A bump in the inner corner of the eye is a common concern because this small area is packed with complex anatomy. This junction is where the eyelids meet, housing the small pink tissue called the lacrimal caruncle, as well as the delicate openings of the tear drainage system. Swelling here can originate from blocked ducts, inflamed glands, or benign tissue growths.
Infections of the Tear Drainage System
One of the most concerning bumps specific to this area is Dacryocystitis, an infection of the lacrimal sac, the small reservoir for tears located just beneath the skin near the nose. This condition occurs when the nasolacrimal duct, the tube that drains tears from the eye into the nasal cavity, becomes obstructed. When this drainage pathway is blocked, the stagnant tears create an ideal environment for bacterial growth, leading to inflammation and infection.
The symptoms of acute Dacryocystitis are often severe and localized directly to the medial canthus, presenting as intense pain, significant swelling, and redness that typically spreads toward the nose. Excessive tearing, known as epiphora, is also a common complaint as tears can no longer drain properly through the blocked system. In some cases, applying pressure to the swollen area may cause pus or mucoid material to be expressed from the tiny tear duct openings on the eyelid margin.
A related but less severe condition is a Dacryocele, or mucocele, a non-infectious swelling of the lacrimal sac caused by a blockage both above and below the sac, trapping fluid. This typically presents as a firm, non-tender blue or gray mass near the inner corner, without the intense redness and pain characteristic of an acute infection. However, a Dacryocele can sometimes precede or develop into the more serious infectious Dacryocystitis.
Common Gland Blockages and Infections
Bumps that appear on the eyelid but are often mistaken for inner corner issues involve the glands responsible for producing oil and sweat. The most familiar of these is a Hordeolum, commonly known as a Stye, an acute, painful bacterial infection of an eyelash follicle or an oil gland at the eyelid margin. A Stye presents as a very tender, red, and swollen bump that develops rapidly over a few days.
A Chalazion, on the other hand, is a chronic, non-infectious lump resulting from a blocked meibomian gland, deeper within the eyelid tissue. Unlike a Stye, a Chalazion usually develops slowly and is typically firm to the touch and painless once the initial inflammation subsides. An internal Stye that does not fully resolve can often transform into a Chalazion as the trapped oily secretions solidify into a firm nodule.
While both conditions can occur anywhere along the upper or lower eyelid, their different presentations are important for diagnosis. The acute pain and redness of a Stye indicate an active infection, often caused by Staphylococcus bacteria, while the firm, non-tender nature of a Chalazion suggests a sterile inflammatory reaction to retained sebaceous material. Treatment for both often begins with regular warm compresses to help soften the blockage and promote natural drainage.
Structural Growths and Cysts
Beyond acute infections and simple blockages, some bumps near the inner corner are chronic, non-inflammatory tissue growths. The most common of these is a Pinguecula, a benign, yellowish, slightly raised patch or deposit on the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white of the eye. Pingueculae are often triangular and almost always start on the side of the eye closest to the nose, near the medial canthus.
These deposits are composed of fat, protein, and calcium, and are thought to be related to chronic irritation from dust, wind, or ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. They generally do not grow onto the cornea, the clear dome over the iris, and usually do not require treatment unless they become inflamed, causing redness and irritation. Growths can also occur on the lacrimal caruncle, the small pink nodule where the eyelids meet, though these are less frequent.
Another type of structural bump is a simple conjunctival or epidermal inclusion cyst, a small, fluid-filled sac that forms just under the skin or the conjunctiva. These cysts are typically slow-growing, feel firm or slightly rubbery, and are not tender unless they become irritated. They represent an entrapment of surface cells that continue to shed and produce fluid beneath the skin layer.
When Immediate Medical Attention is Necessary
While many bumps resolve on their own with conservative care, certain symptoms require prompt medical evaluation. The most concerning sign is rapid, extensive swelling and redness that spreads beyond the immediate area of the bump, particularly if it involves the entire eyelid or is accompanied by a fever. This could indicate a severe, spreading infection like preseptal or orbital cellulitis, which can quickly become vision-threatening.
Immediate professional attention is warranted if you experience any change in vision, such as sudden blurriness, double vision, or decreased visual acuity. Other serious signs include severe, worsening pain, an inability to fully open the eye, or pain with eye movement. A medical professional will perform a thorough examination, possibly including a physical assessment and a culture of any discharge, to determine the exact cause.
Avoid aggressive self-treatment, such as attempting to pop or squeeze the bump, as this can push infection deeper into the surrounding tissues. For minor, localized issues, applying a clean, warm compress several times a day can help promote natural drainage. If the bump does not begin to improve within a week or if severe symptoms appear, consult an eye care specialist or primary care physician.