It is possible to develop a bump on or around the eye due to several different conditions. Most bumps that appear in this area are benign and resolve with simple home care, but their location can be alarming. These growths can occur on the eyelid, involving oil glands or lash follicles, or directly on the surface of the eyeball (the white part covered by a clear membrane). Understanding the causes and locations of these bumps helps determine appropriate monitoring or treatment. While many are temporary irritations, any change in vision or persistent symptoms warrants professional evaluation.
Common Bumps on the Eyelid
The most frequent bumps near the eye are found on the eyelid margin, involving small oil glands or hair follicles. A stye (hordeolum) is a small, red, and tender bump that forms when a gland at the base of an eyelash or within the eyelid becomes acutely infected, usually with Staphylococcus aureus. This results in a painful, pimple-like swelling, often accompanied by tearing and light sensitivity. Applying a clean, warm compress several times a day for 10 to 15 minutes can help promote drainage and healing.
A chalazion is a different type of lump caused by a blocked meibomian oil gland within the middle of the eyelid, and it is not usually due to an active infection. Chalazia tend to be firmer, less painful, and develop further back on the eyelid than a stye. This blockage leads to a buildup of oily secretions, creating an inflammatory cyst that sometimes follows an unresolved stye. Never attempt to squeeze or pop styes or chalazia, as this can spread infection or cause further inflammation and scarring.
Non-Infectious Growths on the Eye Surface
Bumps appearing on the white part of the eye (the conjunctiva) are often non-infectious growths related to environmental exposure. A common example is a pinguecula, a yellowish, slightly raised patch typically located on the side of the eye closest to the nose. These growths are composed of protein, fat, and calcium deposits, strongly linked to chronic exposure to UV radiation, wind, and dust. Pingueculae are slow-growing and do not extend onto the cornea, so they rarely affect vision, but they can cause irritation and dryness.
Another growth on the eye surface is a pterygium, which often starts similarly to a pinguecula but is a fleshy, wedge-shaped growth with visible blood vessels. The primary concern is its potential to grow across the cornea, which can distort the eye’s surface and eventually impair vision. Both pinguecula and pterygium are initially managed with lubricating eye drops to relieve irritation and dryness. If a pterygium grows significantly or affects sight, surgical removal may be recommended.
Recognizing Serious Symptoms and Seeking Care
While most eye bumps are minor, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical evaluation. Sudden changes in vision, such as blurriness or partial loss of sight, are serious red flags, especially if the bump presses on the eyeball or is located on the cornea. Severe or rapidly worsening pain, along with intense sensitivity to light (photophobia), also suggests a more serious underlying issue or infection.
Other warning signs include a bump that bleeds, rapidly increases in size, or persists for more than two weeks despite home treatment. Immediate care is necessary if redness and swelling spread beyond the bump to the entire eyelid or surrounding face, or if the bump is accompanied by a fever.
It is important to avoid self-diagnosing or treating with unprescribed drops. An accurate diagnosis is necessary to ensure the correct treatment, as conditions can range from common infections to rare tumors.