reasonable vision can be attained. Subsequent treatment is via a rigid contact lens which will provide a new front surface to the optical system of the eye.