Eye bumps are common, varying in cause and appearance. While many are harmless and resolve on their own, some indicate an underlying condition requiring medical attention. Understanding these types helps you recognize when a bump might be more than a minor irritation.
Common Types of Eye Bumps
A stye, also known as a hordeolum, presents as a painful, red lump typically found on the edge of the eyelid, often resembling a pimple. It develops when a tiny oil gland or hair follicle in the eyelid becomes blocked and subsequently infected by bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus. Symptoms can include eyelid swelling, discharge, crusting along the eyelid, light sensitivity, and a feeling of something in the eye.
A chalazion is a common eyelid bump, typically a painless, firm lump. It forms when a meibomian oil gland within the eyelid becomes blocked, leading to a swollen area. Though usually painless, it can sometimes start with mild tenderness. If a chalazion grows large, it can cause the eye to water, lead to mild irritation, or even blur vision by pressing on the eyeball.
Milia are small, white, pearl-like cysts that can appear on the eyelids and other areas of the face. They form when skin cells or keratin, a protein, become trapped under the skin. Milia are generally harmless and often resolve without intervention.
Xanthelasma appears as yellowish plaques or bumps, typically soft and flat or slightly raised, found around the eyelids, often near the inner corners. These growths are cholesterol deposits under the skin and, while harmless, can sometimes signal elevated cholesterol levels or other underlying health conditions like thyroid problems or diabetes. They usually do not cause pain or itching and rarely affect vision, though they can slowly enlarge over time.
A pinguecula is a yellowish, slightly raised growth that develops on the white part of the eye, known as the conjunctiva. It usually forms on the side closest to the nose but can also appear on the outer side. Exposure to sunlight, wind, and dust contribute to its development, and while generally harmless, it can cause eye irritation, dryness, or a feeling of something in the eye.
A pterygium is a fleshy growth on the white part of the eye that can extend onto the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. Often wedge-shaped, this growth is strongly associated with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, wind, and dust. While it may not always cause symptoms, it can lead to redness, irritation, itching, a feeling of a foreign object, or blurred vision if it grows large enough to cover the cornea.
When to Seek Professional Advice
While many eye bumps are not serious, certain signs indicate professional medical attention is appropriate. Consult an eye care provider if you experience severe or worsening pain in your eye or eyelid. Rapid growth or changes in the shape or color of an eye bump also warrant evaluation.
Seek immediate attention for any vision changes, such as blurriness or double vision, accompanied by an eye bump. Also consult a doctor if a bump bleeds or oozes pus, or if there are signs of spreading infection like fever, swollen lymph nodes, or a hot eyelid. Persistent light sensitivity or a bump interfering with blinking or vision also warrant medical advice. Bumps that do not improve with general care or persist for more than a week or two should also be evaluated.
General Care and Prevention
Maintaining good eye hygiene is a simple yet effective way to manage and prevent many common eye bumps. Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face or eyes to prevent bacterial transfer. If you wear eye makeup, remove it completely before bed using gentle, downward motions. Regularly replacing eye makeup, especially mascara, every two to three months helps prevent bacterial buildup.
Warm compresses can benefit certain eye bumps like styes and chalazions. Place a clean, warm, damp cloth on the affected eyelid for 5 to 10 minutes, several times a day, to soften blockages and promote drainage. Avoiding rubbing your eyes is also important, as this can irritate the area and introduce bacteria.
Protecting your eyes from environmental elements is another preventive measure. Wearing sunglasses shields your eyes from excessive sun exposure, wind, and dust, factors associated with conditions like pinguecula and pterygium. Contact lens wearers should adhere to proper cleaning and replacement schedules for eye health. If you experience frequent eye bumps, regularly cleaning your eyelids with a gentle cleanser, such as diluted baby shampoo, is also helpful.