Bumps on the eyeball can be concerning, but many are often harmless. While some are benign and may resolve, others require professional evaluation. Understanding different types can help guide appropriate action.
Types of Eyeball Bumps
A stye (hordeolum) is a red, tender lump at the edge of the eyelid. It results from a bacterial infection of an oil gland. Symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and a foreign body sensation.
A chalazion is a painless, firm lump on the eyelid. It develops when an oil gland becomes blocked. Though initially painful, the pain usually subsides, but the swollen area can cause blurred vision if it presses on the eyeball.
A pinguecula is a yellowish patch or bump on the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye, typically near the nose. It is linked to prolonged exposure to sun, dust, and wind. While harmless, it can cause irritation, dryness, or a foreign body sensation.
Pterygium, sometimes called “surfer’s eye,” is a fleshy growth that can start from a pinguecula and spread across the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. It is associated with sun exposure and environmental irritants like wind and dust. It can cause redness, irritation, and affect vision if it grows large enough to cover the pupil.
A conjunctival cyst is a small, clear fluid-filled sac found on the white part of the eye. These cysts can form due to a blocked duct or inflammation. Often, they are asymptomatic, but larger cysts might cause a sensation of something being in the eye, discomfort when blinking, or tearing.
When to Seek Professional Advice
While many eyeball bumps are benign, certain signs and symptoms indicate that a professional eye examination is advisable. Prompt evaluation can help ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
You should seek medical advice if you experience sudden changes in your vision, such as blurriness or double vision. Severe or persistent pain in the eye area also warrants a visit to an eye care professional. Bumps that are growing rapidly or changing significantly in appearance should be evaluated promptly.
Any bump that bleeds, discharges pus, or is accompanied by increased sensitivity to light should also be assessed. If a bump interferes with eyelid movement or vision, it is important to consult a healthcare provider. Additionally, spreading redness or swelling to other parts of the face, or any bump that does not improve with home care after a few days, suggests a need for professional medical attention. Recurrent bumps on the eye or eyelid also indicate that a comprehensive examination is beneficial.
Home Care and Prevention
For certain types of minor eye bumps, and as part of overall eye health, some home care practices can provide relief and help prevent their occurrence. Maintaining good eye hygiene is a fundamental step. This includes consistently washing hands before touching your eyes and thoroughly removing eye makeup each night to prevent irritation and bacterial buildup.
Applying warm compresses to the affected area can be beneficial for conditions like styes and chalazions, as the warmth can encourage drainage and reduce inflammation. It is important to avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can worsen irritation or introduce infectious agents. Protecting your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is also important; wearing sunglasses that block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays can help prevent conditions like pingueculae and pterygia.
Keeping eyes adequately hydrated, potentially with artificial tears, can help manage dryness and irritation. Proper care of contact lenses is also essential to prevent infections. This involves cleaning and disinfecting lenses as recommended by your eye care provider, avoiding sleeping in lenses unless specifically advised, and replacing lens cases regularly. However, if symptoms persist or worsen despite home care, or if new concerning symptoms appear, professional medical diagnosis and treatment are necessary.