Discovering a bump on the eyeball can be a source of concern. While such growths may seem alarming, many bumps on or around the eye are benign and common. Understanding their types and characteristics helps individuals recognize when a bump is a minor irritation or warrants professional medical attention.
Common Causes of Eyeball Bumps
A frequent cause of a bump near the eye is a stye, a tender, red bump on the edge of the eyelid. This inflammation arises from a bacterial infection of an oil gland within the eyelid. Styes often resemble a small pimple and can cause localized pain, swelling, and irritation. They usually resolve on their own within a week or two.
A chalazion is another common bump that can develop on the eyelid, often forming after a stye has healed or when an oil gland becomes blocked. Unlike a stye, a chalazion is not painful and is a firm, round lump deeper within the eyelid. These bumps can persist for weeks or months and may become large, potentially affecting vision if they press on the eyeball.
The conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye, can also develop bumps. A pinguecula is a yellowish patch or bump that forms on the side of the eye closest to the nose. It is a non-cancerous growth composed of protein, fat, or calcium, associated with prolonged exposure to sunlight, wind, or dust. While harmless, a pinguecula can become inflamed, leading to redness and irritation.
Related to pinguecula is a pterygium, a fleshy, triangular-shaped growth that also begins on the conjunctiva. A pterygium can extend over the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. This growth is linked to environmental factors like UV radiation exposure and can affect vision if it grows large enough to cover the pupil. Both pinguecula and pterygia are slow-growing and do not cause significant discomfort unless they become inflamed.
Small, clear, fluid-filled sacs known as conjunctival cysts can appear on the surface of the eye. These cysts are benign and can result from blocked ducts or inflammation. They often appear as translucent bubbles on the white part of the eye and do not cause pain or vision problems. In many cases, conjunctival cysts are discovered incidentally during a routine eye examination.
A nevus, or eye mole, is a pigmented spot on the surface of the eye, similar to a mole on the skin. These are collections of melanocytes, cells that produce pigment, and can appear on the iris, choroid, or conjunctiva. Conjunctival nevi often look like a flat or slightly raised brownish spot and are benign. Regular monitoring by an eye care professional is recommended to ensure they do not change in size or color, which could indicate a rare transformation.
Understanding More Concerning Bumps
While many eye bumps are benign, some can indicate more serious underlying conditions, though these are less common. Awareness of these rarer possibilities aids timely medical evaluation. Certain types of skin cancer can appear as bumps on or around the eye, including squamous cell carcinoma. This cancer can affect the conjunctiva, appearing as a red, nodular, or ulcerated lesion that may bleed or grow.
Basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer, often occurs on the eyelids or surrounding facial areas. It can appear as a small, pearly bump with rolled borders, or as a sore that does not heal. Although slow-growing, basal cell carcinoma can cause significant local destruction if left untreated.
Melanoma, while rare, is a more aggressive type of cancer that can develop on or in the eye. Ocular melanoma can occur on the conjunctiva, appearing as a new or changing dark spot, or within the eye itself. Any pigmented lesion on the eye that changes in size, shape, or color should be promptly evaluated by an ophthalmologist. Other less common growths, such as sebaceous gland carcinoma or lymphoma, can also occur.
When to Consult a Doctor
Seeking professional medical advice is important for any new or changing bump on or around the eyeball. If a bump causes pain or discomfort that worsens over time, this warrants immediate evaluation. Any changes in vision, such as blurriness, double vision, or a decrease in visual acuity, are significant symptoms that require prompt attention from an eye care professional.
Rapid growth or a noticeable change in the shape or color of an existing bump indicates a need for medical consultation. Symptoms like persistent redness, excessive swelling, or discharge from the bump or surrounding eye area should prompt a visit to an eye doctor. Sensitivity to light that accompanies the bump, or if the bump interferes with blinking or daily activities, are additional reasons to seek professional guidance. Any new bump on the eye, especially one that does not resolve within a few days or weeks, should be examined by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
Approaches to Treatment and Care
The approach to treating an eyeball bump depends on its specific type and severity. For many benign conditions, such as small styes or conjunctival cysts, observation may be the primary recommendation, with the bump resolving without intervention. Simple home care measures, like applying warm compresses several times a day, can help resolve styes and chalazions by encouraging drainage.
Medical treatments might involve various types of eye drops, such as anti-inflammatory drops to reduce irritation or lubricating drops to alleviate dryness. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed if a bacterial infection is suspected, particularly for persistent styes. When a bump does not respond to conservative measures, minor in-office procedures may be necessary. This can include the drainage of a persistent stye or chalazion, or the removal of a conjunctival cyst.
For larger, persistent, or suspicious growths, such as a pterygium affecting vision or a lesion suspected of being cancerous, surgical excision may be recommended. This involves carefully removing the growth to prevent further complications or to obtain a biopsy for diagnosis. Regardless of the treatment chosen, regular follow-up care and routine eye examinations are important to monitor eye health and detect any changes early.