Infected Eyelid Treatments
From common styes and chalazia to more serious eyelid cellulitis, our oculoplastic team diagnoses and treats the full spectrum of eyelid infections — with in-office procedures available to resolve painful lumps that don't respond to conservative care.
Eyelid Infections & Inflammatory Conditions
Chalazion
A painless, firm lump caused by a blocked meibomian oil gland in the eyelid. Initial treatment includes warm compresses and lid massage. Persistent chalazia can be drained under local anesthesia with a quick in-office procedure (I&D).
Hordeolum (Stye)
An acute, painful infection of an eyelid gland — typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus. External styes occur along the lash line; internal styes involve the meibomian gland. Treatment: warm compresses, antibiotic drops or ointment, and drainage if fluctuant.
Preseptal Cellulitis
A bacterial infection of the eyelid and periorbital soft tissue anterior to the orbital septum. Requires prompt antibiotic treatment. Differentiated from the more serious orbital cellulitis by normal eye movement and vision. CT imaging ordered when orbital involvement is suspected.
Blepharitis
Chronic inflammation of the eyelid margin due to bacterial overgrowth or meibomian gland dysfunction. Managed with lid hygiene, warm compresses, omega-3 supplements, topical or oral antibiotics, and in-office treatments including BlephEx lid debridement.
Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma
Occasionally masquerades as recurrent chalazia or chronic unilateral blepharitis. Any chalazion that recurs in the same location should be biopsied to rule out this rare but serious malignancy. Dr. Shepler has the expertise to identify these disguised presentations.
Molluscum Contagiosum
Viral skin lesions on the eyelid margin can cause chronic follicular conjunctivitis. Removal of the umbilicated lesion resolves the ocular inflammation. Dr. Shepler performs surgical excision or cryotherapy for periocular molluscum.
⚠ When to Seek Urgent Care: Fever with eyelid swelling, reduced eye movement, vision changes, or pain with eye motion alongside eyelid swelling may indicate orbital cellulitis — a medical emergency. Call us immediately or go to an emergency room.
Chalazion Drainage (I&D)
Chalazia that don't resolve after 4–6 weeks of warm compresses and steroid drops can be quickly drained in office under local anesthesia. The procedure takes about 10 minutes and provides immediate relief.
- Local anesthetic injection — very brief discomfort
- Small incision made on the inner surface of the eyelid (no external scar)
- Gland contents expressed and curetted
- Antibiotic ointment applied — no sutures required
- Return to work the same day in most cases
- Resolution within 1–2 weeks as swelling subsides
Get Your Eyelid Evaluated Today
Most eyelid infections are easy to treat when caught early. Don't let a chalazion become chronic or mistake a serious infection for a simple stye — our team provides same-week appointments for acute lid conditions.