Bumps on or around the eyeball can be concerning, but many are benign. Understanding their causes helps differentiate minor irritations from conditions needing professional attention.
Bumps on the Eyelid
Bumps on or along the eyelid are common, with styes and chalazions being two main types. A stye (hordeolum) results from a bacterial infection of an oil gland within the eyelid or at the base of an eyelash. This infection causes a tender, red, painful lump on the eyelid margin. Swelling and discomfort are common symptoms.
Styes can develop due to poor eyelid hygiene, like not removing eye makeup or rubbing eyes with unwashed hands. Applying a warm compress several times a day can help the stye drain and resolve within a few days. This aids in opening the blocked gland.
A chalazion is a generally painless lump that forms when an eyelid oil gland becomes completely blocked. Unlike a stye, it is an inflammatory reaction to trapped oil, not an infection. Chalazions can develop from an undrained stye or appear spontaneously.
Chalazions present as a firm, non-tender lump deeper within the eyelid, often causing more generalized swelling than a stye. While they can resolve on their own, warm compresses help reduce inflammation and clear the blockage. Persistence beyond several weeks may warrant further evaluation.
Growths on the Eye’s Surface
Growths on the white part of the eye (conjunctiva or sclera) are distinct from eyelid bumps and are typically benign. Two common types, pinguecula and pterygium, are often linked to environmental exposure. A pinguecula appears as a yellowish patch or bump on the conjunctiva near the cornea, usually closest to the nose.
This growth is a deposit of protein, fat, or calcium that does not grow onto the cornea. Pingueculae develop from chronic exposure to UV radiation, wind, and dust. While usually asymptomatic, they can become inflamed, causing redness and irritation, especially in dry or windy conditions.
A pterygium is a fleshy, wedge-shaped conjunctival growth that can begin like a pinguecula but may grow over the cornea. Like pinguecula, pterygia are associated with prolonged exposure to sunlight, wind, and dust. They are more common in people who spend significant time outdoors in sunny climates.
When a pterygium grows onto the cornea, it can cause vision problems by distorting the corneal surface or, in severe cases, blocking the pupil. Symptoms include redness, irritation, a gritty sensation, and blurred vision. Although benign, their growth or significant irritation may necessitate medical intervention.
Other Possible Causes
Beyond common eyelid and surface growths, other bumps can appear on or around the eyeball from localized reactions or benign formations. Conjunctival cysts are small, clear, fluid-filled sacs that develop on the conjunctiva. These cysts form when a small gland or duct on the eye’s surface becomes blocked, trapping fluid. They are harmless and often resolve without intervention.
Papillomas are another type of benign growth, wart-like and caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear on the conjunctiva or eyelids, varying in size and shape. Papillomas are slow-growing and non-cancerous, though larger ones might cause irritation or interfere with vision.
A bump can also be a foreign body granuloma, an inflammatory reaction to a foreign particle embedded in eye tissues. The body encapsulates the particle, forming a small lump. Localized inflammatory responses, such as from minor trauma or allergic reactions, can also temporarily manifest as a bump or swelling, mimicking other conditions.
When to Consult a Doctor
While many bumps on or around the eyeball are harmless, certain signs warrant professional medical evaluation to rule out serious conditions. Seek prompt attention if you experience sudden vision changes, such as blurriness, double vision, or partial vision loss. Persistent or severe pain not improving with home remedies also indicates a need for a medical visit.
Any bump showing rapid growth, significant changes in color or shape, or bleeding should be assessed by an eye care professional. Signs of a spreading infection, like fever, chills, or extensive redness and swelling around the eye, require immediate medical attention. Consult a doctor if a bump interferes with vision or eye movement, or if it hasn’t resolved within a week despite home care.