Feeling an unexpected bump on your eye can be unsettling, but most growths are localized, common, and not serious. The nature of the bump depends on its location, whether it is forming on the eyelid or on the surface of the eyeball. Understanding the difference between these locations helps determine the necessary steps for care.
Bumps Developing on the Eyelid
Bumps forming on the eyelid often arise from the small oil glands that line the lid margin, known as meibomian glands. The most common type is a stye, which is an acute, painful, red lump usually caused by a bacterial infection of an eyelash follicle or an oil gland near the edge of the eyelid. A stye starts as a tender area and may resemble a small pimple. Applying a warm, wet compress for about ten minutes, several times a day, is the standard home treatment to encourage the stye to drain and heal.
A chalazion is a different kind of eyelid bump that results from a chronic, non-infectious blockage of a meibomian gland. Unlike a stye, a chalazion usually forms deeper within the eyelid tissue, farther away from the lash line, and is firm and painless once the initial swelling subsides. This blockage traps the gland’s oil secretions, leading to a pea-like lump that can persist for weeks or months. A very large chalazion can sometimes press on the eyeball, potentially causing a slight distortion in vision.
Growths Appearing on the Eye Surface
Growths that appear on the white part of the eye, known as the conjunctiva or sclera, are related to environmental exposure rather than glandular blockages. A pinguecula is a yellowish, slightly raised patch or bump that develops on the conjunctiva, usually closer to the nose. This non-cancerous lesion consists of deposits of protein, fat, or calcium and is associated with prolonged exposure to sun, wind, and dust.
The pinguecula does not grow onto the cornea, the clear dome covering the colored part of the eye, and rarely affects vision. A pterygium, sometimes called “surfer’s eye,” is a related but more problematic growth that often begins as a pinguecula. This fleshy, wedge-shaped tissue contains blood vessels and can grow across the conjunctiva and extend onto the cornea.
While a pterygium is benign, its growth across the cornea can change the eye’s shape, causing blurred vision or astigmatism, and may eventually interfere with sight. Both surface growths can cause redness, irritation, or the sensation of having something gritty in the eye, which is often managed with lubricating eye drops.
Recognizing Signs That Require Immediate Care
While most eye bumps are minor issues that resolve with simple care, certain symptoms require immediate evaluation by an eye doctor or emergency services. Any sudden or significant change in vision, such as double vision, blurry sight, or a curtain-like shadow across your field of view, should be treated as an emergency.
Severe pain in or behind the eye, especially if accompanied by a headache, is a warning sign that needs prompt attention. If the bump is accompanied by rapid, extensive swelling of the entire eyelid or face, or if you have a fever, this suggests a widespread infection. A bump that bleeds, rapidly changes shape, or does not improve after a few days of home care warrants a professional assessment.