What’s the difference between a chalazion and a stye?

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Both chalazia and styes are eyelid bumps caused by blocked oil glands, but they have some key differences:

Infection: A stye (hordeolum) is an infected oil gland, whereas a chalazion is a non-infected blockage. This is the main distinction.
Pain: Styes are typically painful, while chalazia are usually painless or cause mild discomfort.
Location: Styes tend to form on the edge of the eyelid, near the base of an eyelash. Chalazia develop deeper within the eyelid, further back from the edge.
Onset and Duration: Styes appear suddenly and typically resolve within a week or two. Chalazia develop more slowly and can last for weeks or even months.

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