The medical terms for a STYE are chalazia and hordeola. They are sudden-onset localized swellings of the eyelid. A chalazion is caused by noninfectious meibomian gland occlusion, whereas a hordeolum usually is caused by infection. Both conditions initially cause eyelid hyperemia and edema, swelling, and pain.
With time, a chalazion becomes a small nontender nodule in the eyelid center, whereas a hordeolum remains painful and localizes to an eyelid margin. Both are treated with hot compresses and oral antibiotics. If the eyelid bump doesn’t go away, then surgical removal may be required.
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